How to Add Footnotes in Google Docs & Slides (2026)

Intro

Footnotes are one of those features you rarely think about until you suddenly need one.

Maybe you're writing an academic paper.

Maybe you're preparing a report that needs sources.

Or perhaps you want to add extra context without interrupting the main flow of your document.

Whatever the reason, Google Docs makes adding footnotes relatively straightforward once you know where the option is.

Google Slides is slightly different.

Docs has dedicated footnote functionality, while Slides generally requires you to create the visual equivalent manually using superscript numbers and text boxes.

In this guide, we'll show you:

• How to add a footnote in Google Docs
• The Google Docs footnote keyboard shortcut
• How footnotes work in pageless documents
• How to add citations in Google Docs
• How to create footnotes in Google Slides
• How to add footnotes from a mobile device
• How to format footnotes correctly
• Common footnote mistakes to avoid

What Is a Footnote?

A footnote is a note connected to a specific point in your text and normally displayed at the bottom of the page.

You'll usually see a small superscript number in the main text.

For example:

SEO has changed significantly over the last decade.¹

The corresponding note at the bottom of the page might read:

1. Additional information or source details would appear here.

Footnotes allow you to provide extra information without cluttering the main paragraph.

They're commonly used for:

• Citations
• Source information
• Explanations
• Additional context
• Definitions
• Comments
• Research notes
• Legal references

Why Use Footnotes in Google Docs?

Footnotes are useful when information is important but doesn't necessarily belong in the main body of your document.

Consider this sentence:

The company reported a significant increase in organic search visibility during the quarter.

You could add a long explanation immediately afterward.

But that may interrupt the paragraph.

Instead, you could insert a footnote containing:

• The data source
• Reporting period
• Methodology
• Further explanation

This keeps the primary text cleaner while still allowing the reader to investigate the supporting information.

Footnotes are particularly useful in:

• Academic papers
• Research reports
• Business reports
• Whitepapers
• Legal documents
• Essays
• Long-form articles
• Presentations

How to Add a Footnote in Google Docs

Google Docs includes dedicated footnote functionality.

Here's how to use it on a desktop computer.

Step 1: Open Your Google Doc

Open the document you want to edit.

Move your cursor to the point in the sentence where the footnote reference should appear.

Usually, this will be immediately after the word, phrase, sentence, or punctuation mark the footnote relates to.

Step 2: Open the Insert Menu

At the top of Google Docs, click:

Insert

Then choose:

Page elements → Footnote

Google Docs will automatically insert a superscript number at your cursor position.

Step 3: Type the Footnote

After inserting the footnote, Google Docs moves your cursor to the corresponding footnote area.

Type whatever information you need.

For example:

1. Traffic figures refer to organic search visits measured during Q2 2026.

When you've finished, click back into the main document and continue writing.

Step 4: Add More Footnotes

You don't need to manually number the next reference.

Repeat the same process:

Insert → Page elements → Footnote

Google Docs automatically assigns the next number.

Your references will appear sequentially:

1 2 3 4

and so on.

Google Docs Footnote Keyboard Shortcut

If you use footnotes regularly, the keyboard shortcut is much faster than navigating through the menus.

On Windows and ChromeOS:

Ctrl + Alt + F

On Mac:

Command + Option + F

Place your cursor where you want the reference and use the shortcut.

Google Docs will create the footnote automatically.

How Footnotes Work in Pageless Google Docs

Google Docs supports both traditional pages and a pageless document format.

This matters for footnotes.

In a standard paginated document, footnotes appear toward the bottom of the relevant page.

In pageless mode, there isn't technically a "bottom of the page."

As a result, Google Docs groups footnotes together at the end of the document instead.

The reference numbers in the text still work normally.

If you specifically want traditional page-by-page footnotes, use the pages format rather than pageless mode.

How to Edit a Footnote in Google Docs

Editing a footnote is simple.

Scroll to the footnote and click inside it.

You can edit the text just like normal document content.

You can:

• Add information
• Delete information
• Correct spelling
• Add formatting
• Insert a URL
• Change wording

Google Docs keeps the connection between the superscript number and the footnote.

How to Delete a Footnote in Google Docs

The easiest way to remove a footnote is to delete its superscript reference from the main text.

Once the reference number is removed, Google Docs removes the associated footnote as well.

The remaining footnotes are automatically renumbered.

For example, if you have:

1 2 3 4

and delete footnote 2, Google Docs will reorganize the sequence instead of leaving an unexplained gap.

How to Add Citations in Google Docs

Footnotes and citations are related, but they aren't exactly the same thing.

A footnote is a placement method.

A citation is a reference to a source.

Google Docs also includes a dedicated citations tool for users who need more structured academic referencing.

To access it:

Tools → Citations

You can then select an available citation style and add your sources.

Google Docs currently supports common styles such as:

• MLA
• APA
• Chicago Author-Date

The citation tool can help organize source information and create a bibliography.

