how to do endnotes in word
Creating endnotes in Word is a breeze once you know the steps. You start by placing your cursor where you want the endnote number to appear in your text. Then, you navigate to the References tab and select "Insert Endnote." Word will automatically add a superscript number in the text and create an endnote section at the end of your document where you can type your endnote. It’s that simple!
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Do Endnotes in Word
This section will guide you through the process of inserting endnotes in Word, making your documents more organized and professional.
Step 1: Place Your Cursor
Place your cursor where you want the endnote number to appear in your document.
This step is crucial because the endnote number will be inserted exactly where your cursor is. You can place it at the end of a sentence or after specific words you want to reference.
Step 2: Go to the References Tab
Navigate to the "References" tab in the Ribbon at the top of your Word document.
The References tab is like your toolbox for adding citations, footnotes, and endnotes. It has everything you need for academic and professional writing.
Step 3: Select "Insert Endnote"
Click on "Insert Endnote" in the References tab.
When you click "Insert Endnote," Word will automatically insert a superscript number at your cursor’s position and create a corresponding endnote section at the end of your document.
Step 4: Type Your Endnote
Type the content of your endnote in the newly created section at the end of your document.
Now you can add your citation, note, or additional information. This endnote will be linked to the superscript number in your text.
Step 5: Format Your Endnote
If needed, you can format your endnote text just like any other text in Word.
You can change the font, size, and style of your endnote text to match the rest of your document, ensuring it looks neat and consistent.
Once you complete these steps, Word will have added a numbered endnote in your text and a corresponding note at the end of your document. Each endnote is linked to a superscript number, making it easy for readers to find additional information or citations.
Tips for How to Do Endnotes in Word
- Keep It Consistent: Ensure your endnotes are consistent in style throughout the document.
- Use Shortcuts: You can use the keyboard shortcut Alt+Ctrl+D to insert an endnote quickly.
- Manage Endnotes: Use the "Manage Sources" feature to keep track of your endnotes and citations.
- Customize Endnote Layout: Go to "Footnote and Endnote" options to customize the numbering and layout of your endnotes.
- Review and Edit: Always review your endnotes for accuracy and completeness before finalizing your document.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Do Endnotes in Word
What’s the difference between footnotes and endnotes?
Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page, while endnotes appear at the end of the document or section.
Can I convert footnotes to endnotes?
Yes, you can convert footnotes to endnotes by going to the References tab, selecting "Footnotes" dialog box, and clicking "Convert."
How do I edit an existing endnote?
Simply click on the endnote number in the text to jump to the endnote section, where you can edit the content.
Can I change the numbering format of endnotes?
Yes, you can change the numbering format by going to the "Footnote and Endnote" dialog box and selecting your preferred numbering style.
How do I remove an endnote?
Delete the endnote number in the text, and Word will automatically remove the corresponding endnote.
Summary
- Place Your Cursor
- Go to the References Tab
- Select "Insert Endnote"
- Type Your Endnote
- Format Your Endnote
Conclusion
By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to do endnotes in Word. The process is straightforward and can add a lot of value to your documents by making them more organized and professional. Remember, the key steps are to place your cursor, go to the References tab, and select "Insert Endnote." After that, you can type and format your endnote as needed.
Endnotes are a valuable tool for anyone dealing with detailed documentation or academic papers. They allow you to include additional information without cluttering the main text. If you follow the steps provided and use the tips to manage your endnotes effectively, you’ll find that adding and organizing endnotes is not only easy but also incredibly useful.
For further reading, you might want to explore other advanced features in Word, such as cross-referencing and citation management. These tools can further enhance the clarity and professionalism of your documents. Happy writing!

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.