Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Margin Notes in Word.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 21, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365
While Word does have a powerful footnote and endnote capability, it does not have a native margin note capability. You can, however, use other features of Word to simulate margin notes. For instance, you can create a two-column table and use the left column for notes and the right column for text (or vice versa).
You could also use text boxes, shapes, or columns to simulate margin notes. Each of these is appropriate under differing circumstances, and you may want to try each to see if you get the desired effect. As an example, using columnar text may work great until you have a margin note that runs longer than the paragraph in which the note is referenced.
Another way to handle margin notes is to use a third-party Word add-on that provides the feature. These products will often use some variation of the text box or frame method of adding the notes.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (10934) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Margin Notes in Word.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
Enter a page break in Word, and that page break may not appear on the screen as you expect it to appear. This has to do ...
Discover MoreGetting your document onto paper is the whole purpose of word processing. Here are some concepts that are important when ...
Discover MorePage numbers are a common addition to documents, and a great aid to readers. If you want to easily format page numbers, ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here:
Comments