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Find the concepts, names, and terms readers will look for.
BACK-OF-BOOK INDEXING
For Authors, editors & small pressesBook index generator: Start with the final proof.
Give us the final proof PDF, manuscript, and style notes. Get an editable back-of-book index with page locators and cross-references.
SOUND FAMILIAR?
The book is finished. The index is not.
A useful index takes concepts, hierarchy, and exact final page numbers.
START WITH THE FILE
Final proof PDF + style notes
Add the final page proof, manuscript, audience, and indexing preferences.
final-page-proof.pdfindex-style.docx
or drop a file · Final PDF, DOCX, or style sheet
Private preview · files stay on this device
No account. No connection. Private early-access preview.
HOW IT WORKS
Final proof PDF + style notes in. Back-of-book index draft out.
Get entries, subentries, cross-references, and page locators ready for author review.
Build
Create entries, subentries, cross-references, and locators.
Check
Flag duplicates, weak entries, and uncertain page ranges.
WHY IT GETS STUCK
A keyword list is not an index.
Readers search for concepts that may never appear as exact words.
Entries need useful subentries and cross-references, not repetition.
One proof change can make every page locator wrong.
WHAT COMES BACK
See exactly what needs action.
Get entries, subentries, cross-references, and page locators ready for author review.
Bring these first
- Final page-proof PDF
- Manuscript or editable source
- Audience and indexing style notes
We show the source. You make the call.
SAMPLE RESULTBack-of-book index draft
ExampleBehavioral economics
42–47 · see also decision-making
Indexed42–47 · see also decision-making
Kahneman, Daniel
18, 44, 103–105
Checked18, 44, 103–105
Decision fatigue
Possible duplicate entry
ReviewPossible duplicate entry
COMMON QUESTIONS, STRAIGHT ANSWERS
Got questions? Start here.
Clear answers. No jargon.
How do I create an index for a book?
Use the final page proof. Build concepts, subentries, cross-references, and page locators for the intended reader.
Can a book index be generated from a PDF?
Yes, if the PDF is the final proof. Any later pagination change requires the locators to be checked again.
What makes a good back-of-book index?
It helps readers find ideas, not just repeated words. It also uses clear hierarchy and accurate page references.
START WITH YOUR FILE
Build the book index Turn the final proof into a usable index.
Start with the book readers will actually hold, including its final pages.