Style Considerations

A well-written index maintains consistent formatting and applies thoughtful style choices.

Style guides refer to the overall structure of a manuscript. Most commonly, either the Chicago Manual of Style or in-house style guides are followed.

Basic style and formatting options include:

Alphabetization (sort order):

Capitalization:

Should the first letter of the main heading be capitalized?

Should the first letter of the subheading be capitalized?

Cross References:

Should they appear with the main heading or at subentry levels?

Should the “See” be capitalized?

Indented (list style) or run/on style (hanging paragraphs):

packaging equipment, 69–75. see also preparation of equipment

broken, 110

improper, 47

information and identification, 74, 244–245

materials and barriers, 69–72

reuse of single use devices, 75

shelf life, 74–75

steam, 72–73

packaging equipment, 69–75. see also preparation of equipment; broken, 110;

improper, 47; information and identification, 74, 244–245; materials and barriers,

69–72; reuse of single use devices, 75; shelf life, 74–75; steam, 72–73

Page ranges (locators):

Full page ranges: 324-328
Abbreviated page ranges: 324-28 or 324-8

Subheading levels:

Most indexes contain at least one level of subheadings, and many go to the subsublevel. Extremely dense indexes will continue to the third subheading level.