Where to find the link tool in Canva

Open your Canva design and look for the toolbar on the left side of the screen. Click the Elements button (it looks like a plus sign inside a square). Scroll down in the panel that opens until you see Link — it appears as a chain icon. Click it once.

A small text box will appear on your canvas. You can drag it to reposition it, or you can skip this step and add a link to an element you've already placed. If you want to link an existing shape, image, or text block instead, right-click directly on that element and select Link from the menu that appears.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add a link to any element in Canva — text, shapes, images, or buttons — by right-clicking and selecting Link from the menu.
  • Paste the full web address (starting with https://) into the link field, not a shortened version or just the domain name.
  • Links in Canva designs only work when someone views or downloads the design through Canva's sharing options, not in static image exports.
  • Test your link before sharing by clicking it in preview mode to confirm it goes to the right destination.

Pasting the URL into the link field

Once you've selected an element or created a new link box, a small dialog will appear asking for the URL. Click inside the text field and paste the web address you want to link to. Use the full address — for example, https://www.example.com rather than just example.com.

If you're linking to a specific page on a website, include the full path. For instance, if you want to link to a blog post, paste the complete URL of that post, not just the homepage. Press Enter or click outside the field when you're done, and Canva will save the link to that element.

Making the link visible to your audience

In Canva, links are invisible by default — there's no automatic underline or color change to show a viewer where to click. You need to make it obvious yourself. Add text near the linked element that says "Click here" or "Learn more", or use a button shape with text inside it to signal that the area is clickable.

If you're linking an image, consider adding a small arrow or icon overlay so viewers know it's interactive. The clearer you make it, the more likely people will actually click. You can also change the color or style of the element to make it stand out from the rest of your design.

Understanding where links actually work

Links in Canva only function in certain formats. If someone views your design through a Canva link (when you share it as a live design), the links will be clickable. If you read your design as a PDF or image file, the links won't work — they're just static files with no interactive elements.

This matters for how you plan to use your design. If you're creating a social media post or a flyer to print, links won't function, so don't rely on them. If you're sharing a presentation or document that people will view on screen through Canva's sharing system, links will work fine.

Testing your link before you share

Before you send your design to anyone, test the link to make sure it goes where you intended. Click the Present button in the top right corner of Canva (or press Shift + P). This opens a preview mode that shows how your design will look to others. Click the linked element and verify that it opens the correct webpage.

If the link doesn't work or goes to the wrong place, go back to edit mode and right-click the element again. Select Link and check the URL you entered. Typos in web addresses are the most common reason links fail. Copy and paste directly from your browser's address bar to avoid mistakes.

Removing or changing a link

To remove a link from an element, right-click on it and select Link from the menu. In the dialog that appears, you'll see the current URL. Delete the text in the field completely and press Enter. The link will be removed, but the element itself stays on your canvas.

To change a link to a different URL, right-click the element, select Link, and paste the new address over the old one. You don't need to delete the old link first — just highlight all the text and replace it. Press Enter to save the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link to a specific part of a webpage?

Yes, if the webpage has anchor links (also called jump links), you can use them. Add a hash symbol and the anchor name to the end of the URL — for example, https://www.example.com#section-name. Not all websites use anchor links, so test it first to confirm it works.

What happens if I link to a website that goes down later?

The link will break and show an error when someone clicks it. You're responsible for maintaining the links in your designs. If you link to a page you control, keep that page active. If you link to someone else's site, check periodically that the page still exists.

Can I add links in the free version of Canva?

Yes, the link feature is available in both free and paid Canva accounts. You can add as many links as you want to any design. The limitation is that some design templates or premium elements may require a paid account, but the linking itself is free.

Do links work if I share my design as an image file?

No. Links only work when the design is viewed through Canva's platform or downloaded as a PDF with interactive features enabled. If you read as PNG or JPG, the links become inactive. Choose your read format based on whether you need the links to function.