The Tocer – table of contents maker WordPress plugin (formerly Fixed Toc) is a sophisticated navigation tool designed to automatically generate tables of contents from post content, categories, pages, taxonomies, and custom post types. Developed by webvars, this plugin solves a critical user experience problem: helping readers quickly find information within long-form content. Whether you manage a documentation portal, a multi-chapter knowledge base, or a content-rich blog, Tocer transforms sprawling text into a structured, hierarchical index that keeps visitors engaged and reduces bounce rates. With over 2,900 sales on CodeCanyon, this plugin has established itself as a reliable navigation solution for WordPress site owners who prioritize clarity and ease of use.
Key Features
The feature set of Tocer goes far beyond simple heading extraction. Here is a breakdown of the most impactful capabilities that make this plugin a valuable addition to your WordPress toolkit:
- WP Query Integration: Create tables of contents from taxonomies, categories, custom post types, or a combination of these sources. This is particularly powerful for building documentation hubs that aggregate content from multiple pages into a single navigable index.
- Gutenberg Block Support: The plugin offers a dedicated block with real-time preview functionality. Adjust your TOC settings and see the changes instantly without reloading the editor, which significantly streamlines the content creation workflow.
- Flexible Positioning Modes: Choose between Static positioning, Normal Fixing, or a Sticky mode that keeps the table of contents visible at the top of the viewport while users scroll. This ensures the navigation is always within reach, improving overall usability.
- Responsive UI Controls: Apply distinct styles for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. You have granular control over how the TOC displays across different screen sizes, ensuring an optimal experience for every visitor.
- Scroll Indicator: The plugin highlights the current heading in the table of contents as the user scrolls through the article. This visual cue provides clear orientation and helps readers track their position within the document.
- Collapsible Tree Structure: Display the TOC in a hierarchical, tree-like format with collapsible levels. Users can expand or collapse sections to focus on the content that matters most to them, which is ideal for lengthy or complex documents.
- List Marker Decoration: Customize list markers with specific colors, backgrounds, borders, shapes, sizes, and spacing. You can also emphasize the first list level with unique styling to create a clear visual hierarchy.
- Inherited Settings: Create multiple settings configurations and apply them across different TOCs. This saves time when managing multiple sites or sections that require consistent navigation styling.
- Auto Insertion & Shortcodes: Automatically inject a TOC into a specific position within a post, or use the shortcode feature to place it manually anywhere in your content. This flexibility works for both automated and hand-crafted layouts.
- Multi-Page Support: Combine headings from multiple pages that use page-breaks into a single, comprehensive table of contents. This is a standout feature for multi-part articles and serialized content.
- Heading Exclusion & Levels: Determine exactly which heading levels (H2, H3, H4, etc.) appear in the TOC. You can also exclude specific headings by ID, class name, or title, giving you precise control over the final output.
Who Is This For? Use Cases
The Tocer plugin is engineered for WordPress users who publish lengthy, structured content and want to improve navigation without resorting to complex custom code. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of scenarios.
Agencies and Web Developers
If you build client sites that feature service pages, case studies, or resource libraries, Tocer provides a professional way to organize content. The inherited settings feature allows you to establish a consistent navigation style across multiple client projects, while the responsive UI controls ensure the TOC looks polished on every device. The plugin’s compatibility with popular page builders like WPBakery also simplifies integration into existing development workflows.
Documentation and Knowledge Base Managers
The WP Query feature is a game-changer for documentation sites. You can generate a master table of contents from categories or custom post types, effectively creating a central index for an entire knowledge base. This eliminates the need for manual link lists and ensures your documentation structure remains organized as new articles are published. The ability to combine pages with current post content also supports complex documentation sets that span multiple URLs.
Bloggers and Content Publishers
For bloggers who write in-depth guides, tutorials, or listicles, a table of contents improves readability and encourages users to explore more of the article. The sticky positioning keeps the TOC accessible as readers scroll, which is particularly valuable for content exceeding 2,000 words. The indicator feature also reduces frustration by showing readers exactly where they are in the piece, which can lead to longer session durations and lower bounce rates.
SaaS and Online Course Creators
If you publish help articles, release notes, or course modules, Tocer helps users find answers quickly without scrolling through entire pages. The collapsible tree structure is ideal for breaking down complex topics into digestible sections, and the smooth scrolling feature enhances the overall user experience by guiding readers directly to the relevant section.
Technical Details & Compatibility
Understanding the technical requirements of Tocer is essential before making a purchase decision. The plugin requires PHP 7.4 or higher, which aligns with the minimum requirements for most modern WordPress installations. The plugin is built on Gutenberg and offers full support for the block editor, including real-time previews and a block inserter preview. However, it also includes an alternative mode for non-Gutenberg contexts, ensuring that users on classic editors or custom themes are not left behind.
