To turn a word into a link, select the word, press Ctrl + K (Command + K on a Mac), paste the web address, and press Enter. The word becomes clickable and usually turns blue and underlined. This shortcut works in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Gmail and most other editors. In many web apps, you can also select the word and simply paste a URL over it.
Method 1: Ctrl + K (works almost everywhere)
- Copy the web address you want to link to from your browser’s address bar.
- Double-click the word to select it, or drag across several words.
- Press Ctrl + K on Windows or Command + K on a Mac.
- Paste the address with Ctrl + V into the address or link box.
- Press Enter or click OK / Apply.
Method 2: Paste a link over the word
In Google Docs, Gmail, Slack, Notion and the WordPress editor, select the word and press Ctrl + V with a URL copied. The app turns the selected text into a link instead of replacing it.
App-by-app steps
| App | Menu option |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Word | Insert > Link, or right-click > Link |
| Outlook (classic) | Insert > Link, or right-click > Link |
| Excel | Insert > Link (links the whole cell) |
| PowerPoint | Insert > Link |
| Google Docs | Insert > Link, or the link icon in the toolbar |
| Gmail | The link icon in the compose toolbar |
| Apple Pages and Mail | Format > Add Link, or Command + K |
In Excel, a link normally applies to the whole cell. To link part of a cell’s text, see how to insert a hyperlink in an Excel cell with other text.
Link to a place in the same document
In Word, you can link a word to a heading or bookmark instead of a website. Select the word, press Ctrl + K, click Place in This Document on the left, and choose the heading. This is how clickable tables of contents work. See how to link a table of contents to pages in Word.
Link to an email address or file
- Email: in the link box, type
mailto:[email protected]. Clicking it opens a new email to that address. - File: in Word, press Ctrl + K and browse to a file. The link only works for people who can reach the same file path, so for shared documents use a OneDrive or SharePoint link. See how to create a link for a Word document.
In HTML
If you’re writing a web page by hand, wrap the word in an anchor tag: <a href="https://www.example.com">word</a>. Add target="_blank" to open the link in a new tab.
Edit or remove a link
- Edit: right-click the link and choose Edit Link (or click it once in Google Docs and choose the pencil).
- Remove: right-click and choose Remove Link. The word stays, but the link is gone.
- Remove all links in Word: press Ctrl + A, then Ctrl + Shift + F9. This also converts other fields to plain text, so use it carefully.
Writing good link text
- Link words that describe the destination, such as “download the 2026 price list”, not “click here”.
- Keep links short; two to five words is usually enough.
- Check every link before sending by Ctrl + clicking it in Word or clicking it in other apps.
Link text that describes the destination is easier to scan and much better for people using screen readers.
On a phone or tablet
In the Word, Outlook and Google Docs mobile apps, select the word by double-tapping it, then tap the formatting or Insert menu and choose Link. In Gmail on a phone, select the word and tap the link option in the pop-up menu (you may need to tap the arrow to see more options). On an iPad with a keyboard, Command + K works in most apps. Links you add on a phone work the same way on a computer, so you can draft on the go and finish on a PC.
Troubleshooting
Clicking the link in Word doesn’t open it
Word requires Ctrl + click by default. To use a single click, go to File > Options > Advanced and untick Use CTRL + Click to follow hyperlink.
The link shows as {HYPERLINK “…”}
Field codes are showing. Press Alt + F9 to switch back.
Links lose their color
The text color was changed manually. Reapply the Hyperlink style from the Styles pane, or see how to change the automatic font color in Word.
Summary
- Select the word, press Ctrl + K (Command + K on Mac), paste the URL, press Enter.
- In Docs, Gmail and Slack, paste a URL over selected text.
- Use Place in This Document for links inside a Word file.
- Right-click a link to edit or remove it.
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.