Office Settings & Configuration

How to Display Built-In Footnote Styles in Microsoft Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to find and display the built-in Footnote paragraph style, which is hidden by default in the Word Styles pane even after inserting a footnote.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting and managing footnote text and references within a document.
Observed behavior: The Footnote paragraph style does not appear in the default Styles pane view, requiring the user to switch to viewing all styles to access and modify it.

Before you start

Ensure you have the Styles pane enabled in your document view and have inserted at least one footnote so you can immediately preview any style changes you apply.

Solution 1Recommended

Reveal All Styles via the Styles Pane Options

Change the default filter settings of the Styles pane to display all available styles, including hidden footnote styles.

By default, Microsoft Word filters the Styles pane to only show 'Recommended' styles or styles currently in use. Adjusting this filter will reveal the Footnote Reference and Footnote Text styles.

Open the Styles Pane

Navigate to the Home tab on the ribbon and click the small dialog box launcher arrow located in the bottom-right corner of the Styles group.

Access Style Options

Click the 'Options...' button situated at the very bottom right of the Styles pane.

Change Display Settings

In the Style Pane Options dialog, look for the 'Select styles to show' dropdown menu. Change this setting to 'All styles' and click OK.

Quick Formatting: Once visible, you can hover over 'Footnote Text', click the dropdown arrow, and select 'Modify' to easily update your footnote formatting across the entire document.

Solution 2

Find Styles Using the Manage Styles Dialog

Use the Manage Styles tool to sort all document styles alphabetically, making it easy to locate and modify footnote formatting.

Manage Styles Easily

Customize Footnote Styles Effortlessly in WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers an intuitive and accessible Styles and Formatting pane, making it incredibly simple to find, modify, and apply footnote styles. It provides a seamless experience for editing Microsoft Word documents.

1. Insert a Footnote: Go to the References tab in the top ribbon and click on 'Insert Footnote' to add your citation.
2. Open Styles and Formatting: Navigate back to the Home tab and click the 'Styles and Formatting' icon to open the side pane.
3. Show All Styles: At the bottom of the pane, click the 'Show' dropdown and select 'All styles'.
4. Modify Footnote Text: Find 'Footnote Text' in the list, right-click it, and select 'Modify' to customize the font, size, and layout for all footnotes.

Easily access and customize hidden built-in text stylesFully compatible with Microsoft Word DOC and DOCX formats without losing formattingLightweight application with a highly intuitive user interfaceFree alternative packed with robust academic and professional formatting tools

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Footnote style disappear from the Styles pane?

Word typically hides styles that are not actively selected or limits the pane to 'Recommended' styles to keep the workspace uncluttered. You must change the view options to 'All styles' to make them visible.

What is the difference between Footnote Text and Footnote Reference styles?

The 'Footnote Text' style controls the formatting of the actual citation text at the bottom of your page. The 'Footnote Reference' style controls the appearance of the small superscript number or symbol within the main body of your document.

Can I make the Footnote style show up permanently in the Styles gallery?

Yes. Once you have revealed the Footnote style in the Styles pane, hover over it, click the dropdown arrow, and select 'Add to Style Gallery'. It will now remain easily accessible from the Quick Styles gallery on the Home ribbon.

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