Be able to create or edit headers and footers

Resources | Subject Notes | Information Communication Technology ICT

Layout: Headers and Footers

This section explains how to create and edit headers and footers in documents. Headers appear at the top of each page, while footers appear at the bottom. They are useful for including information like page numbers, document titles, or dates.

Creating Headers and Footers in Microsoft Word

  1. Go to the Insert tab.
  2. In the Header & Footer group, click on Header or Footer.
  3. Choose a predefined header or footer style, or select Edit Header or Edit Footer to create a custom one.

Customizing Headers

When you select Edit Header, the header area will be activated. You can then:

  • Type text directly into the header area.
  • Use the Header & Footer Tools | Design tab that appears when the header/footer is active.
  • Insert elements like: Page number, Date & Time, Document information, Picture.

Customizing Footers

Similarly, when you select Edit Footer, the footer area becomes active. You can:

  • Type text directly into the footer area.
  • Use the Header & Footer Tools | Design tab.
  • Insert elements like: Page number, Date & Time, Document information, Picture.

Formatting Headers and Footers

You can format the text within headers and footers using the formatting options available on the Home tab. This includes changing the font, size, color, alignment, and adding bold, italics, or underline.

Page Numbers

To insert page numbers:

  1. Go to Insert > Header or Footer > Page Number.
  2. Choose the desired position and format for the page number.

Example: Header and Footer with Page Numbers

Header Content

Example Document Title

Date: October 26, 2023

This is the main content of the document.

Page number:  
Suggested diagram: Example of a header with a title and date, and a footer with a page number.

Editing Existing Headers and Footers

To edit an existing header or footer, simply double-click in the header or footer area. This will activate the editing mode.

Removing Headers and Footers

To remove a header or footer:

  1. Go to Insert > Header or Footer > Clear Header or Clear Footer.

Important Considerations

  • Ensure that headers and footers do not overlap with the main content of the page.
  • Use consistent formatting for headers and footers throughout the document.
  • Be mindful of accessibility when choosing colors and fonts for headers and footers.