Renaming a hyperlink in Excel is a simple task that involves just a few steps. Whether you want a more descriptive title or just need to update the name, it’s easy to do. Here’s a quick overview: Right-click the cell with the hyperlink, select “Edit Hyperlink,” and in the “Text to display” box, type the new name you want. Click “OK,” and you’re done!
How to Rename a Hyperlink in Excel
Renaming a hyperlink in Excel is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Right-click the Cell with the Hyperlink
First, you need to locate the cell that contains the hyperlink you want to rename. Once you’ve found it, right-click on the cell.
Right-clicking the cell will bring up a context menu with various options. This menu is your gateway to editing the hyperlink.
Step 2: Select “Edit Hyperlink”
From the context menu, select the option that says “Edit Hyperlink.”
By selecting “Edit Hyperlink,” you will open a dialog box that allows you to make changes to the hyperlink’s attributes.
Step 3: Change the Text in the “Text to display” Box
In the dialog box that appears, find the field labeled “Text to display.” This is where you can type in the new name for your hyperlink.
The “Text to display” box lets you specify what text will appear in the cell, essentially renaming the hyperlink.
Step 4: Click “OK”
Once you’ve entered the new name, simply click the “OK” button at the bottom of the dialog box.
Clicking “OK” saves your changes and updates the hyperlink with the new name you’ve provided.
Step 5: Verify the Change
After clicking “OK,” take a moment to verify that the hyperlink text has been updated in the cell.
Verifying the change ensures that you’ve successfully renamed the hyperlink and that it displays correctly.
Once you complete these steps, the hyperlink in your Excel sheet will have the new name you specified. It’s a quick and easy way to keep your data organized and easily understandable.
Tips for Renaming a Hyperlink in Excel
- Make it Descriptive: Use a name that clearly describes the link’s destination.
- Keep it Short: Avoid long names; aim for brevity while maintaining clarity.
- Use Keywords: Include relevant keywords to make it easier to find.
- Avoid Special Characters: Stick to alphanumeric characters to avoid issues.
- Consistent Naming: Maintain a consistent naming convention for all hyperlinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rename multiple hyperlinks at once?
No, you have to rename each hyperlink individually. Excel doesn’t support bulk editing for hyperlink names.
Will renaming a hyperlink break the link?
No, renaming a hyperlink only changes the display text. The actual URL remains the same.
Can I use formulas to rename hyperlinks?
No, you can’t use formulas to change hyperlink names. You have to do it manually.
Does the hyperlink name affect sorting and filtering?
No, the display text of a hyperlink doesn’t affect how Excel sorts or filters data.
Can I rename a hyperlink in a protected sheet?
Yes, but you need to unprotect the sheet first before you can edit the hyperlink.
Summary
- Right-click the cell with the hyperlink.
- Select “Edit Hyperlink.”
- Change the text in the “Text to display” box.
- Click “OK.”
- Verify the change.
Conclusion
Renaming a hyperlink in Excel is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance the readability and functionality of your spreadsheet. Whether you’re organizing data for a presentation or just tidying up your personal files, knowing how to rename hyperlinks efficiently is a handy skill.
By following a few simple steps—right-clicking the cell, selecting “Edit Hyperlink,” changing the text, and clicking “OK”—you can easily update any hyperlink’s display name. This small change can make a big difference in how others interact with your Excel sheet.
Remember to use descriptive, concise names and maintain consistency across your document. If you have any other questions, refer to the FAQs section to clear up any confusion.
Renaming hyperlinks can seem like a minor detail, but it plays a crucial role in making your data easily navigable and professional-looking. So next time you’re working on an Excel sheet, don’t overlook the importance of well-named hyperlinks. Happy Excel-ing!

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.