1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Homework / Study Tips

Using Microsoft Word 2003 to Write a Paper

By , About.com Guide

3 of 5

Adding Footnotes

As you type your paper, you may need to place a footnote at certain places to provide a citation for your information.

To create a footnote:

  • Place the cursor in the place where you want the number to appear.
  • Select INSERT from the tool bar. Then select REFERENCE and FOOTNOTE. A box will appear with several choices for your footnote. Unless you want a format other than the standard 1,2,3 numbered notes that appear at the bottom of the pages, you don’t need to make any adjustments. Select OKAY.
  • The cursor jumps to the bottom of the page where a note has been created. Type in your information. You can format the note right away by adding bold or italicized text, or go back to it later and edit.
  • Return your cursor to the text by pointing and clicking your mouse. Continue typing your paper.

You can move footnotes around by cutting and pasting the numbers. The order will change automatically.

Explore Homework / Study Tips

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Homework / Study Tips
  4. Research Tools & Techniques
  5. Computer Tips
  6. Adding Footnotes

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.