Headers and footers are some of the elementary yet essential elements you’ll need to create a professional-looking document. If you use Google Docs to create documents on Windows or Mac using the web app, on your phone or tablet using the Android or iOS app, or on aChromebook, you can easily add headers and footers in a few steps. In this guide, let’s look at how to do just that.

How to use Google Docs Pageless format

Put that extra space to use in Google Docs

How to use headers and footers in Google Docs

The headers and footers feature lets you add headers and footers on every page of your document. For example, if you’re writing a thesis that needs your name or address in the header and footer of each page, you may add it using the headers and footers option.

Add headers and footers in Google Docs web

Insert headers and footers in Google Docs on Android and iOS

If you use the Docs app on an Android tablet or phone, iPhone, or iPad, here’s how to add headers and footers to a document.

One of the drawbacks of adding headers and footers from the Google Docs app on mobile is that you cannot customize the headers and footers like on the web version.

Image shows the Google Docs icon over a blurred screenshot of the Google Docs main page. Many previously made documents are displayed in the background.

Customizing headers and footers in Google Docs

The web app allows you to customize the margins and layout, add page numbers, and add different headers and footers on odd or even pages.

Setting margins allows you to decide how far or near the text needs to be from the start and end of the pages. Here’s how to define margins in Google Docs:

Customize the layout

When you want a different first-page header or different headers and footers on odd and even pages, Google Docs allows you to do that as well.

You can add page numbers in headers or footers and customize them to start from a specific number.

Select the document you want to open in Google Docs

Adding multiple headers and footers

There’s a workaround if you want different headers and footers on different pages. It’s slightly inconvenient, but it works.

You can follow the same process to set different footers on different pages.

To add a header or footer, go to Insert > Headers & footers.

How to add page numbers to Google Docs

In most cases, headers and footers are used to add page numbers to documents. While you can add them using the Options drop-down menu in headers and footers, there’s a direct option and shortcut to do it on the web. It’s also simpler to add page numbers in Google Docs on Android.

Insert page numbers in Google Docs web

If you want to change the alignment of the page numbers, use the Align tool on top or the shortcutsCtrl+Shift+L/E/Rto align numbers to the left, center, or right.

Insert page numbers in the Google Docs app

This option is especially useful in the app as going through the process of adding page numbers manually by turning on the Print layout option could be tedious on a small screen.

Professional-looking documents leave an everlasting impression

While content usually takes the spotlight, several factors, including the formatting of the document, leave an everlasting impact based on how it’s presented. Tidy up your documents and make them easier for your readers to follow with atable of contentsand adocument outline. Then to make your documents shine,use Grammarly on Google Docsto improve your writing and correct errors. And, if you’re new to Google Docs, follow ourtips and tricksto get the most out of the platform.

To remove a header, select Options > Remove header.

Open the Google Docs document you want to add headers or footers