How to Change Footnote Number in Google Docs (2024 Update)

In this tutorial, we will show you exactly how to change footnote numbers in Google Docs in just a few simple steps. Read on to learn more.

Change Footnote Number in Google Docs

Follow the steps below to change footnote numbers in Google Docs.

1. Locate the Footnote You Want to Change

Find the footnote within the document that you want to modify. Look for the small number next to the text, and check the corresponding number at the bottom of the page. Click on the footnote number to highlight it.

change the footnote number in google docs how to

2. Edit the Footnote Content If Necessary

If you want to change the content of the footnote, click directly in the footnote area at the bottom of the page. You can now edit the text, but note that this will not change the footnote number itself.

3. Change the Footnote Number by Rearranging Footnotes

To change the order of footnotes, cut or copy the text associated with the footnote and move it to a new location in the document. This will automatically update the footnote numbers as Google Docs renumbers footnotes based on their order in the text.

4. Add New Footnotes to Adjust Numbering

If needed, add a new footnote by placing the cursor where you want to insert the footnote. Click on “Insert” in the top menu, then choose “Footnote.” This will create a new numbered footnote at the bottom of the page, and the footnotes will automatically renumber to accommodate it.

5. Delete Unnecessary Footnotes to Adjust Numbering

If you need to remove a footnote, highlight and delete the footnote number in the text. Right-click on the footnote and click ‘Delete’. This will automatically delete the corresponding footnote and renumber all remaining footnotes.

6. Double-check the Footnote Numbering

After adding, removing, or rearranging footnotes, scroll through the document and make sure the footnotes are numbered correctly. Google Docs should automatically adjust the numbering, but it’s important to confirm that the sequence is accurate.

We hope you now have a better understanding of changing the footnote numbers in Google Docs. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our articles on how to add a citation number in Google Docs and how to turn off automatic numbering in Google Docs.