Endnote and footnote

Updated: 05/01/2023 by Computer Hope
Blue footnote word with footnote in front of the word.

A footnote is additional information found at the bottom of the current page in a document. Superscript numbers are used in both the document and the footnote to help reader match the text to the supplemental information at the bottom.

An endnote is similar, but they are only found at the end of a document and contain reference information about quoted material.

Example of a footnote

Here is an example1 of a footnote.

1 An example to help demonstrate the proper notation and implementation of a footnote.

Example of an endnote

Below is an example of an endnote citing Computer Hope, the web page, and the year.

Here is an example of an endnote which cites Computer Hope as a source.1

1 Notation and implementation of endnotes and footnotes (https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/f/footnote.htm, 2019)

How to insert a footnote or endnote in Microsoft Word

To insert a footnote or endnote in Microsoft Word 2007 and later versions, follow the steps below.

  1. Open Microsoft Word.
  2. Within Microsoft Word, place the cursor where you want to insert the number that points to the footnote or endnote.
  3. In the Ribbon at the top, click the References tab.
  4. In the Footnotes section, click Insert Footnote or Insert Endnote, depending on which one you are inserting.
Tip

Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+D to insert an endnote or Ctrl+Alt+F to insert a footnote.

To insert a footnote or endnote in Microsoft Word 2003 and earlier versions, follow the steps below.

  1. Open Microsoft Word.
  2. Within Microsoft Word, place the cursor where you want to insert the number that points to the footnote or endnote and click Insert
  3. Click Footnote...
  4. Specify whether you want to insert a Footnote or an Endnote, then click OK.

End, Footer, Word processor terms