Know and understand the purpose of headers and footers

Topic 13 – Layout

Objective

Know and understand the purpose of headers and footers in a document or web page.

What are Headers and Footers?

• Header: The top section of each page that usually contains information that should appear on every page.
• Footer: The bottom section of each page that also contains recurring information.

Typical Content

Section	Common Elements	Purpose
Header	Document title, chapter heading, logo, page number, date	Provides context and navigation aid for the reader
Footer	Page number, file name, copyright notice, contact details, footnotes	Offers reference information and legal details, helps locate the page within the document

Why Use Headers and Footers?

1. Consistency – the same information appears on every page, reinforcing branding or structure.
2. Navigation – page numbers and headings help readers find specific sections quickly.
3. Professional appearance – documents look more polished and are easier to read.
4. Legal and copyright compliance – footers can contain necessary legal statements.

Best Practice Checklist

• Keep the design simple; avoid clutter.
• Use a legible font size (usually 9‑12 pt for footers).
• Align page numbers consistently (e.g., centre or right‑aligned).
• Include the document title or chapter name in the header for context.
• Update dynamic fields (date, page number) automatically.

Creating Headers and Footers in Common Software

Below is a brief overview of steps for two widely used applications.

Software	Steps to Insert Header/Footer
Microsoft Word	Open the Insert tab. Click Header or Footer. Choose a built‑in style or select Edit Header/Footer. Insert desired elements (text, page number, date). Close the header/footer area.
Google Docs	Go to Insert → Header & page number → Header (or Footer). Type the required information. Use Insert → Page number for automatic numbering. Click outside the header/footer to return to the main document.

Suggested Classroom Activity

Students will create a two‑page report on a chosen topic. They must:

• Insert a header containing the report title and their name.
• Insert a footer with page numbers and the date.
• Apply the best practice checklist to ensure consistency.

After completion, each student will peer‑review another’s document, checking for correct use of headers and footers.

Assessment Questions

1. List three pieces of information that are commonly placed in a header.
2. Explain why page numbers are usually placed in the footer rather than the body of the text.
3. Describe two ways a header can help a reader navigate a multi‑chapter document.