How to Use Endnotes in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word contains many useful automated features, one of which is the ability to generate endnotes automatically. Endnotes are similar to footnotes, but instead of being displayed at the bottom of each page on which they appear, they are displayed all together at the end of a document or at the end of distinct sections of a document, such as chapters.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Word. Type your document. You may add endnotes as you go along or enter them after you have finished keying your document.

2. Position the mouse cursor where you wish to insert an endnote. Choose "Insert" from the menu bar. Hover over "Reference" and choose "Footnote" on the menu that pops up.

3. Change the "Locations" radial button to "Endnotes" instead of "Footnotes." Indicate in the adjacent drop-down box whether you want the endnotes to display at the end of the document or at the end of each document section.

4. Note the items in the "Format" section of the dialog box. Choose the appropriate number format, such as Roman numerals or A, B, C. Indicate at which number the endnotes should start, and choose "Continuous" or "Restart Each Section" in the "Numbering" drop-down box.

5. Click on the "Insert" button at the bottom of the dialog box. An endnote number appears where you positioned your mouse. Check the end of your document--a corresponding footnote number should display underneath a dividing line.

6. Place your mouse cursor beside the endnote citation at the end of your document. Type your endnote reference.

Tips & Warnings

• To get rid of an endnote, simply delete the endnote within the body of the document. The corresponding endnote reference at the end of the document automatically deletes, too, and the endnotes re-number themselves within the document.