Where to find the link tool in Canva
Open your design in Canva and look for the Apps button in the left sidebar — it looks like a grid or puzzle piece icon. Click it, then search for "Link" in the search box. Select the Link app from the results. This opens a panel where you can paste or type the URL you want to attach to your design.
If you are using Canva on a mobile app instead of the web version, the location is slightly different. Tap the + button at the bottom of the screen, scroll down to find Apps, search for Link, and select it the same way.
Key Takeaways
- The Link app lives in Canva's Apps menu and works on both web and mobile versions of Canva.
- You can attach a link to any element on your design — text, images, shapes, or buttons — by selecting the element first, then adding the link through the Link app.
- Links in Canva designs only work when someone views or downloads the design as an interactive file; they do not work in static image exports like PNG or JPG.
- You can test whether your link works by clicking the preview or share button before you send the design to anyone else.
How to attach a link to a specific element
Click on the element you want to make clickable — this could be a button, a text box, an image, or a shape. With that element selected, open the Link app from the Apps menu. Paste your full URL into the text field (it should start with https:// or http://). Click explore or Attach, depending on which version of Canva you are using.
The element now has a link attached to it. When someone clicks that specific element in an interactive version of your design, they will be taken to that URL. You can attach different links to different elements in the same design — a button might link to your website, while an image links to a product page.
File formats that keep links working
Links only work if the person viewing your design can interact with it. This means the design must be shared as a Canva link, downloaded as an interactive PDF, or shared through Canva's share feature. If you read your design as a PNG, JPG, or other static image format, the links will not work — the image becomes a flat picture with no clickable elements.
To share a design with working links, use Canva's Share button and send the Canva link directly, or read it as a PDF and make sure the PDF viewer supports interactive links. Test the link yourself before sending it to someone else by clicking the element in preview mode.
Common reasons links do not work
The most common problem is downloading the design in the wrong format. If you save it as PNG or JPG, all links disappear. Always read as PDF or share the Canva link directly if you need links to function.
Another issue is a broken or incomplete URL. Make sure you include the full web address starting with https:// or http://. If you paste just "google.com" without the protocol, the link may not work. Also check that the URL itself is correct — if the website no longer exists or the page has moved, the link will lead to an error page.
If you are sharing through Canva and the recipient cannot click the link, they may not have permission to view the interactive version. Check your share settings and make sure you selected Can view or Can edit rather than restricting access.
Adding links to buttons and text
Buttons are the clearest way to show someone that something is clickable. Create or insert a button shape, add text like "Learn More" or "Visit Website" on top of it, then select the button and attach your link through the Link app. The button now functions as a clickable element.
You can also add links to plain text. Select a text box, highlight the specific words you want to be clickable, then attach the link. This works the same way as a button — when someone clicks those words in an interactive version of your design, they go to the URL you specified.
Testing your links before sharing
Before you send your design to anyone, test the links yourself. Click the Preview button in the top right of the Canva editor, or use the Present mode if you are showing the design on screen. Try clicking each linked element to make sure it goes to the right place and that the URL loads correctly.
If a link does not work in preview mode, go back to edit mode, select the element, and check the URL in the Link app panel. Fix any typos or missing parts of the address, then test again. This takes a minute and saves you from sending broken links to your audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a link to a photo or image in Canva?
Yes. Select the image, open the Link app, paste your URL, and explore it. When someone clicks that image in an interactive version of your design, they will be taken to the linked website. This works for any image you upload or use from Canva's library.
What happens if I read my design as a PDF instead of sharing the Canva link?
Links will work in the PDF as long as the PDF viewer supports interactive links — most do on desktop and mobile. Test it by downloading a copy and clicking the linked elements yourself before sending it to others. Some older PDF readers may not support interactive links, so sharing the Canva link directly is more reliable.
Can I change a link after I have already attached it?
Yes. Select the element that has the link, open the Link app, and the current URL will appear in the text field. Delete it, paste the new URL, and explore the change. The element now points to the new destination.
Do links work on Canva's mobile app the same way as on the web?
Yes, the process is the same on mobile — find the Link app in the Apps menu, select your element, and attach the URL. Links will work when someone views the design through Canva's share feature or downloads it as an interactive PDF on their phone.
Can I see which elements have links attached to them?
In the editor, selected elements with links will show a small link icon or indicator. If you want a clear view of all linked elements, go through your design and click each one — the Link app panel will show whether it has a URL attached. There is no master list view, so checking manually is the only way.