This is particularly useful for:

• Students
• Researchers
• Academic writers
• Reports
• Essays

Footnotes vs Citations

It's easy to confuse these two concepts.

Footnote

A footnote is a note displayed outside the main body of the text, usually connected through a superscript number.

It can contain almost anything.

For example:

• An explanation
• Additional context
• A citation
• Commentary

Citation

A citation identifies the source of information.

It normally follows a defined referencing style.

A citation can appear:

• In the main text
• In brackets
• As a footnote
• As an endnote
• In a bibliography

So:

All citations aren't necessarily footnotes, and all footnotes aren't necessarily citations.

Which Citation Style Should You Use?

That depends on the document and who it's being prepared for.

Common options include:

APA

Frequently used in:

• Psychology
• Education
• Social sciences
• Scientific writing

MLA

Common in:

• Literature
• Humanities
• Language studies

Chicago

Common in:

• History
• Publishing
• Academic books
• Some humanities subjects

If you're submitting academic work, always follow the style requested by your university, teacher, journal, or organization.

Don't choose a citation style purely because it looks better.

How to Add Footnotes in Google Slides

Google Slides doesn't use footnotes in exactly the same way as Google Docs.

Presentations don't have traditional pages with automatic footnote areas.

Instead, you can create a footnote manually.

The basic process is:

1. Add a superscript reference number.
2. Create a small text box near the bottom of the slide.
3. Add the corresponding source or explanation.

Step 1: Open Your Google Slides Presentation

Open your presentation and select the slide that needs a footnote.

Step 2: Add a Reference Number

Place a number next to the statement that needs the reference.

For example:

Organic traffic increased by 37%.¹

Highlight the number.

Then format it as superscript.

You can also use the superscript keyboard shortcut.

On Windows:

Ctrl + .

On Mac:

Command + .

This makes the reference number smaller and raises it above the normal line of text.

Step 3: Add a Text Box

Next, select:

Insert → Text box

Create a small text box near the bottom of the slide.

Step 4: Add Your Footnote

Type the matching number and your source or explanation.

For example:

1. Organic search performance report, Q2 2026.

Use a smaller font than the main presentation text, but make sure it remains readable.

Step 5: Keep the Formatting Consistent

If you're adding footnotes across several slides, create a consistent style.

Use the same:

• Font
• Font size
• Position
• Spacing
• Numbering style

Consistency makes the presentation look much more professional.

Should You Put Footnotes on Every Google Slide?

Only when they're useful.

Slides shouldn't become covered in tiny citation text.

If you have a large number of sources, consider using:

• Individual references on the relevant slides
• A dedicated sources slide
• A bibliography slide
• Speaker notes for additional context

The right approach depends on your audience and the purpose of the presentation.

How to Add Footnotes in Google Docs on Mobile

You can also add footnotes from the Google Docs mobile app.

The interface may look slightly different depending on your device and app version, but the process is straightforward.

Step 1: Open the Document

Open the Google Docs app and select the document.

Make sure you're in editing mode.

Step 2: Position the Cursor

Tap where you want the footnote reference to appear.

Step 3: Open Insert

Tap the + or Insert button.

Find:

Footnote

and select it.

Step 4: Write the Footnote

Google Docs inserts the reference number and opens the footnote area.

Type your note and return to the main document when finished.

How to Add Footnotes in Google Slides on Mobile

Google Slides still requires the manual approach.

You'll need:

• A reference number
• Superscript formatting where available
• A text box at the bottom of the slide

Open the slide, add a text box, enter your source, and format it consistently with the rest of your presentation.

Desktop editing is generally easier when you have a large number of references.

How to Format Footnotes Properly

Footnote formatting depends heavily on the style guide you're following.

However, there are some useful general principles.

Keep Footnotes Concise

Don't turn every footnote into another essay.

If the information deserves multiple paragraphs, it may belong in the main document or an appendix.

Keep Numbering Sequential

Google Docs handles this automatically.

In Google Slides, you'll need to manage numbering yourself.

Use the Same Style Throughout

Don't use completely different citation formats from one footnote to another.

Make Footnotes Readable

A footnote can use smaller text.

It shouldn't require a magnifying glass.

Put the Reference in the Right Place

The superscript number should clearly relate to the information being referenced.

Ambiguous footnote placement makes documents harder to understand.

When Should You Use a Footnote?

Use a footnote when the information is useful but would disrupt the flow of the main content.

Good examples include:

• Identifying a data source
• Explaining a technical term
• Adding historical context
• Clarifying a statement
• Referencing academic research
• Adding a legal citation
• Providing extra methodological detail

When Shouldn't You Use a Footnote?

Don't use footnotes to hide information the reader actually needs.

For example:

Our software deletes all customer data automatically.¹

Then:

1. Except under several important circumstances explained elsewhere.

If the qualification substantially changes the meaning of the main statement, it belongs in the main content.

Footnotes should supplement information rather than conceal it.

