What is the function of a footer in a document?

The function of a footer in a document is to provide information at the bottom of each page, which often includes page numbers. Footers serve to ensure that readers can easily understand the context of each page, especially in longer documents. They are consistent and repeat on multiple pages, making it easier for readers to navigate through the document. While footers can contain other information, such as the date or author's name, a common and primary purpose is displaying page numbers to help readers keep track of their place in the document.

In contrast, footers do not create headers, which are typically located at the top of the page, nor do they provide space for calculations, which is more functionally associated with tables or spreadsheets. Including the title of the document is generally the role of headers or covers, rather than footers, which focus on information that helps with navigation and identification at the bottom of the page.