What is the purpose of a footer in a Word document?

The purpose of a footer in a Word document is to include information that appears at the bottom of every page. This typically consists of elements such as page numbers, dates, author's name, or any other relevant information that the creator wants to consistently display throughout the document. Footers are useful for maintaining uniformity and providing the reader with contextual details that enhance navigation and understanding of the document.

Headings, which are mentioned in another option, serve a different role by acting as titles or subtitles for different sections within the content, aiding in organizing the main body of the text. A table of contents, found in yet another option, is a separate section that offers an overview of the document's structure but does not reside at the bottom of each page. Finally, listing references is a specific task typically reserved for a bibliography or references section rather than a footer, which is intended for brief informational updates at the bottom of the pages.