To change the footer in just one section of a Word document, first make sure the document has a section break where the new footer should start (Layout > Breaks > Next Page). Then double-click the footer in the new section, and on the Header & Footer tab click Link to Previous to turn it off. Now you can edit that section’s footer without changing the ones before it.
Quick Answer
Insert a section break > double-click the footer in the new section > turn off Link to Previous > edit the footer.
Step 1: Add a Section Break
- Click where the new footer should begin (usually the start of a page).
- Go to Layout > Breaks > Next Page.
- Turn on Show/Hide (Ctrl + Shift + 8) to see the “Section Break (Next Page)” mark.
Step 2: Unlink and Edit the Footer
- Double-click the footer area of the first page in the new section. The label shows “Footer – Section 2-“.
- On the Header & Footer tab, click Link to Previous so it’s no longer highlighted.
- Change the footer text, page numbers or images.
- Click Close Header and Footer or double-click the page body.
Related Footer Options
| Goal | Option |
|---|---|
| No footer on the first page | Different First Page |
| Different left and right pages | Different Odd & Even Pages |
| Restart page numbers in a section | Page Number > Format Page Numbers > Start at |
| Change the header too | Unlink the header separately; it has its own Link to Previous |
Troubleshooting
- Changing one footer changes all: Link to Previous is still on, or there’s no section break.
- Link to Previous is grayed out: You’re in section 1; there’s nothing before it.
- Odd spacing after the break: Check the break type; Continuous breaks don’t start a new page.
- Jumping around a long document? See jumping to a page or section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a footer in only one section?
Yes. Unlink it first, then delete its contents.
Does this work in Word for the web?
Word for the web has limited section support; use the desktop app for section-specific footers.
Summary
- Insert a Next Page section break.
- Open the new section’s footer.
- Turn off Link to Previous.
- Edit the footer for that section only.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.