SharePoint Document Issues

Fix SharePoint Word Documents Opening Without Headers and Footers

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

Understand why headers and footers are not visible when opening SharePoint Word documents and how to display the full document layout.

How to View Headers and Footers in SharePoint Word Documents

Product: Microsoft Word (Web and Desktop), SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening and editing DOCX files stored on or downloaded from a read-only SharePoint communication site.
Observed behavior: Documents open in Separate view or Web view by default, causing headers and footers to be hidden during the editing process.

Before you start

Verify whether you are currently viewing the document in Word for the web or the Word desktop application, as the default view settings and capabilities differ significantly between the two.

Solution 1Recommended

Switch to Reading or Print Mode in Word for the Web

Word for the web intentionally hides headers and footers during standard editing to save screen space, but they can be previewed in specific view modes.

When you edit a document in Word for the web, it uses a simplified 'Separate view' that streamlines the interface by hiding page margins, headers, and footers. The content is still there and will print correctly.

Open View Settings

With your document open in Word for the web, click on the 'View' tab located in the top ribbon menu.

Change the Layout Mode

Select 'Reading View' from the ribbon. This mode disables editing but displays the document exactly as it will print, including all headers and footers.

Edit Headers Directly

If you need to edit the hidden header, go to the 'Insert' tab, click 'Header & Footer', and type directly into the pane that appears.

Switch to Reading or Print Mode in Word for the Web

Feedback to Microsoft: If you prefer a persistent Print Layout view in the web version, you can use the Microsoft feedback tools under the Help menu to request this feature.

Solution 2

Open the Document in the Word Desktop Application

For a complete layout experience where headers and footers remain fully visible while you type, transition from the web view to the desktop application.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Downloaded SharePoint Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

Tired of missing headers, footers, and limited layouts in web-based word processors? Download WPS Office to edit your DOCX files locally with full Print Layout support. It perfectly renders complex document formatting and is completely free.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
2. Open Your SharePoint File: Locate the DOCX file you downloaded from your SharePoint site, right-click it, and select 'Open with WPS Writer'.
3. Enjoy Full Print Layout: WPS Writer defaults to a standard Print Layout, instantly displaying all headers, footers, and page margins as you edit.

Free, lightweight, and fast-loading office suite100% compatible with Microsoft Word DOCX, DOTX, and DOTM formatsAlways displays full document layouts including headers and footers nativelyFamiliar ribbon interface requires zero learning curve

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my downloaded SharePoint DOCX file default to Web Layout in the desktop app?

Word often remembers the last view state the document was saved in. If it was heavily edited or saved in a web environment, the desktop app might default to Web Layout. You can easily switch this by navigating to View > Print Layout.

Are my headers and footers deleted if I can't see them in Word for the web?

No, your headers and footers are safely preserved in the DOCX file. Word for the web simply hides them in the standard editing view to maximize your screen space for typing.

Can I use DOTX or DOTM templates directly in Word for the web?

Word templates (DOTX and DOTM formats) have very limited functionality in Word for the web. For proper template rendering and formatting, you should download the file or open it using a compatible desktop application.

Document & File Issues