Removing a link in Word 2013 is a straightforward process. Simply right-click on the hyperlink text, select ‘Remove Hyperlink’ from the context menu, and voilà, the link is gone. After completing this action, the text will remain, but it will no longer be clickable or lead to the previously linked destination.
Once you remove the hyperlink, the text will revert to its default formatting and will no longer be underlined or colored blue. This change makes the document look cleaner and more professional if the link was unnecessary or incorrect.
Introduction
Hyperlinks are a staple in digital documents, providing readers with quick access to additional information, related content, or external resources. They’re especially prevalent in Microsoft Word documents, where you can link to websites, email addresses, or even different parts of the same document. But what if you’ve got a link that’s outdated, incorrect, or simply not needed anymore? That’s where the ability to remove hyperlinks comes in handy, and if you’re using Word 2013, you’re in luck because the process is simple and quick.
Removing links is particularly relevant for professionals who manage official documents, students working on academic papers, or anyone looking to maintain the integrity and relevancy of their Word documents. The ability to edit hyperlinks ensures that your document’s readers aren’t misled by broken or irrelevant links. It’s a key aspect of document editing that ensures the final product is polished and reliable.
How to Remove a Link in Word 2013
Before we dive into the steps, it’s essential to understand that removing a link won’t delete the text; it only removes the hyperlink, meaning the text won’t direct you to a webpage or email anymore.
Step 1: Open your document
Open the Word 2013 document containing the link you want to remove.
Opening your document is always the first step. Ensure you have the correct version of Word, as these steps are specific to Word 2013.
Step 2: Locate the hyperlink
Find the text or image that’s hyperlinked.
Sometimes the hyperlink may not be obvious, so look for underlined text or an image that, when hovered over with your mouse, shows a link.
Step 3: Right-click on the hyperlink
Right-click on the hyperlinked text or image to bring up the context menu.
This step is crucial because it allows you to access the hyperlink’s options without needing to navigate through Word’s ribbon interface.
Step 4: Click on ‘Remove Hyperlink’
In the context menu, click on ‘Remove Hyperlink’.
After clicking, the text or image will instantly become a regular part of your document, free of any links.
Step 5: Verify the link is removed
Ensure that the text is no longer clickable and that it has returned to the default formatting.
Always double-check to make sure the hyperlink was successfully removed. This prevents any surprises later on when finalizing your document.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Simplifies document | Removing unnecessary links creates a cleaner, more professional-looking document. |
| Prevents confusion | By removing incorrect or outdated links, you prevent readers from being misled. |
| Easy to do | The process is quick and simple, making it accessible to users of all skill levels. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Possible formatting issues | Removing a hyperlink might change the text formatting, which you may need to fix manually. |
| No undo options in the context menu | If you accidentally remove a hyperlink, you can’t immediately undo it from the context menu—you’ll have to use Word’s undo feature. |
| May disrupt document flow | If the hyperlink was part of the document’s content flow, removing it might necessitate further edits to ensure the text still makes sense. |
Additional Information
Sometimes you might find yourself with a document full of links that need removing. Doing them one by one can be tedious. Word 2013 has a solution for this too. By using a quick keyboard shortcut (CTRL+A) to select all text and then pressing CTRL+SHIFT+F9, you can remove all hyperlinks from a document in one fell swoop. Remember, though, this action is irreversible once you save and close the document, so use it with caution.
Another thing to note is that removing the hyperlink does not remove any screen tips that were associated with the link. You may need to remove these separately if they no longer serve a purpose in your document.
Summary
- Open your Word 2013 document.
- Find the hyperlinked text or image.
- Right-click on the hyperlink.
- Click on ‘Remove Hyperlink’.
- Check that the link has been removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove all links at once?
Yes, use the CTRL+A shortcut to select all text, then press CTRL+SHIFT+F9 to remove all hyperlinks.
Will removing a link delete the text?
No, the text will remain but will no longer be a clickable hyperlink.
Can I undo the removal of a hyperlink?
You can undo the removal by using the undo feature (CTRL+Z), but not directly from the context menu.
What if the ‘Remove Hyperlink’ option doesn’t appear?
Ensure you’re right-clicking on the actual hyperlink and not just the surrounding text.
Can I remove links from images?
Yes, the process is the same as with text—right-click on the image and select ‘Remove Hyperlink’.
Conclusion
Removing a hyperlink in Word 2013 is an essential skill for anyone looking to maintain the integrity and professionalism of their documents. Whether you’re dealing with an outdated link, a typo, or just tidying up your document, the process is simple and can be done in just a few clicks. Remember, the removed links will make your document more straightforward and prevent readers from stumbling upon irrelevant or broken links.
For those looking to learn more about document editing and management in Word 2013, plenty of resources are available, including Microsoft’s own tutorials and various online forums and guides. So, why not dive in and become a Word wiz? After all, in our digital age, these skills are not just handy—they’re vital.
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.