In terms of compatibility, Tocer is designed to work with a broad range of themes and plugins. The changelog notes a specific conflict resolution with the WPBakery Page Builder, indicating active maintenance to ensure smooth operation alongside popular page builders. The plugin also supports AMP, which is crucial for site owners focused on fast mobile performance and Google’s Core Web Vitals. Additionally, the package includes a legacy version called Fixed TOC, which is best suited for non-Gutenberg contexts and allows older users to retain data created with the previous version of the plugin.
Performance-wise, the plugin is optimized to generate TOCs efficiently without adding significant overhead to page load times. The auto-update feature (currently in beta) ensures that you can receive the latest improvements and bug fixes automatically, keeping your plugin current with the latest WordPress releases.
Pros and Cons
No plugin is perfect, and a balanced view helps you make an informed decision. Here are the key advantages and potential limitations of Tocer.
Pros
- Comprehensive Feature Set: From WP Query integration to list marker decoration, Tocer offers a depth of features that rivals more expensive navigation plugins.
- Exceptional Value: At $21.00, this plugin provides a cost-effective solution for improving content navigation, especially when compared to the time cost of building a custom TOC system.
- Dual Plugin Package: You receive both Tocer and the legacy Fixed TOC plugin, ensuring a smooth migration path for existing users and broader compatibility with older setups.
- Active Development: The changelog shows regular updates, including new features like WP Query and inherited settings, demonstrating a commitment to evolving the plugin’s capabilities.
- Proven Track Record: With 2,927 sales on CodeCanyon, the plugin has a substantial user base that attests to its reliability and utility.
- Mobile-First Design: The responsive UI controls and AMP support ensure that mobile users receive an optimized experience, which is critical for modern SEO.
Cons
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While basic TOC generation is straightforward, mastering features like WP Query and inherited settings may require some experimentation or reference to documentation.
- Auto-Update is Beta: The auto-update functionality is still in beta, meaning users may need to manually update the plugin until the feature is fully stabilized.
- Legacy Version Limitations: The included Fixed TOC plugin is a legacy version with fewer features and will not receive new additions, which may be a consideration for users who prefer the classic interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before purchasing, you likely have questions about installation, compatibility, and support. Here are the answers to the most common queries.
Does Tocer work with the Classic Editor and non-Gutenberg themes?
Yes. While Tocer is built on Gutenberg and offers a dedicated block for the modern editor, it includes an alternative mode specifically designed for non-Gutenberg contexts. The package also includes the legacy Fixed TOC plugin, which is optimized for classic editors and older themes. This dual-plugin approach ensures that regardless of your editing environment, you can generate a functional and styled table of contents.
Can I create a table of contents for an entire documentation set, not just a single post?
Absolutely. The WP Query feature introduced in version 4.2.0 allows you to generate a TOC from taxonomies, custom post types, and pages. You can combine these sources with the current post content to create a comprehensive index for a multi-page documentation set. This is a significant advantage for site owners who need to organize large amounts of structured information across multiple URLs.
Is Tocer compatible with popular page builders like Elementor or WPBakery?
Yes, the plugin is designed to be compatible with almost all themes and plugins. The changelog specifically mentions a conflict resolution with the WPBakery Page Builder, demonstrating that the developer actively addresses compatibility issues with popular tools. While Tocer is built for Gutenberg, its shortcode support and non-Gutenberg mode ensure that it can be integrated into page-builder-driven layouts without significant friction.
Final Verdict
The Tocer – table of contents maker WordPress plugin (formerly Fixed Toc) is a robust, feature-rich solution for anyone looking to enhance content navigation on their WordPress site. Developed by webvars, this plugin has earned a strong reputation in the CodeCanyon marketplace with 2,927 sales and a consistent history of updates that address bugs and introduce valuable new features. The inclusion of WP Query support, inherited settings, and responsive UI controls positions Tocer as a forward-thinking tool that adapts to the evolving needs of content publishers.
The plugin’s dual-package approach—offering both the modern Tocer and the legacy Fixed TOC—demonstrates a thoughtful consideration for user migration and compatibility. Whether you are a blogger seeking to improve readability, a developer building a documentation hub, or an agency managing multiple client sites, Tocer provides the flexibility and control you need to deliver a superior user experience.
Given its comprehensive feature set, active development, and affordable $21.00 price point, Tocer represents a smart investment for improving your site’s usability and SEO performance. The ability to keep users engaged with clear navigation and smooth scrolling directly contributes to lower bounce rates and higher content consumption. If you are ready to elevate your content structure and provide visitors with a professional navigation experience, purchase Tocer today and take the first step toward a more organized, user-friendly website.