Adding footers in Excel is an important way to make your worksheets more professional and organized. Footers can include page numbers, dates, file names, or custom text, helping readers understand and navigate your documents easily.
In this article, we will explore multiple methods to create and customize footers in Excel, including step-by-step instructions using Page Layout view, the Page Setup dialog box, and VBA macros, along with a sample dataset to follow along easily. Let’s get started.
Steps to create a custom footer in Excel:
➤ Go to the View tab and select Page Layout to switch to Page Layout view.
➤ Scroll to the bottom of the worksheet and click anywhere in the footer area.
➤ Type your desired text into the Left, Center, or Right sections.
➤ Use buttons in the Header & Footer Elements group to insert dynamic elements like Page Number, Number of Pages, Date, or File Name.
➤ Click anywhere on the worksheet to apply changes.
Creating a Footer Using Page Layout View from View Tab
The Page Layout View gives you a direct way to design and preview your footer right on the worksheet. You can immediately see how your text or dynamic elements like page numbers and dates will appear when printed. This method is ideal for users who prefer a live, visual experience, as it lets you adjust spacing, placement, and formatting in real time without switching between dialogs. It’s particularly useful for creating reports, dashboards, or templates that need a precise layout.
Steps:
➤ Go to the View tab and select Page Layout to switch to Page Layout view.
➤ Scroll to the bottom of the worksheet and click anywhere in the footer area.
➤ Type your desired text into the Left, Center, or Right sections.
➤ Use buttons in the Header & Footer Elements group to insert dynamic elements like Page Number, Number of Pages, Date, or File Name.
➤ Click anywhere on the worksheet to apply changes.
Your footer now appears exactly as designed, and you can see it live on the worksheet.
Customizing a Footer Using the Page Setup Dialog Box
If you prefer a settings-based approach, the Page Setup dialog box gives you structured control over your footer’s layout. Instead of editing directly on the worksheet, you configure everything within a dialog window, ensuring uniformity across worksheets. This method is ideal for users who value precision and consistency, as it allows you to manage Left, Center, and Right footer sections in a controlled environment. It’s especially helpful for professional reports or print layouts where accuracy and alignment matter.
Steps:
➤ Go to the Page Layout tab and click the small Dialog Box Launcher in the bottom-right corner of the Page Setup group.
➤ In the Page Setup dialog box, select the Header/Footer tab.
➤ Click Custom Footer to open the footer editing dialog.
➤ Type your text in the Left, Center, or Right sections.
➤ Use the buttons to insert dynamic elements like Page Number, Date, File Name, or Sheet Name.
➤ Click OK to close the Custom Footer dialog box, then OK again to apply changes.
The footer is now applied according to your specifications, ready for printing or PDF export.
Adding a Footer Using VBA Macro
If you frequently prepare similar reports or manage multi-sheet workbooks, VBA offers a quick, automated solution for adding consistent footers. With a simple macro, you can apply custom text, page numbers, or company branding to every worksheet in seconds. This method is ideal for automation enthusiasts or professionals handling recurring reports, as it removes the need for repetitive manual edits while ensuring uniform formatting throughout your workbook.
Steps:
➤ Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA Editor.
➤ Go to Insert >> Module to add a new module.
➤ Paste the following VBA code:
Sub AddCustomFooter()
Dim ws As Worksheet
For Each ws In ThisWorkbook.Sheets
ws.PageSetup.LeftFooter = "Code Exceptional"
ws.PageSetup.CenterFooter = "Monthly Sales Report"
ws.PageSetup.RightFooter = "Page &P of &N"
Next ws
End Sub
➤ Press F5 key to execute the macro.
➤ Switch to Page Layout view to verify the footer has been applied to all worksheets.
Now, all sheets have uniform footers automatically, saving time and ensuring consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I insert images in the Excel footer?
Yes, Excel allows adding images in footers through the Insert Picture button in the custom footer dialog. You can include logos or small icons, but image size and placement may require adjustment for proper printing.
How can I add dynamic page numbers in footers?
To insert page numbers automatically, use the Page Number button in the footer dialog or type &[Page] in the left, center, or right section. This ensures each page updates its number correctly when printing.
Will the footer appear in printed documents?
Yes, any footer created in Excel is visible in print previews, printed pages, and PDF exports. This helps maintain a professional look for reports and ensures consistent information at the bottom of every page.
Can I use formulas or calculations in footers?
No, Excel footers do not support formulas. You can only insert static text, dynamic elements like page numbers, file name, or date, but any calculations or conditional content must appear in the worksheet itself.
How do I remove or clear a footer in Excel?
To remove a footer, go to Page Layout >> Header/Footer >> Custom Footer, then delete all text or dynamic elements from the left, center, and right sections. Click OK to apply the changes immediately.
Wrapping Up
In this tutorial, we explored multiple ways to create a custom footer in Excel, including Page Layout view, Page Setup dialog, and VBA macros. You learned how to insert text, dynamic elements, and maintain professional reports with ease. Feel free to download the practice file and share your feedback.
