How to Add Footnotes in Google Slides Properly

Many users find it hard to include references in Google Slides without cluttering their slides or breaking the flow of their presentation. This can make your slides look unprofessional and confuse your audience.

Fortunately, there is a clear way to handle footnotes properly. In this guide, you will learn what footnotes are, how to add them to a single slide or multiple slides, and even include indicators for easy reference. Plus, we’ll show how creating custom themes with SlideStack can make the process even simpler. By following these steps, your slides will stay organised and polished.

What is a footnote?

A footnote is a note placed at the bottom of a slide or page that gives extra information about something in the main content. You mark it with a small number, symbol, or letter next to the text that needs more detail. On Google Slides, footnotes can explain terms, add examples, or give brief instructions without cluttering the main slide. For example, you might add a footnote to define a technical word or show a short tip on using a chart. Footnotes help your audience understand details without overwhelming your slides.

Add a footnote to a single slide

Footnotes let you give extra information without cluttering your slide.

To add one, click on the text box where you want the footnote to appear. Type the footnote number or symbol, then add the note at the bottom of the slide. Keep it small and subtle so it doesn’t distract from your main content. You can adjust the font size, style, and color for clarity and consistency. Position it close to the bottom or corner for a clean look.

Adding a Footnote Indicator

Adding a footnote indicator helps your readers know where extra information or sources are provided. Start by placing the cursor at the point in your text where you want the footnote. Then, insert a superscript number using your word processor’s footnote feature or by manually formatting a number as superscript. If you have multiple references to the same note, use the same number to avoid confusion. Make sure the formatting is consistent throughout your document.

Tip: Keep footnotes brief so they don’t distract from the main text.

Add Footnotes to Several or All Slides

Footnotes can help your audience understand extra details without cluttering your slides. You can add them to a few slides or every slide in your presentation.

Adding Footnotes to All Slides

1. Go to Slide > Edit Slide.
2. Click on the Edit slide at the top of the left panel.
3. Insert a text box at the bottom of the slide.
4. Type your footnote text.
5. Adjust size and position. This will appear on all slides that use this master layout.
6. Close the master view when done.

Editing or Removing Footnotes

• To edit, click the footnote text on a slide or in the master, then make changes.
• To remove, select the text box and press Delete.

Footnotes make your slides more informative while keeping the main content clean.

Keep Your Slides Clean with SlideStack Footnotes

SlideStack makes adding footnotes simple and seamless. With SlideStack, you can insert, edit, or remove footnotes without cluttering your slides. Stay organized, give proper references, and make every presentation look polished. Try SlideStack today and make your slides more professional and easier to follow.

Conclusion: 

Adding footnotes in Google Slides does not have to be tricky. By placing notes carefully and using indicators, you can share extra information without crowding your slides. Whether you add them to one slide or across all slides, footnotes keep your content organised and easy to follow. Tools like SlideStack make the process even simpler, helping your presentation look polished and professional. Start adding footnotes the right way and make your slides clearer for your audience.

FAQs:

How do you format a footer in Slides?

Click on “Insert” in the top menu, then choose “Header & Footer.” Check the “Footer” box, type what you want, and click “Apply” to add it to one slide or “Apply to all” to add it to every slide. You can also change the font, size, and colour by selecting the text in the footer.

How to do a footnote in Google Docs?

Place your cursor where you want the footnote. Go to “Insert” and select “Footnote.” A small number will appear, and you can type your footnote text at the bottom of the page.

How do I add a header in Google Slides?

Google Slides doesn’t have a built-in header feature like Docs. You can create a text box at the top of your slide and type your header. Copy it to other slides if you want it to appear on all slides.

Can I customise footnote formatting?

Yes, you can change the font, size, and colour of footnotes in Google Docs. Highlight the footnote text and use the formatting toolbar. Slides text boxes used as headers or footers can also be customised the same way.

Is there a limit to footnote length?

There isn’t a strict limit, but very long footnotes can be hard to read. Keep them short and focused to make them easy to follow.

Can I collaborate on footnotes?

Yes. If your document is shared, anyone with editing access can add or edit footnotes. Changes appear in real time for all collaborators.

Can I add footnotes on the mobile app?

Yes, the Google Docs mobile app lets you insert footnotes. Tap the “+” icon, then choose “Footnote.” Slides mobile apps do not support footnotes, but you can add text boxes manually.

Can I add links in footnotes?

Yes. Highlight the text in your footnote, click the “Insert link” option, and enter the URL. Readers can click the link directly from the footnote.