The basic way to make a link depends on what program you're using

A hyperlink is text or an image that, when clicked, takes you to another webpage, document, or email address. The steps to create one change depending on whether you're working in a word processor like Microsoft Word, an email client like Gmail, a web browser, or a content management system.

The most common method across nearly all programs is to select the text you want to turn into a link, then paste or type the destination URL into a dialog box. Some programs let you right-click and choose "Link" from a menu. Others require you to use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+K (Windows) or Command+K (Mac).

The destination can be a full web address like https://www.example.com, an email address like contact@example.com, or a file on your computer or network. Some programs also let you link to a specific heading or section within the same document.

Key Takeaways

  • Select the text you want to become a link, then use Ctrl+K (Windows) or Command+K (Mac) to open the link dialog in most programs.
  • Paste the full web address (including https://) into the URL field, or type an email address preceded by mailto: to create an email link.
  • In Microsoft Word, you can also right-click selected text and choose "Link" from the context menu.
  • In Gmail and other web-based email, the link button appears in the compose toolbar and looks like a chain link icon.
  • Test the link after creating it by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) and clicking it, or by publishing and checking it in a browser.

Making links in Microsoft Word

Select the text you want to turn into a link. Then press Ctrl+K on Windows or Command+K on Mac. A dialog box titled "Insert Hyperlink" will open.

In the "Address" field, paste or type the full web address you want the link to point to. Include https:// at the beginning. If you're linking to an email address, type mailto: followed by the address with no space (for example, mailto:contact@example.com).

Click OK. The text will now appear underlined and in blue, which signals it's a link. To test it, hold Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) and click the link. Your default web browser will open and navigate to that address.

Making links in Gmail and web-based email

Open a new email or reply. Type or paste the text you want to become a link, then select it by clicking and dragging across the words.

In the compose toolbar at the bottom of the email, look for the link icon—it looks like a chain link. Click it. A small box will appear asking for the URL. Paste the full web address (including https://) and click the checkmark or press Enter.

The text will turn blue and underlined. When the recipient receives your email and clicks the link, it will open in their browser. You can also create a link to an email address by typing the address directly into the URL field, and Gmail will automatically format it as a mailto: link.

Making links in Google Docs and other web-based documents

Select the text you want to turn into a link. Press Ctrl+K (Windows) or Command+K (Mac). A small dialog will appear with a text field for the URL.

Paste the full web address into the field and press Enter. The text will become blue and underlined. If you want to link to a heading within the same document, click the link icon again after selecting your text, then choose "Heading" from the dropdown menu and select the heading you want to link to.

To remove a link, select the linked text and press Ctrl+K or Command+K again, then click the "Remove link" option or press Delete.

Making links in HTML and on websites

If you're writing HTML code directly, a link is created using an anchor tag. The basic structure is: <a href="https://www.example.com">Click here</a>

Replace https://www.example.com with the URL you want to link to, and replace "Click here" with the text you want the reader to see. The href attribute must include the full web address, starting with https:// or http://.

If you're using a website builder like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace, select the text you want to link, click the link icon in the editor toolbar, and paste the URL into the dialog box. The process is similar to Google Docs.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

The most frequent error is forgetting to include https:// at the beginning of the web address. Without it, the browser may try to search for the text as a local file instead of opening a webpage. Always paste the complete URL from your browser's address bar.

Another mistake is selecting text that's too long or unclear. "Click here" tells the reader nothing about where the link goes. Instead, use descriptive text like "Read our privacy policy" or "Download the user guide." This helps both readers and search engines understand what the link contains.

If a link stops working after you create it, the destination URL may have changed or the webpage may have been removed. Test links regularly, especially in documents you share with others or publish online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a link to a specific part of a webpage, not just the homepage?

Yes, but only if the webpage has named sections or headings. You'll need the full URL plus a hash symbol and the section name, like https://www.example.com#section-name. Not all websites set up their pages this way, so this method doesn't always work. Check the webpage's source code or contact the site owner if you're unsure whether a specific section is linkable.

What's the difference between http:// and https://?

HTTPS is a secure version of HTTP that encrypts data between your browser and the website. Most modern websites use HTTPS. When you copy a URL from your browser's address bar, it will include the correct version automatically. Always use what appears in the address bar rather than guessing.

How do I make a link open in a new tab or window?

In most programs like Word or Google Docs, this option appears in the link dialog box—look for a checkbox that says "Open in new window" or "Open in new tab." In HTML code, add target="_blank" to the anchor tag, like this: <a href="https://www.example.com" target="_blank">Click here</a>

Can I make an image into a link?

Yes. Select the image, then use Ctrl+K or Command+K (or right-click and choose Link) just as you would with text. Paste the URL into the dialog box. In HTML, wrap the image tag inside an anchor tag: <a href="https://www.example.com"><img src="image.jpg"></a>

What should I do if someone tells me a link I created is broken?

Open the link yourself and verify it works. If it doesn't, check that the URL is spelled correctly and that the webpage still exists. If the destination has moved, find the new URL and update the link. If you're linking to a document or file, make sure the file hasn't been deleted or moved to a different location.