How to Work With Footnotes in Microsoft Word

A footnote is indeed just that, a note that is placed within a scholarly paper or a book at the bottom of the page. The footnote is usually referring to a reference of something. The intent is to make the reading easier for the reader versus long drawn out notes. Normally you will work with footnotes if you are writing in APA or MLA style which would likely be for academic learning purposes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A word processing program such as Microsoft Word or OpenOffice
• An assignment that requires a properly documented writing style

1. Add a footnote: Click on the document where you would like to add the footnote. Click Insert on the menu bar and then point the cursor to Reference.

2. Click Footnote on the sub menu. Then click the Insert button in the Footnote and Endnote dialog box. Here a box will be displayed for you to enter the information that you wish to include in your footnote.

3. Modify the style of the footnote. Right click the note text in the note pane. Click Style on the shortcut menu. Click Footnote text. Click Modify and from there choose your font size and further style.

4. Close the Note pane by positioning the cursor on the Close button in the note pane. Click the Close button to remove the note pane from the document window.

Tips & Warnings

• Footnotes are used to primarily elaborate on points that are discussed in the body of a research paper.