Where to find the link tool in Canva
To add a link in Canva, open your design and look for the Link button in the toolbar on the left side of the screen. On desktop, it appears as a chain-link icon. Click it, then click anywhere on the element (text, image, shape, or button) you want to make clickable. A text box will appear asking for the URL you want to link to.
On mobile, the process is similar: tap the element first, then look for the link icon in the menu that appears above it. The icon looks like a chain link and opens the same URL entry box.
You can link almost anything in Canva — a headline, a photo, a colored box, a button shape, or a line of body text. The element doesn't change appearance in the editor, but when someone views or downloads your design, that element becomes clickable.
Key Takeaways
- The Link button is a chain-link icon in the left toolbar on desktop, or accessible by tapping an element on mobile.
- You can link text, images, shapes, and buttons by selecting the element and entering the full URL (starting with http:// or https://).
- Links only work in interactive formats like web-based presentations, PDFs with reader support, or shared Canva links — not in static image downloads.
- Test your links before sharing by using the preview or share function to make sure the URL is correct and the page loads.
Entering the URL correctly
When the link box opens, paste or type the full web address. Canva requires the complete URL, including http:// or https:// at the beginning. If you paste a link without the protocol, Canva usually adds https:// automatically, but it's safer to include it yourself.
You can link to external websites, your own landing pages, email addresses (using mailto:), or phone numbers (using tel:). For an email link, type mailto:yourname@example.com. For a phone number, type tel:+1-555-0123. These formats work in most Canva export options.
After you enter the URL, click outside the box or press Enter to confirm. The element is now linked, though it won't show any visual indicator in the editor itself.
Where links actually work
Links in Canva designs only function in certain formats. If you read your design as a static image (PNG or JPG), the links disappear — images can't contain clickable links. Links do work in PDFs if the person viewing the PDF uses a reader that supports hyperlinks, such as Adobe Reader or most web browsers.
The most reliable way to share a design with working links is to use Canva's share function. When you click Share and send someone a link to view your design in Canva, all links remain active. You can also publish to web, which creates a shareable URL where viewers can click through to your linked pages.
If you're creating a presentation in Canva, links work when you present in slideshow mode or when someone views the shared presentation link. Test this before presenting to an audience.
Editing or removing a link
To change a link after you've added it, click the linked element again and look for the link icon in the toolbar or the menu that appears. Click it to open the URL box, then edit the address. To remove the link entirely, click the element, find the link icon, and delete the URL from the box — or look for a delete or remove option depending on your Canva version.
If you can't find the link icon after selecting an element, the element may not support links. Text, images, shapes, and buttons all support links, but some decorative elements or grouped objects may not.
Common reasons links don't work
The most common problem is downloading your design as an image file. As mentioned, static images cannot contain clickable links. If you need clickable links, share the Canva link itself or export as a PDF and ask viewers to open it in a link-supporting reader.
Another issue is a typo in the URL. If a link doesn't work when you test it, click the element again and check the address for spelling mistakes or missing characters. Make sure the website you're linking to is actually live and accessible.
Links may also fail if the element is grouped with other objects. Try ungrouping the element first (right-click and select Ungroup), then add the link to the individual piece.
Using buttons for clearer clickable areas
If you want readers to know something is clickable, use Canva's button shapes instead of linking plain text or images. Buttons are clearly designed to look interactive and make it obvious to viewers that they can click. To add a button, go to Elements, search for "button," and choose a style. Then add your link to the button shape the same way you would any other element.
Button shapes come in many colors and styles. You can also customize the text on the button to say "Learn More," "Visit Site," "read," or whatever action you want the viewer to take. This makes the design clearer and increases the chance that people will actually click.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link to a specific page within a PDF?
Canva doesn't support linking to a specific page number within a PDF. You can link to the PDF file itself, and it will open to the first page. If you need to direct someone to a specific section, consider linking to a web version of the document instead, or add a note in your design telling them which page to navigate to.
Do links work if I read my design as a PDF?
Yes, links work in PDFs exported from Canva, but only if the person viewing the PDF uses a reader that supports hyperlinks. Most modern PDF readers, including Adobe Reader and web browsers, support links. However, some older or basic PDF readers may not set up them.
Can I track clicks on links I add in Canva?
Canva does not track clicks on links within designs. If you need click tracking, use a URL shortener like Bit.ly or your own link-tracking tool, then paste that shortened URL into Canva. The shortener will track clicks, and Canva will link to it.
What happens if I link to a website that goes down later?
The link will break and show an error page when clicked. Canva doesn't check whether URLs are still active. If you're sharing a design long-term, periodically test your links to make sure the pages they point to still exist.
Can I add links to video or audio files?
Yes, you can link to video or audio files by entering the full URL to the file. When someone clicks the link, the file will read or play depending on their browser and the file type. For better control over how videos play, consider linking to a video hosted on YouTube or Vimeo instead.