Blank Footnotes
Simple plugin to show footnotes using markdown notation.
The facts
- Rating
- 5★ from 6
- Active installs
- 300+
- Price
- Free
- Last updated
- 13 Aug 2026
- Added
- Feb 2016
- Requires WP
- 4.4
- Tested up to
- WP 7.1
- Requires PHP
- 7.4
- Downloads
- 8,604
Our analysis
AI-assistedBlank Footnotes is a WordPress plugin that enables you to create footnotes using markdown notation. It is specifically designed for footnotes only, allowing you to insert them directly into your content without affecting the surrounding text. The plugin is compatible with Gutenberg, although users must enter codes directly in that editor, while the button appears in the Classic Editor.
The plugin requires no configuration and is recommended to be used alongside a caching plugin due to its markdown parsing process. Users can also customize the layout of footnotes through CSS to manage spacing and display options effectively.
Best for: This plugin suits writers and content creators who need to include footnotes in their WordPress posts.
What it does well
- ✓Allows creation of footnotes using markdown notation
- ✓No configuration required for use
- ✓Compatible with Gutenberg and Classic Editor
- ✓Customizable footnote layout with CSS
- ✓Free to use from the WordPress.org directory
Where it falls short
- •Only supports footnotes, no other markdown tags
- •Requires manual entry of codes in Gutenberg
- •Might need a caching plugin for optimal performance
Verdict
Blank Footnotes is a straightforward tool for adding footnotes to your content using markdown. It is particularly useful for those who prefer a simple solution without additional configuration.
From the developer
Corrado Franco's own description of Blank Footnotes, lightly tidied.
This plugin allows one to create footnotes by using markdown notation.
It is for footnotes only. No other markdown tag is taken into account
Example:
I have more [^1] to say up here.
[^1]: To say down here.
If used with jetpack and enabled markdown, it only shows the buttons without modifying the text content.
Unlike jetpack-markdown, footnotes will appear in the exact point where they have been inserted. To go back to text mode click on the footnote number.
N.B
This plugin also works with Gutenberg. But the button only appears in the Classic Editor.
For now with Gutenberg enter the codes directly.
Configuration
No configuration is necessary.
Considering that this plugin, like others working with “markdown”, parsing the page every time I load it, I highly recommend using a caching plugin.
Customizing Footnote Layout
If you want the footnote number to be logically separated from the note (for CSS targeting) but want to prevent unwanted line breaks or extra spacing caused by WordPress’s automatic paragraphs, you can add the following CSS to your theme:
/* Ensure the footnote stays inline or as a specific block */
p > span.footnote {
display: inline-block;
}
/* Remove extra spacing from the paragraph containing the footnote */
p:has(> span.footnote) {
margin-bottom: 0;
margin-top: 0;
padding: 0;
}