The fastest way to add a link in email
Most email programs let you highlight text, then paste or type a web address to turn it into a clickable link. In Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail, select the words you want to link, press Ctrl+K (Windows) or Cmd+K (Mac), paste the full web address into the box that appears, and press Enter. The text stays visible but now points to that address when someone clicks it.
If you are using webmail — Gmail, Outlook.com, or Yahoo Mail in a browser — you can also right-click the selected text and choose "Insert link" or a similar option from the menu. The result is the same: the words become underlined and colored, and clicking them opens the web address.
On a phone or tablet, the process is similar but the buttons look different. In Gmail's mobile app, select text, tap the link icon (usually a chain), and paste the address. In Apple Mail on iPhone, select text, tap the formatting menu, and choose "Add Link".
Key Takeaways
- Select the text you want to turn into a link, then press Ctrl+K (Windows) or Cmd+K (Mac) to open the link dialog.
- Paste the full web address — starting with http:// or https:// — into the box and press Enter to create the link.
- The text you selected stays visible but becomes clickable; the web address itself does not show to the reader unless you hover over the link.
- Most email programs also let you right-click selected text and choose "Insert link" from the menu as an alternative to the keyboard shortcut.
- On phones and tablets, tap the link icon in the formatting toolbar instead of using a keyboard shortcut.
Why the web address needs to start with http:// or https://
Email programs need to know that the text you are linking to is a web address, not just any text. If you paste www.example.com without the http:// or https:// at the start, some email programs will treat it as plain text instead of a link. Always include the full address: https://www.example.com.
The difference between http:// and https:// matters for security. https:// means the website encrypts the information you send to it, so passwords and payment details stay private. Most websites now use https://, and your browser will show a lock icon next to the address bar when you visit one. When you create a link in an email, use https:// if the website supports it — which you can check by visiting the site first and looking at the address bar.
Making links look natural in your message
The text you choose to link should tell the reader what they will see when they click. Instead of linking the words "click here", link something descriptive like "our pricing page" or "the full article". This helps readers decide whether to click before they do, and it also helps people using screen readers understand what the link leads to.
You can link a single word, a phrase, or even a sentence. A common approach is to link 3 to 5 words that describe the destination. For example, instead of "For more information, click here", write "Read our guide to email security" and link just those last five words. The reader gets the context without having to hover over the link to see where it goes.
Fixing or removing a link you already created
If you made a mistake or want to change where a link points, click or tap directly on the linked text. Most email programs will show you the link dialog again, where you can edit the web address or delete the link entirely. In Gmail and Outlook, right-clicking the link also brings up a menu with options to edit or remove it.
To remove a link without deleting the text, select the linked text and press Ctrl+Shift+K (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+K (Mac) in most email programs. The text stays in your message but is no longer clickable. You can also right-click and choose "Remove link" if that keyboard shortcut does not work in your program.
Links in plain-text email versus formatted email
Some email programs and accounts let you send messages in plain text mode, which means no colors, bold, italics, or clickable links. If you try to create a link in plain-text mode, the program will either refuse or convert it back to a regular web address that readers have to copy and paste. If you need clickable links, make sure your email is set to HTML or Rich Text mode instead.
You can usually change this in your email settings or in the compose window itself. In Gmail, look for a formatting icon (usually three horizontal lines or an "A" with formatting options) at the bottom of the compose box. In Outlook, the formatting toolbar appears by default. If you do not see formatting options, your email may be in plain-text mode — switch to HTML or Rich Text and try again.
What happens when someone receives your email with a link
When you send an email with a clickable link, the recipient sees the linked text in a different color — usually blue — and often underlined. Hovering over it shows the full web address in a tooltip or at the bottom of their screen. Clicking it opens the address in their default web browser. The link itself does not download anything or run any code; it simply opens a website.
Some email programs and security filters check links before showing them to readers, so there may be a slight delay between clicking and the browser opening. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong with your link. The recipient can also right-click the link to copy it, open it in a new tab, or see the full address before clicking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a link to an email address instead of a website?
Yes. Select the text you want to link, press Ctrl+K or Cmd+K, and type mailto:name@example.com instead of a web address. When someone clicks it, their email program opens a new message addressed to that person. This is useful for "Contact us" links or signature lines.
What if the link does not work after I send the email?
Check that the web address is correct by visiting it in your browser first, then copying and pasting it into the link dialog. Make sure it starts with http:// or https://. If the link still does not work for recipients, the website may be down, or their email program may be blocking it for security reasons — ask them to try opening it in a different browser or device.
Can I link to a file on my computer instead of a website?
No. Email links only work with web addresses (http:// or https://) or email addresses (mailto:). To share a file, attach it to the email instead. If you want recipients to download a file by clicking a link, upload the file to a website or cloud storage service first, then link to the download page.
Does the link show the full web address to the reader?
No. The reader sees only the text you chose to link. The web address stays hidden until they hover over the link or right-click to see where it points. This is why choosing descriptive link text matters — it tells readers what to expect before they click.