Formatting Issues

How to Make Footnote References Superscript in Microsoft Word

Bushra Parveen Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to format footnote reference numbers as superscript because they are displaying as normal-sized text.

How to Make Footnote References Superscript in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Inserting and formatting footnotes in a Word document, specifically when working in Word for the web.
Observed behavior: Footnote reference numbers appear as normal, full-sized text instead of exponent-style superscript, particularly when viewed or edited in Word for the web.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to the desktop version of Microsoft Word, as Word for the web has limited styling options and may not display footnote superscripts correctly in editing mode.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Word Desktop Application to Modify the Footnote Reference Style

Switching from Word for the web to the desktop application allows you to access advanced style controls and properly apply superscript formatting to all footnotes.

Word for the web is a simplified version of the software and often displays complex formatting, like footnote superscript, as regular text during editing. To permanently fix and manage this style, you need the full desktop application.

Open in Desktop App

If you are currently in Word for the web, click the 'Viewing' or 'Editing' button at the top ribbon and select 'Open in Desktop App' to launch the full version of Microsoft Word.

Open the Styles Pane

In the desktop application, go to the 'Home' tab and click the small diagonal arrow icon in the bottom right corner of the 'Styles' group to open the Styles pane.

Modify the Footnote Reference Style

At the bottom of the Styles pane, click the 'Manage Styles' icon. In the alphabetical list, find and select 'Footnote Reference', then click 'Modify'.

Apply Superscript Formatting

In the Modify Style window, click the 'Format' button at the bottom left and select 'Font'. Check the box for 'Superscript' under the Effects section, then click 'OK' twice to apply the changes.

Use the Word Desktop Application to Modify the Footnote Reference Style

Style Updated: Applying the superscript effect directly to the Footnote Reference style ensures that all future footnotes inserted in the document will automatically use the correct superscript format.

Format Footnotes Perfectly with WPS Writer

If you are frustrated by the limitations of web-based word processors, WPS Writer offers a full-featured, free desktop experience. It automatically formats footnote references as superscript and provides precise control over all document styles.

1. Open your Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your existing document or create a new one.
2. Insert a Footnote: Navigate to the 'References' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Insert Footnote'.
3. Automatic Formatting: WPS Writer will automatically insert the footnote reference number in perfect superscript format without requiring any manual style adjustments.
4. Manual Superscript (Optional): To manually apply superscript to any regular text, simply highlight it, go to the 'Home' tab, and click the 'Superscript' icon (X²) or press Ctrl + Shift + +.

Completely free desktop application with robust styling toolsFully compatible with Microsoft Word .docx formats and stylesAutomatically formats footnotes and endnotes as superscriptLightweight program that launches quickly and runs smoothly

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my footnotes look like regular text in Word for the web?

Word for the web prioritizes speed and basic editing, so it strips back some of the visual rendering in Editing View. While footnotes may appear as normal text while you type, they are usually preserved as superscript in the document's underlying code.

Will my footnotes print as superscript if I print from Word for the web?

Yes. Even if they appear as normal text in Editing View, Word for the web will usually render them correctly as superscript when you switch to Reading View, export to PDF, or print the document.

Is there a keyboard shortcut to make text superscript?

Yes. In the desktop versions of both Microsoft Word and WPS Writer, you can highlight the footnote number or any text and press 'Ctrl + Shift + +' (Control, Shift, and the Plus key) to instantly apply superscript formatting.

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