How to Add Footnotes in Google Docs (The Easy Way)

Need to cite a source or add extra info in your document? Here's how to add footnotes in Google Docs quickly and clearly.

Simple Steps on How to do Footnotes in Google docs

If you're wondering how to do footnotes in Google Docs, it only takes a few clicks. Here's how according to AppHug:

1. Place your cursor where you want the footnote number to appear.
2. Click Insert in the top menu.
3. Select Footnote from the dropdown.
4. Type your note at the bottom of the page.

Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut: press Command + Option + F (on Mac) or Ctrl + Alt + F (on Windows). This instantly inserts a footnote without navigating through the menu.

Google Docs will insert a superscript number and move your cursor to the bottom of the page automatically.

When to Use Footnotes Effectively

Learning how to add a footnote in Google Docs is useful in many scenarios:

• Citing academic sources or research.
• Adding clarification or background information.
• Linking related content without cluttering your main text.

This feature keeps your writing focused while offering optional depth.

Tips for Formatting Footnotes

Here are a few tips to manage your footnotes more effectively:

• Keep footnotes concise and relevant.
• Use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming readers.
• Double-check formatting if you're working with a citation style.

Also, if you're formatting lists or data in Google Sheets, check out this guide on how to add bullet points in Google Sheets to complement your document design skills.