Removing a header in Word 2013 is a breeze. Simply double-click the header area to open the Header & Footer Tools. Under the Design tab, click on the Header button and select Remove Header. Voila! Your document is now header-free.
After completing this action, the header space will be removed from your document. This means that any content that was previously in the header will no longer be visible. Your document will start from the top of the page without any space reserved for the header.
Introduction
Headers are like the top hats of your documents – they sit up there, often going unnoticed, but when you want to get rid of them, it can become a bit of a head-scratcher. Whether you’re a student polishing up an essay, a professional drafting a report, or just someone tinkering with a Word document, knowing how to remove a header in Word 2013 is a handy skill to have up your sleeve.
Headers can be helpful for adding important information like page numbers, titles, or your name, but there are times when they’re just not necessary. Maybe you’re aiming for a minimalist look, or you need to adhere to strict formatting rules for a submission. Whatever the reason, removing a header can clean up your document and make it look just the way you want it to. Plus, it’s not just about aesthetics. Sometimes, headers can take up valuable space, or you might need to repurpose a document and start afresh. So let’s get down to business and learn how to remove that header!
Step by Step Tutorial: Removing a Header in Word 2013
The following steps will guide you through the process of removing a header from your Word 2013 document.
Step 1: Open the Header Section
Double-click the header area at the top of your document page.
When you double-click the header, the Header & Footer Tools will appear, and you’ll notice that the rest of the document is greyed out. This indicates that you’re now working in the header space.
Step 2: Access the Header & Footer Tools
Look for the Design tab that appears when the Header & Footer Tools are activated.
This special Design tab is only available when you’re working in the header or footer of your document. It contains all the tools you’ll need for editing these areas.
Step 3: Remove the Header
Click on the Header button in the Design tab and select Remove Header from the dropdown menu.
After clicking Remove Header, the content of the header will disappear. If you had any text, images, or other information in your header, it will all be gone.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Simplified Document | Removing a header can give your document a cleaner, more simplified look, which may be preferable for certain types of documents or formatting styles. |
| More Space | Without a header, you gain extra space at the top of your document. This can be useful for fitting more content onto a page or adjusting the layout of your document. |
| Flexibility | Removing headers provides flexibility in repurposing documents for different uses where the header content may no longer be relevant or needed. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Lost Information | If your header contains important information, removing it can result in losing that content unless you relocate it within the document. |
| Consistency Issues | For multi-page documents, removing headers can disrupt the consistency and flow, making it harder for readers to navigate through the pages. |
| Formatting Challenges | Some documents require headers for proper formatting. Removing them may cause issues with document structure and appearance, especially for professional or official documents. |
Additional Information
When you’re working with headers in Word 2013, it’s important to remember that headers can be different for each section of your document. This means that if you have a multi-section document, you might need to remove headers from each section separately. Additionally, keep in mind that headers can also contain footers, so if you’ve got a footer that needs to go, the process is just as simple as removing a header. Sometimes, clicking on ‘Remove Header’ doesn’t do the trick because of how the header was initially created or formatted, especially if it involves different sections or linked headers. In this case, you might have to select the content in the header manually and delete it. It’s also worth noting that understanding how to remove a header can come in handy when dealing with documents received from others that need to be edited or reformatted.
Summary
- Double-click the header area to open the Header & Footer Tools.
- Access the Design tab in the Header & Footer Tools.
- Click on the Header button and select Remove Header.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the header doesn’t disappear after I click Remove Header?
You may need to manually select the content within the header and press the delete key on your keyboard.
Will removing the header affect the footer as well?
No, removing the header will not automatically remove the footer. If you wish to remove the footer, you will need to follow similar steps within the footer area.
Can I undo the removal of a header?
Yes, you can press Ctrl + Z to undo the removal of a header, or you can reinsert a header using the Header button in the Design tab.
What happens if my document has multiple sections with different headers?
You will need to remove the headers from each section individually by following the same steps outlined above.
Can I remove headers only from certain pages?
Yes, you can set up different headers for different sections and then remove them selectively from the pages you want.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of removing a header in Word 2013 is like adding a new weapon to your word processing arsenal. Whether you’re tidying up a document, adhering to formatting guidelines, or just seeking a change of document scenery, knowing how to eliminate that header can make all the difference. Remember to consider the layout and the purpose of your document when deciding whether to remove the header. And if you ever find yourself in a bind, just recall the simple steps we’ve discussed. Happy editing, and may your documents always be as neat and header-free as you desire!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.