Headers & Footers
Create, edit, and customize headers and footers in Microsoft Word. Insert preset headers, add dates, page numbers, and format different first pages.
Video
Watch the lesson video, then complete the reading and challenge.
Lesson Notes
Read through the key concepts before you try the challenge.
Creating a Header
Go to Insert → Header. Choose a built-in style or select Blank to create your own header.
Working with Preset Header Placeholders
Built-in headers include content controls such as [Document Title]. Click inside the placeholder to replace it with your own text.
To remove the placeholder entirely, right-click the field and choose Remove Content Control.
Editing a Header
Double-click at the top of the page to open the header area. The Header & Footer Tools Design tab will appear.
Inserting Date & Time
Click Date & Time inside the header. Choose a format and check Update automatically if needed.
Adding Page Numbers
Go to Insert → Page Number and choose placement and alignment.
Different First Page
Select Different First Page from the Design tab to remove the header from the first page only.
Removing a Header
To remove the header entirely, go to Insert → Header → Remove Header.
Closing the Header Area
Click Close Header and Footer to return to the main document.
Completed Example
Knowledge Check
What is the purpose of a header in a Word document?
Practice File
Download this file and follow along with the lesson.
Challenge
Apply what you've learned in this lesson.
Complete the following tasks:
- Insert a preset header.
- Replace the placeholder text with your name.
- Remove any remaining content control boxes.
- Insert today’s date and set it to update automatically.
- Add page numbers to the bottom right.
- Make the first page header different.
- Close the Header & Footer tools properly.