How to add a header or footer in Microsoft PowerPoint slides

Updated: 06/06/2021 by Computer Hope

In Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 and newer versions, you can insert a header on notes, pages, and printed handouts. You may also add a header and footer to your slides. These elements stay at the top or bottom of each page or slide and are edited separately from the main slide area.

They may include the date and time the slides were created or published, the slide or page number, and custom text. Headers appear at the top of pages, footers appear at the bottom of slides and pages, and they can be used simultaneously.

Note

These instructions apply to PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2013, PowerPoint 2010, and PowerPoint 2007.

How to add a header or footer

  1. In the Ribbon, click the Insert tab.

Insert tab in Microsoft PowerPoint

  1. In the Text section, click Header & Footer.

Add header or footer in Microsoft PowerPoint

  1. In the Header & Footer window, on the Slide tab, check the box for Date and time, Slide number, and Footer to add those elements to the footer of each slide. The Footer option lets you enter custom text to display in the footer.

Add footer elements to slides in Microsoft PowerPoint

Note

On slides, you can only add elements to the footer. There is no header for slides. The header is only available for notes pages and printed handouts.

  1. To add elements to the header and footer of notes pages and printed handouts of the slides, in the Header & Footer window, click the Notes and Handouts tab.
  2. Check the box for Date and time, Page number, Header, and Footer to add those elements. The Header and Footer options allow you to enter custom text to display in the header and footer.

Add header and footer elements to notes pages and printed handouts in Microsoft PowerPoint

  1. To apply the selected header and footer elements to all slides, notes pages, and printed handouts, click Apply to All.
  2. To make additional footer and header edits, click the Insert tab in the Ribbon, if not already selected, and click the Header & Footer option to open the Header and Footer window again.

How to remove a header or footer

To remove a header or footer, follow these steps.

  1. In the Ribbon, click the Insert tab, and click the Header & Footer option in the Text section.

Add header or footer in Microsoft PowerPoint

  1. On the Slide tab, uncheck the box for each currently selected element.

Remove footer elements from slides in Microsoft PowerPoint

  1. Click the Notes and Handouts tab, and uncheck the box for each currently selected element.

Remove header and footer elements from notes pages and printed handouts in Microsoft PowerPoint

  1. Click the Apply to All button to remove the header or footer.