Create and manage footnotes

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to create footnotes in Adobe InDesign to add, format, and control footnotes across your document.

Footnotes include a reference number in the document text and corresponding note text at the bottom of the column. Adobe InDesign automatically manages footnote numbering and updates references as content changes, while allowing control over footnote formatting, numbering, and layout.

Place the insertion point where you want the footnote reference number to appear in your text.

Select Type > Insert Footnote.

Type the footnote text in the footnote area that appears at the bottom of the column. If the footnote exceeds the available space, it continues in the next threaded frame or column.