The simplest way to add a link in email
Most email programs let you highlight text, then paste or type a web address to turn that text into a clickable link. In Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail, select the words you want to link, then press Ctrl+K (Windows) or Cmd+K (Mac). A box will appear where you type or paste the full web address — for example, https://www.example.com — then press Enter. The text now appears as a blue underlined link that readers can click.
If your email program does not respond to that keyboard shortcut, look for a link icon in the toolbar above the message. It usually looks like a chain link. Click it, select your text if you have not already, then paste the web address in the box that appears.
The address you paste must start with http:// or https:// for the link to work. If you paste only www.example.com without the https:// part, some email programs will still recognize it, but others will not. Always include the full address to be safe.
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 https:// into the box that appears, then press Enter to create the link.
- If the keyboard shortcut does not work, click the link icon in your email toolbar instead.
- Links work best when you include the https:// or http:// at the start of the address.
How to add a link in Gmail
Open your message in Gmail and highlight the text you want to link. Press Ctrl+K on Windows or Cmd+K on Mac. A small box labeled "Paste your link" will appear below the text. Type or paste the web address, then press Enter. The text turns blue and underlined, showing it is now a link.
If you want to change or remove a link later, click on it once. A small menu appears with options to edit the address or remove the link entirely. You can also right-click the link and choose "Edit link" from the menu.
How to add a link in Outlook
In Outlook on the web or in the desktop program, select the text you want to link. Press Ctrl+K on Windows. A dialog box opens with fields for the web address and the text to display. The text you selected should already fill the "Display text" field. Paste the web address in the "Address" field, then click OK.
On a Mac version of Outlook, select your text and press Cmd+K. The same dialog appears. Fill in the address and click OK to create the link.
How to add a link in Apple Mail
Highlight the text in your message, then press Cmd+K. A box labeled "Link:" appears. Paste the web address into this box and press Enter. The text becomes a clickable link.
If you are using an older version of Apple Mail, you may need to use the menu instead. Select your text, then go to Edit > Add Link in the top menu bar. Paste the address and click Add.
How to add a link in other email programs
If you use Yahoo Mail, ProtonMail, or another email service, the process is similar but the button location may differ. Look for a link icon in the toolbar above your message — it usually looks like a chain or paperclip. Click it, select your text if needed, and paste the web address in the box that appears.
Some email programs, especially older ones or those designed for phones, may not have a dedicated link button. In that case, you can sometimes type the address directly into the message and the program will recognize it as a link automatically. However, this does not always work, so using the link tool is more reliable.
What happens when someone clicks your link
When a reader clicks a link in your email, their web browser opens and takes them to the address you entered. The link itself does not change the message or affect the reader's computer in any way — it simply opens a web page.
You can link to any web page, document, or file that has a web address. This includes news articles, product pages, PDF documents stored online, or your own website. The link works the same way regardless of what the destination is.
Common mistakes when adding links
The most common mistake is forgetting to include https:// at the start of the address. If you paste only www.example.com, some email programs will not recognize it as a link, and readers will see plain text instead of a clickable link.
Another mistake is selecting text that is too long or unclear. A link that says "Click here" tells the reader nothing about where it goes. Instead, use descriptive text like "Read the full article" or "View the pricing page" so readers know what to expect when they click.
If your link does not work after you create it, check that you pasted the correct address. Copy the address directly from your web browser's address bar to avoid typos. Also make sure the website itself is still online — if the page has been removed, the link will lead to an error page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link to a file instead of a web page?
Yes, if the file is stored online and has its own web address. For example, you can link to a PDF document, image, or spreadsheet that is hosted on a website or cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. Paste the full web address of the file into the link box, just as you would for a regular web page.
What if the keyboard shortcut does not work?
Use the link icon in your email toolbar instead. It usually appears in the row of formatting buttons above your message and looks like a chain link or connected circles. Click it, then paste your web address in the box that appears. If you still cannot find it, check your email program's Help menu and search for "add link" or "insert hyperlink".
Can I change a link after I send the email?
No, once an email is sent, you cannot edit it or change the links in it. Before you send, click on each link to make sure it works and goes to the right place. If you notice a mistake after sending, you will need to send a new message with the corrected link.
Does the person I email see the web address or just the linked text?
They see only the linked text you selected, displayed in blue and underlined. The actual web address is hidden behind that text. When they hover their mouse over the link, they may see a preview of the address, but the message itself shows only the text you chose to link.
Can I link to an email address instead of a website?
Yes. Instead of pasting a web address, type mailto: followed by the email address — for example, mailto:name@example.com. When someone clicks this link, their email program opens a new message addressed to that person. This is useful if you want readers to contact you or someone else directly from your email.