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How to insert hyperlink in word

August 31, 2023
12.0K Views

There are many ways to make a document, depending on the tools used and the added elements. Every document should have links, but you must know how to insert hyperlink in Word to use them.

Once you understand how to insert hyperlink in Word, you can use them in various ways in the same Word document. By integrating these elements, you can make your document readable, organized, and functional.

#1. How to Insert Hyperlinks in Word (Step-by-Step)

Hyperlinks are essential tools that allow you to connect different parts of your document, link to external web pages, and even integrate email addresses for easy communication.

In the following methods, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step analysis and example of hyperlink in word.

How to Add a Hyperlink to an Existing File or Web Page:

Microsoft Word makes the process seamless when you want to link to an existing file or web page. Follow these steps to add hyperlinks:

1. Select Text: Highlight the text you want to turn into a hyperlink in your document.

how to insert hyperlinks in Word step 1


2. Insert Hyperlink: Right-click the selected text and choose "Hyperlink" from the context menu. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + K on your keyboard.

how to insert hyperlinks in Word step 2


3. Linking to a File: If you're linking to an existing file, click "Existing File or Web Page" on the left sidebar. Then, please navigate to the file on your computer and select it.

how to insert hyperlinks in Word step 3


4. Linking to a Web Page: If you're linking to a web page, enter the URL in the "Address" field.

how to insert hyperlinks in Word step 4


5. OK: Click the "OK" button to create the hyperlink. The selected text will now be underlined and appear in a different color, indicating a link.

how to insert hyperlinks in Word step 5

How to Add Hyperlink to a Place in This Document:

Creating links within the same document can help readers navigate quickly between sections and link to another page in the same document.

Follow these steps to create internal hyperlinks:

1. Select Text: Choose the text you want to turn into a hyperlink.

how to insert hyperlinks in Word universal step 1


2. Insert Hyperlink: Right-click the text, select "Hyperlink," or use the shortcut Ctrl + K.

using ctrl + k Shortcut to Insert Hyperlink


3. Link to Place in Document: On the left sidebar, click "Place in This Document."

How to place in this document


4. Choose a Location: A list of headings within the document will appear. Select the heading you want to link to.

How to hyperlink this phrase


5. OK: Click "OK" to create the internal hyperlink. The text will now be a clickable link that takes readers to the selected heading.

how to insert hyperlinks in Word final step

How to Insert Hyperlinks in Word in a New Document:

You can also create a hyperlink that opens new documents. Here's how:

1. Select Text: Highlight the text you want to hyperlink.

how to insert hyperlinks in Word universal step 1


2. Insert Hyperlink: Right-click or use the shortcut to access the hyperlink options.

choosing the hyperlink option


3. Link to New Document: Choose "Create New Document" on the left sidebar this time.

create a hyperlink linking to a new document


4. Name the Document: Enter a name for the new document. Choose where you want to save it.

example of hyperlink creating a new document and linking it


5. OK: Click "OK" to create the hyperlink. The selected text will now open the new document when clicked.

finalizing the steps of how to insert hyperlinks

How to Insert a Hyperlink to an Email Address:

Creating email hyperlinks makes it easy for readers to send you emails directly. Follow these steps:

1. Select Text: Highlight the text you want to use as the email link.

how to insert hyperlinks in Word universal step 1


2. Insert Hyperlink: Access the hyperlink options through the right-click menu or the shortcut.

choosing the hyperlink option


3. Link to Email Address: Choose "Email Address" on the left sidebar.

how to insert hyperlinks when linking emails


4. Enter Email: Enter the email address you want to link to.

example of hyperlink in word i.e. of email hyperlinks


5. OK: Click "OK" to create the email hyperlink. Clicking the text will open the default email client with the recipient's address pre-filled.

finishing the process of hyperlinking emails in word


By mastering these techniques, you can seamlessly incorporate hyperlinks into your Word documents, enhancing their functionality and user experience.

#2. How to Edit and Remove Hyperlinks in Word

Once you've inserted hyperlinks into your Word document, you must know how to edit or remove them as needed.

Editing Hyperlinks:

Editing hyperlinks allow you to modify the link's destination, appearance, or other attributes without recreating the entire link. Here's how you can do it:

1. Select the Hyperlink: Click on the hyperlink you want to edit. The hyperlink text will be highlighted.

highlighting the text where we have to create a hyperlink


2. Edit Hyperlink: Right-click on the highlighted text and choose "Edit Hyperlink" from the context menu. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + K.

choosing the ‘edit’ hyperlink option which comes after you learn to create a hyperlink


3. Modify the Link: In the "Edit Hyperlink" dialog box, you can change the link's destination URL or the location within the document.

changing the address and link if on the hyperlink


4. OK: After making the desired changes, click "OK" to update the hyperlink.

finalizing the steps to learning how to insert hyperlinks in word and editing them

Removing Hyperlinks:

Sometimes, you may want to remove a hyperlink while retaining the original text. Follow these steps to remove hyperlinks:

1. Select the Hyperlink: Click on the hyperlink you want to remove. The hyperlink text will be highlighted.

highlighting hyperlinked text


2. Remove Hyperlink: Right-click on the highlighted text and choose "Remove Hyperlink" from the context menu.

removing link to the hyperlinked text


3. Link Text Remains: The hyperlink will be removed, but the text will remain original.

text that is no longer hyperlinked


Learning to edit and remove hyperlinks lets you keep your document up-to-date and maintain a polished appearance.

In the next section, we'll provide essential tips for creating hyperlinks that enhance your document's usability and overall presentation.

#3. Tips for Creating Effective Hyperlinks in Word

Creating hyperlinks involves more than just the technical aspect; optimizing their functionality and user experience.