Footnotes vs Endnotes

Footnotes appear alongside the relevant page or document section.

Endnotes are collected together at the end of a document or chapter.

Footnotes

Better when:

• Readers need immediate access to references
• There aren't too many notes
• You're writing academic or research content
• Additional context is important

Endnotes

Better when:

• There are many notes
• Footnotes would clutter every page
• You want a cleaner visual layout

Google Docs' behavior in pageless mode is somewhat similar to endnotes because footnote content is collected together at the end rather than tied visually to the bottom of individual pages.

Footnotes vs Comments in Google Docs

Google Docs comments are not the same as footnotes.

Comments are mainly collaboration tools.

Use a comment when you want to:

• Ask another editor a question
• Suggest a change
• Leave internal feedback
• Discuss a sentence
• Assign an action

Use a footnote when the information should be part of the finished document.

Comments are usually removed or resolved before publication.

Footnotes are intended for the reader.

Common Google Docs Footnote Mistakes

Manually Typing Numbers

Don't type your own superscript numbers in Google Docs if you can avoid it.

Use the built-in footnote feature.

Automatic numbering makes editing far easier.

Using Comments Instead of Footnotes

Comments aren't intended to become permanent citations in the final document.

Mixing Citation Styles

Don't use APA in one section and MLA in another unless there's a specific reason.

Adding Too Much Information

A footnote should support the document rather than compete with it.

Forgetting Mobile Readers

Very long footnotes can become awkward on smaller screens.

Not Checking Pageless Mode

If your footnotes aren't appearing where expected, check whether the document is using pageless format.

How Footnotes Can Help Professional Content

Footnotes aren't only for university essays.

They can also strengthen professional content.

Imagine you're publishing an industry report containing claims around:

• Search traffic
• Market share
• Conversion rates
• User behavior
• Revenue
• Research results

Instead of interrupting every paragraph with long source explanations, footnotes allow you to show where the information came from while keeping the main narrative readable.

This can be particularly valuable for SEO content based on:

• Original data
• Surveys
• Experiments
• Industry studies
• Search analysis

Strong sourcing improves credibility.

Are Footnotes Good for SEO?

Footnotes themselves aren't an SEO shortcut.

Adding more footnotes won't automatically improve your Google rankings.

But properly sourced content can contribute to a better article.

References can help readers understand:

• Where statistics came from
• How conclusions were reached
• What evidence supports a claim

The priority should always be usefulness and accuracy rather than adding footnotes because you think Google expects them.

For SEO performance, you still need to consider:

• Search intent
• Keyword targeting
• Content quality
• Internal links
• Backlinks
• Technical SEO
• Indexing
• SERP competition
• Rankings

Tools such as Ranktracker can help monitor whether published content is actually gaining search visibility.

Google Docs Footnotes FAQ

How Do I Add a Footnote in Google Docs?

Place your cursor where the footnote should appear and choose:

Insert → Page elements → Footnote

Google Docs will create the reference number and footnote automatically.

What Is the Shortcut for a Footnote in Google Docs?

On Windows and ChromeOS:

Ctrl + Alt + F

On Mac:

Command + Option + F

Does Google Docs Automatically Number Footnotes?

Yes.

Google Docs handles footnote numbering automatically and adjusts the sequence if references are added or removed.

Where Do Footnotes Appear in Pageless Google Docs?

In pageless documents, footnotes are grouped together at the end of the document rather than appearing at the bottom of individual pages.

Can You Add Footnotes in Google Slides?

You can create footnote-style references manually using superscript numbers and text boxes.

Can You Add Footnotes in Google Docs on a Phone?

Yes.

The Google Docs mobile app supports inserting footnotes.

How Do I Cite Sources in Google Docs?

Google Docs includes a citations feature under:

Tools → Citations

It supports common academic citation styles.

Are Footnotes and Citations the Same?

No.

A footnote is a way of presenting additional information.

A citation identifies a source.

A citation can be placed inside a footnote, but footnotes can also contain information that isn't a citation.

Can Footnotes Contain Links?

Yes.

A footnote can contain URLs and other supporting information where appropriate.

Should Footnotes Be Smaller Than Normal Text?

Footnotes are typically displayed in smaller text than the main body.

The exact formatting depends on your document and required citation style.

Final Thoughts

Adding footnotes in Google Docs is straightforward once you know where the option is.

On desktop:

Insert → Page elements → Footnote

or simply use:

Ctrl + Alt + F on Windows

and:

Command + Option + F on Mac.

Google Docs will handle the numbering automatically.

Google Slides requires a little more manual work because you'll generally create footnote-style references yourself using superscript numbers and text boxes.

Whichever platform you're using, the purpose remains the same:

Give readers useful supporting information without disrupting the main content.

Keep your references clear.

Keep your formatting consistent.

Use the correct citation style where required.

And don't overload the document with information that would be better placed in the main text.

Used correctly, footnotes make documents more credible and informative without making them harder to read.