Tree-style hyperlinks in Word?

February 1, 2011 9:05 AM

I need to show/hide a separate list of hyperlinks that in turn can also be clicked on to show another list of subheadings or text. Like a tree, I guess? The problem: I have to do this in Word.

Is this even possible using the basic tools available in Word 2007?

Essentially, I want to do something like this, possibly without the secondary subheadings:

Heading (click to show/hide list)
--->Subheading (click to show/hide list and/or hyperlinks)
------->Subheading (click to show/hide list and/or hyperlinks)
------->Subheading (click to show/hide list and/or hyperlinks)
--->Subheading (click to show/hide list and/or hyperlinks)
------->Subheading (click to show/hide list and/or hyperlinks)
------->Subheading (click to show/hide list and/or hyperlinks)

I can't use Javascript, CSS, or anything like that. I might be able to use VBA, but ideally no coding would be required.

Alternatively, is there a way to use drop down menus to simulate this effect without having the little down arrow showing?

So, Mefites, can this be done? How exactly (step by step) would I go about it?

posted by meesha to Computers & Internet (6 answers total)

What you want is outline view. Use styles to differentiate the different levels of heading (so the first heading will be in style Heading 1, the first subheading should be in style Heading 2, and the last level of subheadings should be in style Heading 3, anything under that can be in Normal. You can play with this a little), then go to View --> Outline, and voila.
posted by brainmouse at 9:13 AM on February 1, 2011

Response by poster: Excellent idea, but how do I make the subheadings invisible until Heading 1 is clicked?
posted by meesha at 9:19 AM on February 1, 2011

I'm not sure what you mean -- select Level 1 under "Show Level"? Or double click the plus signs?
posted by brainmouse at 9:24 AM on February 1, 2011

Response by poster: Oops, I should have been more specific: How do I get the outline format to function the same way in the normal view? I like the collapsable list in outline, but when I switch to normal view all the text is visible.
posted by meesha at 9:28 AM on February 1, 2011

Oh, you can't, not like this anyway. That's the point of outline view. Is there a reason you need to be in normal view?
posted by brainmouse at 9:34 AM on February 1, 2011

Response by poster: I've been informed that everything needs to be done on the "normal" template that I was given. Thanks for your help!
posted by meesha at 9:39 AM on February 1, 2011