This section explores useful tips for creating hyperlinks that enhance your Word documents.

Hyperlinking to an Existing File:

When linking to local files, consider the accessibility of the file on different devices. To ensure seamless sharing and viewing, follow these steps:

  • Upload to Cloud: Save the file online. Apps like Dropbox or Google Drive work best.

dropbox and google drive for saving files online


  • Copy Link: Obtain the shareable link of the file from the cloud service.

copying the link to the google file stored online


  • Insert Hyperlink: In Word, select the text, right-click, and choose "Hyperlink," then paste the link in the field.

learning how to insert hyperlinks in word - shortcut to insert hyperlink for google drive example


By linking to cloud-stored files, you ensure everyone can access the information, no matter what device they're using or what location they are in.

Shortcut to Insert Hyperlink:

Time-saving keyboard shortcuts can expedite the hyperlink creation process. Here are some essential shortcuts:

  • Ctrl + K: Opens "Insert Hyperlink."

  • Ctrl + Click: Quickly follows an existing hyperlink.

  • Ctrl + Alt + K: Opens the "Insert Hyperlink" dialog box directly to the "Create New Document" option.

Mastering these shortcuts streamlines hyperlink insertion, making your workflow more efficient.

Enhance your documents by integrating these tips for creating effective hyperlinks. By linking to cloud-stored files and utilizing shortcuts, you'll offer readers a seamless experience.

In the final section of this guide, we'll introduce you to a noteworthy alternative to Microsoft Word—WPS Office.

#4. Best Alternative to Microsoft Word - WPS Office

When it comes to the task of inserting hyperlinks in Word documents, WPS Office proves to be an excellent alternative to Microsoft Word.

WPS as an official office alternative in Excel 365


Here's how you can leverage WPS Office to enhance your hyperlink insertion process:

Seamlessly Inserting Hyperlinks:

WPS Office offers a user-friendly interface that breezes hyperlink insertion. The process resembles that of Microsoft Word, ensuring a smooth transition for users familiar with Word. Whether you're linking to existing files, web pages, or other sections within the document, WPS Office provides intuitive options to create hyperlinks.

learning how to create a hyperlink in wps - word alternative


Compatibility and Document Sharing:

An advantage of WPS Office is its compatibility with Microsoft Office formats. This means documents containing hyperlinks created in WPS Office can be easily shared with Microsoft Word recipients. You can confidently insert hyperlinks in WPS Office and know they will function as intended when opened in Word.

Cloud Integration for Enhanced Collaboration:

WPS Office takes collaboration to the next level with cloud integration. You can save your documents on cloud storage platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive directly from WPS Office. This feature facilitates collaborative efforts, allowing multiple users to seamlessly access, edit, and review documents containing hyperlinks.

Utilizing Templates for Efficiency:

WPS Office offers a plethora of templates for various document types. When working on projects that require inserting hyperlinks, you can start with a template that suits your needs. These templates often come with predefined styles and formatting, making it easier to incorporate hyperlinks while maintaining a consistent design.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency:

Like Microsoft Word, WPS Office supports keyboard shortcuts; some are shared between the two platforms. If you're accustomed to using shortcuts in Word to insert hyperlinks, you'll find that many of these shortcuts translate seamlessly to WPS Office, saving you time and effort.

By considering WPS Office as an alternative, you empower yourself with a tool that aligns closely with your hyperlink insertion needs. Its familiar interface, compatibility, cloud integration, and template options contribute to a productive and efficient experience when dealing with hyperlinks in Word documents.

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FAQs

Here, we address some common questions related to using hyperlinks effectively in Microsoft Word:

When Should I Use Hyperlinks in Word?

Hyperlinks are valuable when providing additional context, references, or external resources within your document. Use them to link to sources, relevant documents, websites, or sections within the same document. This enhances the reader's experience by allowing them to access more information without cluttering the main content.

Can I Customize the Appearance of Hyperlinks in Word?

Absolutely. Customizing hyperlink appearance can enhance the document's aesthetics and readability. To modify the appearance, follow these steps:

  • Font Color: Highlight the hyperlink, right-click, and choose "Font." Select a different color for the font to distinguish hyperlinks from regular text.

  • Underline Style: To adjust the underline style, repeat the above process and modify the underline settings under "Font."

  • Consistency: Maintain a consistent appearance for all hyperlinks in your document to create a professional and organized look.

Is There a Limit to the Number of Hyperlinks I Can Include in a Word Document?

There is no strict numerical limit on the number of hyperlinks you can include in a Word document. However, consider the document's purpose and readability. Too many hyperlinks can overwhelm readers and make the document appear cluttered. Prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring each hyperlink adds value to the content.

Remember, hyperlinks should be relevant, concise, and strategically placed to guide readers through your document seamlessly.

By understanding these frequently asked questions, you'll be better equipped to incorporate hyperlinks effectively, customize their appearance, and create a hyperlink in well-structured documents that cater to your readers' needs.

Summary

In this comprehensive guide, you've learned the ins and outs of inserting hyperlinks in Microsoft Word documents. From linking to existing files and web pages to navigating within the same document or even creating email hyperlinks, you now possess the tools to enhance your documents' functionality and user experience. You can seamlessly integrate hyperlinks into your content by following our step-by-step tutorials and leveraging keyboard shortcuts.

Additionally, we introduced you to WPS Office, a noteworthy alternative to Microsoft Word. With its free version and full compatibility with Microsoft Office features, WPS Office empowers you to create and manage documents easily.

By mastering the art of hyperlinks, you're making your documents more interactive and providing your readers with a seamless and enriched reading experience. Incorporate these techniques, tips, and shortcuts into your workflow, and watch your Word documents come to life with enhanced functionality and connectivity.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.