Headers and footers in Google Docs are useful for adding consistent information such as page numbers, document titles, or dates across every page of your document. However, Google Docs does not natively support different footers on each page by default. But with a few workarounds, you can achieve this effect.
This guide will cover:
- Understanding headers and footers in Google Docs
- Why Google Docs doesn’t allow different footers per page by default
- Workarounds to create different footers on each page
- Using section breaks and page breaks
- Alternative solutions (Google Docs vs. Microsoft Word)
Understanding Headers and Footers in Google Docs
Headers and footers are sections at the top and bottom of each page where you can insert text, page numbers, dates, or other details. By default, any text added to the header or footer will repeat on every page.
How to Insert a Footer in Google Docs
- Click Insert in the top menu.
- Hover over Headers & footers.
- Select Footer.
- Type your desired text.
- Press Esc to exit the footer.
To edit an existing footer, simply double-click on it.
Why Google Docs Doesn’t Allow Different Footers Per Page?
Unlike Microsoft Word, Google Docs treats headers and footers as uniform across all pages. This means:
- Changes in one footer apply to all footers.
- There is no built-in option for unique footers per page.
However, there are workarounds to simulate different footers.
Workarounds to Create Different Footers on Each Page
Method 1: Using Section Breaks & Different Headers/Footers
Google Docs allows different headers/footers for different sections (e.g., first page, odd/even pages).
Step 1: Insert Section Breaks
- Place your cursor at the end of the page where you want a new footer.
- Click Insert > Break > Section break (next page).
- Repeat for each section needing a unique footer.
Step 2: Disable “Link to Previous”
- Double-click the footer in the new section.
- Look for the “Link to previous” option (a blue bar will appear).
- Click it to unlink the footer from the previous section.
- Now, edit the footer without affecting other sections.
Step 3: Customize Each Footer
- Add different text, page numbers, or images.
- Press Esc when done.
Method 2: Using Text Boxes as Fake Footers
If section breaks don’t work for your needs, you can manually add text boxes at the bottom of each page.
Steps:
- Click Insert > Drawing > + New.
- Create a text box and type your footer content.
- Click Save and Close to place it in the document.
- Drag the text box to the bottom of the page.
- Repeat for other pages where you need different footers.
Limitation:
- Text boxes won’t move automatically if text shifts.
- Not ideal for long documents.
Method 3: Using Tables to Simulate Footers
You can insert a 1×1 table at the bottom of each page and type custom footer text inside.
Steps:
- Place the cursor at the end of the page.
- Click Insert > Table > Select 1×1.
- Type your footer text inside the table.
- Adjust table borders to make them invisible (if needed).
Alternative Solution: Use Microsoft Word
If you need full control over different footers per page:
- Download your Google Doc as a Word file (.docx).
- Open it in Microsoft Word.
- Use Word’s built-in “Different First Page” or “Different Odd & Even Pages” options.
- Re-upload to Google Docs if needed (but formatting may change).
Also read How to Add Footnotes in Google Docs: A Simple Guide
FAQs
Q. Can I have different footers on each page in Google Docs?
No, Google Docs does not natively support unique footers for every page. However, you can use section breaks to create different footers for separate sections or simulate footers using text boxes or tables.
Q. How do I unlink footers in Google Docs to make them different?
To have different footers in separate sections:
- Insert a section break (Insert > Break > Section break).
- Double-click the footer in the new section.
- Click “Link to previous” (blue bar) to disable it.
- Now, edit the footer without affecting other sections.
Q. Can I use text boxes instead of footers in Google Docs?
Yes, you can manually insert text boxes (Insert > Drawing > + New) at the bottom of pages to simulate different footers. However, these won’t adjust automatically if text moves, making them less ideal for long documents.
Q. Is there a way to have a different first-page footer in Google Docs?
Yes! Google Docs allows a unique first-page footer:
- Double-click the footer.
- Check the box for “Different first page” in the options bar.
- Customize the first-page footer separately.
Q. Should I use Microsoft Word instead for more footer control?
If you need advanced footer customization (like different footers on every page), Microsoft Word provides better native support. You can:
- Download your Google Doc as a .docx file.
- Edit footers in Word using “Different First Page” or “Odd/Even Pages” options.
- Re-upload to Google Docs if needed (though formatting may change).
Final Tips & Troubleshooting
Use section breaks wisely – They help separate content and allow different footers.
Check page breaks – Ensure content flows correctly when adding manual footers.
Avoid overusing text boxes – They can disrupt formatting in long documents.
Try Google Docs add-ons – Some extensions (like “Page Sizer”) offer more footer control.
Conclusion
While Google Docs doesn’t natively support different footers on every page, you can use section breaks, text boxes, or tables to create the effect. For advanced formatting, consider using Microsoft Word and re-importing the file.
By following these methods, you can customize footers for different pages in your document effectively!