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.
Excel Smarts for Beginners! Featuring the friendly and trusted For Dummies style, this popular guide shows beginners how to get up and running with Excel while also helping more experienced users get comfortable with the newest features. Check out Excel 2019 For Dummies today!
Referencing information between cells in a worksheet is a piece of cake using some elemental formulas. You cannot, ...
Discover MoreWhen preparing a worksheet for printing, you may want to include in the header or footer the last date the workbook was ...
Discover MoreWhen printing out a worksheet, you may want Excel to include, in the footer, the date the data was last saved. There is ...
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