headfoot

Headfoot is a term used in document design to describe the combined area at the top and bottom margins of a page that contains recurring information. In practice, this area encompasses both the header and the footer, though the term headfoot is more commonly used as a design shorthand or in template documentation rather than as a formal typographic designation. The word is formed as a portmanteau of head (the header) and foot (the footer).

Usage and implementation: Most word processors and typesetting systems implement header and footer as separate regions. Designers seeking a consistent look across a document may define a shared style for both regions or provide a single template that applies to head and foot together. In some templating languages and CSS-based paged layouts, a headfoot block is described as a single unit to simplify styling across multiple pages. Content typically included in headfoot areas includes page numbers, running titles or chapter names, author or organization identifiers, dates, and document version information.

Limitations and considerations: The headfoot concept is not standardized across software, so terminology and capabilities vary. Designers should consider accessibility and readability, ensuring sufficient contrast and avoiding clutter in both header and footer regions, especially on small screens or printed materials. When possible, the two regions should preserve alignment and consistent typography to maintain a cohesive page design.

See also: header, footer, running head, running footer, page layout, LaTeX fancyhdr, CSS Paged Media.