diff --git a/docs/imviz/plugins.rst b/docs/imviz/plugins.rst
index 4d5d1b249d..5d7118deb2 100644
--- a/docs/imviz/plugins.rst
+++ b/docs/imviz/plugins.rst
@@ -329,6 +329,15 @@ position angle, offsets, etc).
 To import a file, choose "From File..." from the presets dropdown and select a valid file (must
 be able to be parsed by `regions.Regions.read`).
 
+To import a regions file or object from the API:
+
+.. code-block:: python
+
+  fp = imviz.plugins['Footprints']
+  fp.open_in_tray()
+  fp.add_overlay('my imported overlay')  # or fp.rename_overlay to rename an existing entry
+  fp.import_region(region)
+
 
 
 .. _rotate-canvas:
diff --git a/docs/reference/api_plugins.rst b/docs/reference/api_plugins.rst
index 85c87cb271..ff16486760 100644
--- a/docs/reference/api_plugins.rst
+++ b/docs/reference/api_plugins.rst
@@ -57,6 +57,9 @@ Plugins API
 .. automodapi:: jdaviz.configs.imviz.plugins.coords_info.coords_info
    :no-inheritance-diagram:
 
+.. automodapi:: jdaviz.configs.imviz.plugins.footprints.footprints
+  :no-inheritance-diagram:
+
 .. automodapi:: jdaviz.configs.imviz.plugins.image_viewer_creator.image_viewer_creator
    :no-inheritance-diagram:
 
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.py b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.py
index 29bf25236d..8ec2a74b9a 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.py
@@ -32,11 +32,11 @@ class Footprints(PluginTemplateMixin, ViewerSelectMixin, HasFileImportSelect):
     * :meth:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.PluginTemplateMixin.open_in_tray`
     * ``overlay`` (:class:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.EditableSelectPluginComponent`): the
         currently active overlay (all other traitlets control this overlay instance)
-    * :meth:``rename_overlay``
+    * :meth:`rename_overlay`
         rename any overlay
-    * :meth:``add_overlay``
+    * :meth:`add_overlay`
         add a new overlay instance (and select as active)
-    * :meth:``remove_overlay``
+    * :meth:`remove_overlay`
         remove any overlay
     * ``viewer`` (:class:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.ViewerSelect`):
         viewer(s) to show the current overlay
@@ -48,8 +48,8 @@ class Footprints(PluginTemplateMixin, ViewerSelectMixin, HasFileImportSelect):
         opacity of the filled region of the currently selected overlay
     * ``preset`` (:class:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.SelectPluginComponent`):
         selected overlay preset
-    * :meth:``import_region``
-    * :meth:``center_on_viewer``
+    * :meth:`import_region`
+    * :meth:`center_on_viewer`
     * ``ra``
         central right ascension for the footprint overlay
     * ``dec``
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ class Footprints(PluginTemplateMixin, ViewerSelectMixin, HasFileImportSelect):
     * ``v3_offset``
         Additional V3 offset in telescope coordinates to apply to instrument center, as from a
         dither pattern.
-    * :meth:``overlay_regions``
+    * :meth:`overlay_regions`
     """
     template_file = __file__, "footprints.vue"
     uses_active_status = Bool(True).tag(sync=True)