Enhance Notepad: Customizing Headers and Footers on Windows

Notepad, displayed charmingly as the digital notepad of yore, gets a makeover with new capabilities for header and footer customization. Introduced across Windows 10 and Windows 11, these features are particularly handy for users who might want to add some flair to their printed documents. Let's dive into how to navigate these new commands and maximize the potential of your Notepad experience.

Overview of Header and Footer Commands​

By default, Notepad employs two commands for headers and footers:

• Headers: Displays the document title (&f)
• Footers: Displays the page number (Page &p)

These format strings are simple yet effective, providing core functionality for documents intended for print. Unfortunately, this configuration doesn't allow for saved settings, meaning that these commands need to be re-entered each time you wish to print.

How to Change Headers and Footers​

Step-by-Step Process:​

1. Open Notepad: Click on the Notepad icon or search for it in the Start menu.
2. Navigate to Page Setup:
   • Click on the File menu.
   • Select Page Setup from the dropdown.
3. Enter Desired Commands:
   • You will find two text boxes: one for the Header and another for the Footer.
   • Here’s a quick rundown of useful commands that you can use:
     • &l: Left-align the subsequent text.
     • &c: Center the subsequent text.
     • &r: Right-align the subsequent text.
     • &d: Print the current date.
     • &t: Print the current time.
     • &f: Print the name of the document.
     • &p: Print the page number.
4. Insert Your Text: In the relevant box, input the text that you want to show in the header or footer. If you choose to leave either box empty, that will result in no header or footer being printed at all.

Important Note:​

When entering commands, remember that if your formatting code isn’t the first item in the Header text box, the header will default to being centered. Therefore, to left-align a title, you should start with the left alignment command followed by your text, like this: &lTitle text.

Why This Matters​

For many users, adding a header or footer isn't just about aesthetics—it’s about organization and professionalism in documentation. Whether you’re printing out reports, essays, or simple notes, having a clear title or page numbering can enhance the readability and presentation of your work.
While Notepad may not hold a candle to full-fledged word processors like Microsoft Word when it comes to feature sets, the utility it provides through simple updates like these makes it increasingly relevant for basic document creation and printing tasks.

Real-World Applications​

Imagine you’re a student preparing notes for a presentation or a professional drafting important reports. Incorporating headers or footers could give your work that extra touch of detail, ensuring clarity for both you and your audience.
Think about times when you may have printed multiple pages of text. Headers ensure that every page contains the title, while footers with page numbers prevent confusion about the sequence of information.

Conclusion​

The ability to customize headers and footers in Notepad may seem like a small update, but it expands the applicability of a beloved application. As frequent users of Notepad, you now have tools to enhance your printed documents with titles and pagination, meeting both aesthetic and functional needs.
For ongoing discussions, troubleshooting tips, or sharing your experiences, feel free to jump into the chats here at WindowsForum.com—join your fellow users in refining the art of digital document creation!
Source: Microsoft Support Change Header and Footer Commands in Notepad - Microsoft Support