In the previous tip you learned about the different command codes you can use to insert data in your headers and footers. There are also a number of formatting command codes you can use. These codes, again, begin with an ampersand:
| Code | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| &L | Start left alignment | |
| &C | Start center alignment | |
| &R | Start right alignment | |
| &"fontname" | Change to designated font (quotes are necessary) | |
| &nn | Two-digit font size to use, in points | |
| &B | Bold (toggle on or off) | |
| &I | Italics (toggle on or off) | |
| &U | Underline (toggle on or off) | |
| &E | Double underline (toggle on or off) | |
| &S | Strikethrough (toggle on or off) | |
| &X | Superscript (toggle on or off) | |
| &Y | Subscript (toggle on or off) |
Command codes can be joined together on a line to achieve the desired result. For instance, if you wanted your footer to be a left-aligned, bold, and underlined current date, you would enter &L&B&U&D. You should note that it doesn't matter where you insert this information; the codes override where you enter it. Thus, if these codes were entered in the Center portion of the header or footer, the command codes would still place the date in the left portion, as you directed.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2057) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Best-Selling VBA Tutorial for Beginners Take your Excel knowledge to the next level. With a little background in VBA programming, you can go well beyond basic spreadsheets and functions. Use macros to reduce errors, save time, and integrate with other Microsoft applications. Fully updated for the latest version of Office 365. Check out Microsoft 365 Excel VBA Programming For Dummies today!
Applying color to the text in your headers and footers is a bit of a dream in some versions of Excel. Here's an overview ...
Discover MoreYou can easily create headers and footers for multiple worksheets by working with a selection set of the worksheets you ...
Discover MoreReferencing information between cells in a worksheet is a piece of cake using some elemental formulas. You cannot, ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, 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 Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments