Insert a real footnote in Google Docs when a reference or explanatory note should stay connected to a specific point in the text. Manually typing a raised number and a note at the page bottom does not maintain that relationship.
Insert the linked note
- Place the cursor where the footnote reference should appear.
- Choose Insert > Page elements > Footnote.
- Type the explanatory or source text in the note area.
- Return to the main paragraph and check the reference position.
Place the marker according to the required editorial style. The correct location relative to punctuation can depend on the style guide; the insertion feature itself does not decide that editorial rule for you.
Understand Pages and Pageless placement
In Pages, footnotes are presented with the paginated document. In Pageless, Google states that footnotes appear together at the end of the document. That changed placement does not by itself indicate that the notes were lost.
If a publisher requires notes on individual printed pages, inspect the final paginated output rather than relying only on the continuous editing view.
Check source accuracy separately
A footnote is a location for information, not proof that a reference is complete. Verify names, titles, dates, page references, and URLs against the actual sources. Use the required citation convention consistently.
After moving or deleting nearby text, check that the remaining note still supports the intended statement. Avoid leaving an orphaned explanation that now appears to refer to another sentence. Review the exported PDF or Word document for both marker placement and note content before submission.
References
Reviewed against the linked official product guidance on November 3, 2026. Features, limits, screen labels, and access can vary by account, platform, region, and organization policy.