Accessible Word (implementation guide)

2.5. Footnotes, endnotes and references

Footnotes, endnotes and references are functions in Microsoft Word that can be found under the "References" tab. Footnotes are short notes that are displayed at the end of a page, while endnotes are displayed at the end of the document. References are links to other places in the document, such as page numbers or headings. These features allow readers to obtain additional information on a particular topic and to better understand the content of the document.

If footnotes, endnotes and references are used, these should be created using Word templates to ensure the reading order and references in the document. This is particularly helpful for recipients who use speech output or a screen reader and improves the readability and comprehensibility of a document, especially for recipients who have the document read to them and only navigate using the keyboard.

Without using the "References" functions in Word, it can be difficult to ensure consistent and easy-to-read formatting of footnotes and references. This can lead to difficulties when someone tries to read or edit the text, especially if they have a visual impairment or motor impairment. For example, if the footnotes and references are not numbered or are in different places on the page, it may be difficult for that person to find and read them.

To use footnotes, endnotes and references in a Word document, proceed as follows:

1. Place the cursor at the point in the text where the footnote or reference is to be inserted.
2. Click on the "References" tab and select the appropriate option (footnote, endnote or reference).
3. Enter the text of the footnote or reference and format it accordingly.
4. If you want to create a link, select the text you want to refer to and click on "Insert link".
5. Select the desired reference type (page number, heading, figure and so on) and click on "OK".