Automatic tables of contents from post headings
Easy Table of Contents builds contents lists by parsing headings in posts, pages, and custom post types. Automatic insertion can be enabled by content type, while individual posts can override whether a table appears and which heading levels it includes.
Global and per-post exclusions help keep unwanted headings out of the list, and the plugin supports content split with the <!--nextpage--> tag. This gives editors control over generated entries without having to create the contents manually.
Placement, navigation, and appearance controls
Placement and display settings give site owners several ways to fit the contents list to their layout and readers.
- Placement: Insert the list into post content automatically or use the sidebar widget; choose insertion settings for enabled content types.
- Hierarchy and counters: Nest lower-level headings or display a flat list, with no counters, decimal, numeric, or Roman styles.
- Themes and colors: Choose a built-in theme or set custom border, background, and link colors.
- Reader controls: Allow visitors to hide or show the list, set it hidden by default, and use smooth scrolling. The widget can highlight the section currently in view, with a configurable highlight color.
- Shortcode options: Use
[ez-toc] with attributes for the title, initial visibility, heading levels, exclusions, post types, and other output controls. This is useful when a specific page needs different settings from the global defaults.
Editor integrations and advanced content sources
The plugin supports common editing workflows, including Classic Editor, Gutenberg, Divi, Elementor, WPBakery, Visual Composer, and Rank Math. Custom post types are supported when their content is output with the_content(), so sites using other content templates should check how those templates render.
It also supports custom taxonomy descriptions, adds SiteNavigation schema, and provides developer hooks and filters. Pro adds ACF content support, dedicated Gutenberg and Elementor tools, and AMP support, which may matter for sites whose content or publishing workflow goes beyond standard post headings.
Where Easy Table of Contents Pro adds more control
The free plugin covers standard insertion and shortcode use, while Pro adds extra placement and reader-facing controls.
- Free controls: Automatic insertion and the
[ez-toc] shortcode cover typical contents lists; the free sidebar widget can also be affixed to stay visible while scrolling.
- Sticky customization: Pro adds fixed or sticky tables of contents and options to customize their appearance.
- Expandable lists: Pro can initially show a selected number of headings, then reveal more, and can collapse subheadings.
- Reading aids: Pro adds read-time display and heading highlighting while readers scroll. These are paid-tier options for sites that need more than a standard linked outline.
A flexible free plugin, with limited evidence of resolved support
The free version offers substantial placement and display flexibility, but its recorded support outcomes call for measured expectations.
The support record shows six threads and 0% resolved. Documentation directs users to WordPress.org forums as well as a separate support team; the plugin was updated within the past few weeks and has a good user rating, but neither recency nor rating establishes how effectively support requests are handled. Its widely installed status and broad free configuration make it worth considering for sites needing flexible contents lists, while teams that depend on prompt troubleshooting should review the support routes before adopting it.
