Change the link text while keeping the destination the same
The text you see on a hyperlink — the part you click — is separate from the URL it points to. You can change what the link says without breaking where it goes. The method depends on whether you're editing in a document, on a website, or in code.
Most of the time, you'll right-click the link and look for an "Edit Link" or "Edit Hyperlink" option. Some programs let you select the text and use a keyboard shortcut instead. The key is that you're changing only the visible text, not the address underneath.
Key Takeaways
- Right-clicking a hyperlink usually opens a menu with an "Edit Link" or "Edit Hyperlink" option where you can change the display text.
- In Microsoft Word, you can also press Ctrl+Shift+F9 (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+F9 (Mac) to edit a link after selecting it.
- In Google Docs, click the link, then click the pencil icon in the popup to change the text without changing the URL.
- On a website, you need access to the page's HTML code or a content editor — you cannot change a link by right-clicking it in your browser.
- The display text and the actual URL are stored separately, so changing one does not affect the other.
Changing a link in Microsoft Word
Right-click the hyperlink you want to change. A menu will appear with several options. Look for "Edit Link" or "Edit Hyperlink" — the exact wording depends on your Word version.
Click that option. A dialog box will open showing the URL in one field and the display text in another. Change only the display text field — this is what readers see. Leave the URL field alone unless you also want to change where the link points. Click OK when you're done.
If the right-click menu doesn't show an edit option, try selecting the link text first, then pressing Ctrl+Shift+F9 on Windows or Cmd+Shift+F9 on Mac. This opens the link editing dialog directly.
Changing a link in Google Docs
Click anywhere on the hyperlink text. A small popup will appear below or next to the link showing the URL. Look for a pencil icon or "Edit" button in that popup and click it.
A dialog box will open with the display text in one field and the URL in another. Change the display text to whatever you want readers to see. The URL field below it will not change unless you edit it. Click "Update" or "Done" to save your changes.
If you want to change only the text and not the URL, make sure you're only typing in the text field at the top of the dialog. The URL field should remain untouched.
Changing a link in other document programs
Most document editors follow the same pattern: right-click the link, find an edit option, and change the display text in the dialog that appears. LibreOffice Writer, Apple Pages, and similar programs all work this way.
If right-clicking doesn't work, try selecting the link and looking in the menu bar for an Insert menu or a Tools menu. Some programs hide the link editor there instead. You may also find a keyboard shortcut listed next to the option.
The principle is always the same: the display text and the URL are separate fields. Changing one does not touch the other.
Changing a link on a website you own or manage
If you're editing a website through a content management system like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace, the process is similar to editing a document. Click the link, look for an edit button or pencil icon, and change the text in the dialog that appears.
If you're editing the HTML code directly, find the link in the code. It will look like this: <a href="https://example.com">Click here</a>. The text between <a> and </a> is what readers see. Change only that text, not the URL inside the href attribute.
If you're not sure whether you have access to edit the site, contact whoever manages it. You cannot change a link on someone else's website by right-clicking it in your browser — that only works on documents you own.
What happens if you change the link text by accident
If you delete the link text entirely, the link still works — it just becomes invisible. You won't see anything to click, but the URL is still there. To fix this, right-click where the link should be and edit it again, adding text back in.
If you accidentally change the URL instead of the text, the link now points somewhere else. Right-click it again and fix the URL field. The display text will stay the same.
Neither mistake breaks anything permanently. You can always edit the link again to correct it.
Why the display text matters
The text you see on a link should tell readers where they're going or what they'll find. A link that says "Click here" tells them nothing. A link that says "Read our privacy policy" or "Download the PDF" is much more useful.
Search engines also look at link text to understand what a page is about. If you're linking to a page about dog training, the link text should mention dog training, not just say "Learn more." This helps both readers and search engines understand your content.
Changing the display text is one of the easiest ways to make your documents and websites clearer without breaking anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change a link's text without changing where it points?
Yes. The display text and the URL are stored separately. When you edit a link, you can change the text while leaving the URL exactly as it was. The link will still point to the same place.
What if I right-click a link and don't see an edit option?
Try a different right-click menu option — sometimes it's called "Edit Link" and sometimes "Edit Hyperlink." If that doesn't work, select the link text first, then try right-clicking again. You can also check the Insert or Tools menu in the menu bar for a link editor.
Can I change a link on a website by right-clicking it in my browser?
No. Right-clicking a link in your browser only lets you copy the URL or open it in a new tab. To change a link on a website, you need access to the site's editor or code. If you don't have that access, you cannot edit the link.
What if I accidentally change the URL instead of the text?
The link now points somewhere else. Right-click it again, click edit, and change the URL field back to what it should be. The display text will stay the same unless you change it too.
Does changing link text affect search engine rankings?
Search engines use link text to understand what a page is about, so changing it can affect how your pages rank. Using clear, descriptive link text helps search engines and readers both understand your content better.