How to Add Footnotes in Google Docs
This article discusses how to add footnotes to Google Docs (online and mobile versions) semi-manually by having Google Docs provide you the number and space for writing the footnote, or you can auto-insert it, complete with the correct formatting style (MLA, APA, or Chicago) (MLA, APA, or Chicago).
What you should to Know
- Online: Location of the footnote should be indicated by placing the pointer there. Insert > Footnote, and then enter the footnote details.
- On a mobile device: you can insert a footnote by tapping the desired location. Select Footnote > Add Footnote > Type Footnote.
How to Add a Footnote in Google Docs
To add a footnote in Google Docs, follow these steps:
- Place the cursor at the point in the document where you want to insert the footnote.
- Go to the Insert menu and select Footnote. This will insert a superscript number at the cursor’s location and open a new line at the bottom of the page for the footnote text.
- Type the footnote text on the new line.
- To return to the main text, click anywhere in the main text or use the Back to Text button in the toolbar.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + F to insert a footnote.
Note that Google Docs automatically numbers footnotes and updates the numbering if you add, delete, or move footnotes. You can also customize the appearance of footnotes by going to the Page Setup options in the Page Setup dialog box.
How to Add a Properly Formatted Footnote
To add a properly formatted footnote in a document, you can follow these steps:
- Identify the text in your document that you want to reference with a footnote.
- Place your cursor at the end of the sentence or phrase that you want to reference.
- Insert a footnote by using the appropriate function in your word processor or document editor. This may be a button labeled “Insert Footnote” or a command in a menu.
- Type the footnote text in the space provided for it. Make sure to use proper citation format, such as APA or MLA, if required.
- Return to your main text and insert a footnote reference mark (usually a small superscript number) at the end of the sentence or phrase that you want to reference.
- Repeat the process for any additional footnotes that you want to include in your document.
It’s important to keep in mind that different citation styles have different conventions for formatting footnotes, so be sure to follow the guidelines for the style you are using.
How to Install Citation Apps
There are several citation apps available that can help you create and manage your citations. Here’s how you can install one:
- Choose a citation app that you want to use. Some popular options include EasyBib, Zotero, and Mendeley.
- Go to the website of the citation app you have chosen and find the “Download” or “Install” button.
- Click on the button to start the download process.
- Once the download is complete, open the installation file and follow the instructions to install the app on your computer.
If you are installing a citation app on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, you can follow these steps:
- Open the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices) on your device.
- Search for the citation app you want to use.
- Tap on the app to open its page.
- Tap the “Install” button to begin the installation process.
- Wait for the app to download and install.
- Once the installation is complete, tap the app icon to open it.
Note that some citation apps may require you to create an account before you can use them. Follow the prompts to create an account and log in to start using the app.
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