The simplest way to send a link
Copy the web address from your browser's address bar, paste it into your email, and send. Most email programs automatically turn the pasted text into a clickable link. If it does not, you can manually format it: highlight the text, click the link button (usually a chain icon) in your email toolbar, and paste the address into the dialog box that appears.
The address bar is at the top of your browser window — in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Click once on the address, press Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C on Mac) to copy, then switch to your email and press Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V) to paste. The link will appear in your message ready to send.
If you want the link to show different text than the full web address — for example, "Click here for the article" instead of "https://www.example.com/article/2024/how-to-send-links" — use the link button in your email toolbar. Highlight the text you want to turn into a link, click the link icon, paste the address, and click OK.
Key Takeaways
- Copy the web address from your browser's address bar and paste it directly into your email message.
- Most email programs turn pasted web addresses into clickable links automatically.
- Use the link button in your email toolbar to make custom link text that displays something shorter or friendlier than the full web address.
- The link button is usually a small chain icon in the formatting toolbar above your message.
- On mobile email apps, long-press the address bar to copy, then long-press in your email to paste.
Sending links in Gmail
In Gmail on a computer, paste the web address directly into your message. Gmail automatically detects it and turns it into a clickable link. If you want to change what text shows instead of the full address, highlight the text you want to use, click the link icon (a chain) in the toolbar, paste the address into the box, and click OK.
On the Gmail mobile app, open a new message, tap where you want to add the link, and paste the address. Gmail will format it as a link. To use custom text, type the text first, highlight it, tap the link icon at the bottom of the screen, and paste the address.
Sending links in Outlook
In Outlook on a computer, paste the web address into your message. Outlook turns it into a link automatically. To use custom text instead, type the text you want to display, highlight it, click the Insert tab at the top, click Link, paste the address, and click OK.
In Outlook on mobile, paste the address into your message and it becomes a link. For custom text, type your text, select it, tap the link icon (usually three dots or a formatting menu), paste the address, and confirm.
Sending links in Apple Mail
In Apple Mail on Mac, paste the web address into your message and it becomes a clickable link. To use custom text, type the text you want, highlight it, right-click, select Add Link, paste the address, and click Add.
On iPhone or iPad Mail, paste the address and it becomes a link. For custom text, type your text, select it, tap the formatting menu (usually three dots or an arrow), tap Link, paste the address, and confirm.
Making links easier to read in long emails
When you send multiple links, use custom text to label each one clearly. Instead of pasting five full web addresses in a row, type something like "Article about email security" and turn that into a link. This makes your email easier to scan and less cluttered.
If you are sending a link to something time-sensitive or important, mention it in the text above the link. For example: "Here is the registration page for the workshop — it closes Friday." This gives context and makes sure the recipient knows why you sent it.
Troubleshooting links that do not work
If someone tells you a link you sent did not work, the most common cause is a line break in the middle of the address. Some email programs break long web addresses across two lines when you paste them. Check that the full address is on one line with no spaces or breaks in the middle.
Another common issue is copying only part of the address. Make sure you copied from the beginning (usually "https://") all the way to the end. If the link works for you but not for the recipient, the website itself may have changed or the page may have moved. Test the link in your own browser before sending to confirm it still works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the recipient need to do anything special to open a link I send?
No. They can click the link directly in the email message, and it opens in their default web browser. They do not need to copy and paste it anywhere.
Can I send a link to a file on my computer?
Not as a simple link. You would need to upload the file to a cloud service like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, then send the link to that file instead. Alternatively, you can attach the file directly to the email.
What if the web address is really long?
Use custom link text to shorten what displays. Paste the full address into the link field, but make the visible text something short like "Click here" or "Full article." The recipient still gets the complete address when they click.
Is it safe to click links in emails?
Links from people you know and trust are generally safe. Be cautious with links from unknown senders, especially if the email asks you to verify a password or enter personal information. Hover over a link (without clicking) to see the actual web address before you open it.
Can I send a link to a specific part of a webpage?
Yes, if the webpage has sections with anchor links. Copy the address from your browser address bar — it may include a # symbol and a section name at the end. Paste that full address, and it will take the recipient to that specific part of the page.