Can't find the footnote command in Google Docs? On a computer, it's tucked inside the Page elements submenu. Here's how to add your note on desktop or mobile, use a shortcut, and control where footnotes appear.
Insert a footnote on your computer
Open your Google Docs document and place the cursor where you want the footnote reference. Choose Insert → Page elements → Footnote. Type your note. This works in both Pages and Pageless documents, with personal Google accounts and Workspace accounts.
On a phone or tablet, use the Insert button
The mobile app lets you add footnotes directly on Android, iPhone, or iPad.
Open your document in the Google Docs app. Tap Edit, then tap the spot where you want the footnote reference. Tap Insert (+). Select Footnote, then type your note.
Why footnotes appear at the end of the document
Pageless format puts footnotes together at the end of your document instead of displaying them in a page layout.
To switch to a page layout on your computer, open File → Page setup. Select Pages, then click OK. For an alternative route, choose Format → Switch to Pages format.
To view footnotes in the page layout on mobile, tap More (three dots) in your document. Turn on Print Layout. Print Layout controls viewing; you don't need to turn it on to insert a footnote. Documents in Pageless format still group notes at the end.
Add notes faster with a keyboard shortcut
Position your cursor where the footnote reference should go. Press Ctrl + Alt + F on Windows or Chromebook, or Command + Option + F on Mac. Type your footnote text.
For a keyboard route through the menus instead, open Insert with Alt + I in Chrome on Windows or on ChromeOS, Alt + Shift + I in other Windows browsers, or Control + Option + I on Mac. Use the arrow keys to reach Page elements → Footnote. Press Enter to insert the footnote. Type your note.
Google's shortcuts vary by keyboard and language, so use Insert → Page elements → Footnote if the key combination doesn't work.
Find the command with toolbar search
Can't spot the command in the menus? Toolbar search lets you find it by name.
Place your cursor where you want the reference. Click Search in the toolbar. Alternatively, open Help → Search the menus.
For keyboard access to the same search, press Alt + / on Windows or ChromeOS, or Option + / on Mac. Type “footnote” into the search field. Select the footnote insertion command from the results. Type your note.
Use your voice to insert a footnote
Google Docs supports the spoken command “Insert footnote” on desktop in Chrome, Edge, and Safari. You'll need a working microphone, with both your Google account language and document language set to English.
Place the cursor where you want the reference, then choose Tools → Voice typing. Click the microphone button and say “Insert footnote”. Dictate or type your note, then click the microphone button again to stop.
Organizations can restrict voice typing on work or school accounts. If the voice command fails, use Insert → Page elements → Footnote.
Citation footnotes with Zotero
Zotero adds citation footnotes from a reference library; Google's built-in footnotes work without it. Its desktop integration supports Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari and requires authorization to edit your document.
Install Zotero from the official Zotero download page. For Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, also install that browser's Zotero Connector from the same page. In Safari, the Connector is bundled with Zotero; enable it in the Extensions pane of Safari's settings. Run Zotero before using it in Google Docs.
Choose a note-based citation style under Zotero → Preferences, which is required for footnote output. Place your cursor where you want the citation. Choose Zotero → Add/Edit Citation.
Find the reference in your Zotero library. Select it. Press Enter to insert the citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google Docs’ Citations tool create footnotes automatically?
No. Tools → Citations generates in-text citations and bibliographies. It doesn't automatically insert native footnotes.
Can I still use Explore to cite a source as a footnote?
No. Google retired Explore in Docs, Sheets, and Slides, with availability ending by January 30, 2024. Its former Cite as footnote command is no longer available.
Can I insert a footnote with a physical keyboard on Android?
Yes. While editing in the Google Docs Android app, place your cursor at the insertion point. Press Ctrl + Alt + F on a compatible connected keyboard. Type your note. Shortcut support depends on the keyboard layout and language.
Does Paperpile create the footnote for me in Google Docs?
Paperpile's workflow requires you to create the footnote with Google Docs' footnote command first. You then insert the Paperpile citation inside that note.