When you’re writing academic papers, articles, or technical documentation in Microsoft Word, inserting footnotes is a common and crucial part of formatting. The Word footnote shortcut makes this process fast and efficient—saving time and allowing you to focus on your content. Whether you are using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, there’s a quick keyboard shortcut to insert footnotes instantly without taking your hands off the keyboard.
What Is a Footnote in Word?
A footnote is a note placed at the bottom of a page that provides extra information or citations related to a specific part of the main text. Microsoft Word allows users to add footnotes quickly using built-in tools or keyboard shortcuts, keeping your writing clean and professional.
Word Footnote Shortcut for Windows
For Microsoft Word on Windows, inserting a footnote can be done with a single keyboard combination:
- Shortcut:
Alt + Ctrl + F
This command instantly inserts a new footnote reference at the cursor’s position and drops you down to the footnote section so you can start typing your citation or explanation.
Helpful Tip: You can also access footnotes manually by going to References > Insert Footnote, but using the shortcut speeds things up significantly.
Word Footnote Shortcut for macOS
On macOS, Microsoft Word has its own dedicated keyboard shortcut for inserting footnotes:
- Shortcut:
Command + Option + F
This functions exactly like on Windows—placing a superscript number in your text and creating the corresponding footnote area at the bottom of the page.
Note: Be careful not to confuse this with the endnote shortcut, which is slightly different (Command + Option + E).
Footnote Shortcut for Ubuntu (Linux Users)
Most Ubuntu users do not have native Microsoft Word support, but you can use compatible editors or Word Online:
If you’re using Microsoft Word Online:
- Shortcut:
Ctrl + Alt + F(Same as Windows, works in most browsers)
If using LibreOffice Writer (default word processor on Ubuntu):
- Shortcut:
Ctrl + Alt + F
LibreOffice uses a nearly identical shortcut for inserting footnotes, which helps maintain a consistent workflow for Linux users.
Comparison Table: Word Footnote Shortcuts Across Platforms
| Platform | Shortcut | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Alt + Ctrl + F | Microsoft Word |
| macOS | Command + Option + F | Microsoft Word |
| Ubuntu/Linux | Ctrl + Alt + F | LibreOffice / Word Online |
How to Customize Footnote Shortcuts in Word
If the default shortcut doesn’t suit you, Microsoft Word allows customization:
On Windows:
- Go to
File > Options > Customize Ribbon - Click on
Customize Keyboard - Under “Categories,” select
References - Locate
InsertFootnoteand assign a new shortcut
On Mac:
- Navigate to
Tools > Customize Keyboard - Search for
InsertFootnote - Change the shortcut as preferred
On Ubuntu (LibreOffice):
- Go to
Tools > Customize > Keyboard - Under
Category, findInsert - Assign a custom shortcut for
Insert Footnote
Best Practices When Using Footnotes
- Keep them concise and relevant—avoid turning footnotes into full paragraphs.
- Use them for citations, definitions, or extra information that doesn’t belong in the main text.
- Be consistent with your footnote style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
- Avoid excessive footnotes that may disrupt the reading flow.
Why Use a Keyboard Shortcut for Footnotes?
- Efficiency: Inserting footnotes with a shortcut saves time during editing.
- Professionalism: Ensures your documents remain well-organized and credible.
- Focus: You won’t have to move away from the keyboard or open extra menus.
- Cross-platform support: The feature is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Other Related Keyboard Shortcuts for Word
| Action | Windows | macOS | Ubuntu (LibreOffice) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insert Endnote | Alt + Ctrl + D | Command + Option + E | Ctrl + Alt + D |
| Open Footnote Dialog | Alt + S, F | Menu navigation | LibreOffice menu |
| Undo Last Action | Ctrl + Z | Command + Z | Ctrl + Z |
| Redo Last Action | Ctrl + Y | Command + Y | Ctrl + Shift + Z |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the default shortcut for inserting a footnote in Word?
On Windows, it’s Alt + Ctrl + F, and on macOS, it’s Command + Option + F.
Can I insert a footnote in Word Online?
Yes, using the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + F or via the “References” tab.
Is it possible to change the footnote shortcut in Word?
Yes, both Windows and Mac versions of Word let you customize keyboard shortcuts through the settings.
What’s the difference between a footnote and an endnote?
Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page, while endnotes are collected at the end of the document.
Does LibreOffice support footnote shortcuts?
Absolutely. Use Ctrl + Alt + F to insert a footnote in LibreOffice Writer on Linux.
Why isn’t my shortcut working?
Make sure you’re in the main body of text. Also check if the shortcut is overridden by another system function or custom keybinding.
Conclusion
The Word footnote shortcut is a small yet powerful tool for anyone writing academic, technical, or research-heavy content. With quick and consistent access across Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu, it simplifies document formatting and boosts productivity. Whether you’re inserting a citation or adding a comment for clarity, mastering this shortcut is a must for every writer.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
Advertisment