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How to Insert Endnotes and Footnotes in Google Docs

Quick Tips
  • Google Docs offers keyboard shortcuts for effortless footnote insertion. Hold Ctrl + Alt + F simultaneously.
  • Google Docs automatically handles footnote numbering and maintains consistent formatting for your footnotes/endnotes.
  • Double-click the corresponding footnote number within the text to jump directly to the edit section at the bottom.

How to Insert a Footnote in Google Docs

On Web

Step 1: Go to Google Docs and open the file where you want to add the endnotes or footnotes.

Step 2: Place your cursor on the part of the text where you need to insert the footnote.

Note: The number will appear at this spot.

Step 3: Go to the menu tab > select Insert > click on Footnote.

click on Footnote

You will be taken to the end of your current page. Now, type the information for the footnote you want to insert.

If you need to remove the footnote, select the footnote number in the body of the text and tap the backspace or delete key.

On Mobile

Note: The steps are the same for both Android and iOS.

Step 1: Launch the Google Docs app on your phone. Then, navigate to the file where you want to insert endnotes and footnotes.

Step 2: Tap the floating pencil icon and go to the part of the text where you need to add the footnote.

Step 3: Tap on the + sign at the top and select Footnote.

Step 4: Now, type the text for your footnote and tap on the checkmark at the top.

Insert Endnotes and Footnotes In Google Docs_11
+ sign located at the top
tap on the checkmark

Your footnote will appear at the bottom of the page with the footnote number within the text.

How to Format a Footnote

If you would like to use a certain font style or size, you can format the footnote. Here’s how to do so:

Step 1: Scroll to the bottom of the Google Docs page where the footnote is located.

Step 2: Highlight the footnote and select the font, font style, and font size on the Ribbon.

Highlight the footnote

Step 3: If you have more than one footnote and you would like to repeat the same formatting for all, highlight the first formatted footnote and click on Paint format.

click on Paint format

Step 4: On the succeeding footnotes, drag your cursor across the footnote texts.

How to Insert Endnotes in Google Docs

Google Docs doesn’t allow the automatic insertion of endnotes. However, you can convert footnotes into endnotes by downloading plug-ins from Add-on. Here’s how it works.

Step 1: On your Google Docs file, go to Add-Ons > click on Get add-ons from the drop-down.

click Get add-ons

Step 2: Within the search apps bar, type Endnote and tap Enter on your keyboard.

Step 3: Select any of the endnote add-ons. In this case, we will use Endnote Generator.

tap Enter on your keyboard

Step 4: Select Install and grant all required permissions.

Select Install

Once the add-on is done installing, close the window.

Step 5: On your Google Docs file, go to Extensions > choose Endnote Generator > select Run.

go to Add-Ons

Step 6: To the right of your Google Docs page, select Generate. This should convert all existing footnotes into endnotes.

select Generate

If you want to list the resources used or referenced in creating a Google Docs file, citations and bibliography work better than endnotes or footnotes.

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Last updated on 29 May, 2024

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