Add a widget to all pages at once using the header and footer

Google Sites does not have a single "add to all pages" button. Instead, you place widgets in the header or footer area, which appears on every page automatically. This is the fastest way to add something like a navigation menu, contact form, or announcement banner to your whole site without editing each page separately.

The header sits at the top of every page. The footer sits at the bottom. Anything you put in either one shows up everywhere. If you need a widget in the middle of the page content on every page, you will have to add it to each page individually — there is no shortcut for that.

Key Takeaways

  • The header and footer are the only areas that automatically appear on every page in Google Sites, so place widgets there if you want them site-wide.
  • To edit the header or footer, click the three-dot menu at the top right of the editor, then select "Page setup" and choose "Header and footer".
  • You can add text, images, buttons, and some embedded content to headers and footers, but not all widget types work in these areas.
  • If you need a widget in the main content area on every page, you must add it to each page separately — there is no automatic way to do this.

How to access the header and footer editor

Open your Google Site in edit mode. At the top right, click the three-dot menu icon (it looks like three vertical dots). A dropdown menu will appear.

Select "Page setup" from that menu. A panel will open on the right side of your screen. Look for the option labeled "Header and footer" and click it. You are now in the header and footer editor.

What you can add to headers and footers

Google Sites lets you add text, images, buttons, and links to headers and footers. You can also embed certain content like Google Forms or YouTube videos, though not every widget type will work in these areas.

Text is the most reliable option — type directly into the header or footer box. Images work well too: click the image icon, upload or select from your drive, and it will appear on every page. Buttons and links let visitors navigate to other pages or external sites. If you try to add a widget and it does not show up, that widget type may not be supported in headers or footers.

Adding a widget to the header step by step

In the header and footer editor, click inside the header box at the top. A text cursor will appear. You can now type text directly, or use the toolbar icons above the box to add images, links, or buttons.

To add an image: click the image icon in the toolbar, then choose "Upload" or "Search" to find the file. To add a button: click the button icon and type the button text, then paste the link where you want it to go. When you are done, click outside the box or press the back arrow to close the editor. Your header will now appear on every page of your site.

Adding a widget to the footer step by step

The footer works exactly like the header. In the header and footer editor, click inside the footer box at the bottom. Type text, or use the toolbar icons to add images, buttons, or links.

Footers are often used for copyright notices, contact information, or links to social media. Once you save your changes, the footer appears at the bottom of every page automatically. You do not have to edit individual pages.

When you need to add something to every page the manual way

If you need a widget in the main content area of every page — not just the header or footer — Google Sites does not automate this. You will have to add it to each page one at a time.

Open each page in edit mode, click where you want the widget to go, and add it using the insert menu. This is slower, but it gives you more control over placement. Some sites use this approach for a sidebar widget or a call-to-action box that needs to sit in a specific spot on the page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add different headers or footers to different pages?

No. The header and footer you set in page setup appear on every page of your site. If you need different headers or footers on different pages, you will have to add them manually to each page as part of the main content.

What if my widget does not show up in the header or footer?

Not all widget types work in headers and footers. Text, images, buttons, and links are reliable. Embedded forms, videos, and custom code may not display. Try adding it to the main content area of a page instead, or contact Google Sites support to confirm whether your specific widget is supported.

Can I style the header or footer differently on different pages?

The header and footer styling is the same across your entire site. If you need different styling on different pages, add the content to the main page area instead of the header or footer.

How do I remove a widget from the header or footer?

Go back to page setup and header and footer. Click inside the header or footer box, select the widget or text you want to remove, and delete it. The change takes effect on all pages when ready.