How to Add a Footnote in Google Docs
Short Answer
How do you add a footnote in Google Docs?
Click where the footnote mark should go and press Ctrl + Alt + F (⌘ + Option + F on Mac), or click Insert › Page elements › Footnote. Then type the note. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then S F.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: References › Insert Footnote. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Google's Built-in Shortcut
| Command | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Insert footnote | Ctrl+Alt+F | ⌘+Option+F |
These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension. To see Google's full list, press Ctrl + / (⌘ + / on Mac) in Google Docs.
Using the Menus
- Click where you want the footnote.
- Click Insert › Page elements › Footnote.
- Type your footnote.
In pageless documents, footnotes all appear together at the end of the document.
The Word-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Docs document.
- Click where you want the footnote mark.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Word-style key-tips appear.
- Press S, then F. ShortieCuts runs “Insert Footnote”.
When the ALT route helps: Insert Footnote is Alt, S, F on Word's References tab, and ShortieCuts brings it to Google Docs.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt HFP | Paint FormatBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + C |
| Alt H9 | ChecklistBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 9 |
| Alt NNU | Page Numbers |
| Alt HL1 | HeadingsBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + 1–6 |
| Alt HAC | Align TextBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + E |
| Alt NH | Header & FooterBuilt-in: hold Ctrl + Alt and press O then H |
FAQ
What is the keyboard shortcut to add a footnote in Google Docs?
Insert footnote: Ctrl + Alt + F on Windows; ⌘ + Option + F on Mac. These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension.
Does Alt + S + F work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + S + F there won't add a footnote. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then S, then F, and ShortieCuts runs its "Insert Footnote" command.
How do I add a footnote in Google Docs on a Mac?
On a Mac, use Google's shortcut: ⌘ + Option + F (Insert footnote). With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then S, then F.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.