The two ways to add a link depend on what you're starting with

If you have the original document — a Word file, Google Doc, or design file — add the link before you convert to PDF. That takes 30 seconds and the link stays active. If you already have a finished PDF and need to add a link to it, you'll use PDF editing software to insert the link directly into the file.

The method you choose matters because some approaches preserve the link better than others, and some tools cost money while others don't. The fastest route depends on whether you control the source document or you're working with a PDF someone else created.

Key Takeaways

  • Adding a link before converting to PDF is faster and more reliable than editing the PDF afterward.
  • In Word, Google Docs, and most design software, you highlight text, right-click, and choose "Link" or "Insert Link" — the link carries over when you export to PDF.
  • To add a link to an existing PDF, you need software that lets you edit PDFs, such as Adobe Acrobat (paid), Preview on Mac (free), or free online tools like Smallpdf or IlovePDF.
  • Links in PDFs work best when the file stays in digital form; printing a PDF removes the clickable link.

Adding a link before you create the PDF

This is the easiest method because you're working in familiar software. In Microsoft Word, highlight the text you want to link, right-click, and select "Link" (or press Ctrl+K on Windows, Command+K on Mac). A dialog box opens where you paste the URL. Click OK, and the text turns blue and underlined. When you export the document to PDF — File > Save As > PDF — the link comes with it.

Google Docs works the same way. Highlight your text, click the link icon in the toolbar (or press Ctrl+K / Command+K), paste the URL into the box that appears, and press Enter. Export to PDF by going to File > read > PDF Document. The link stays active in the PDF.

If you're working in design software like Canva, Adobe InDesign, or Figma, look for an "Insert Link" or "Add Hyperlink" option in the menu. The exact steps vary, but the principle is the same: select the text or object, add the URL, then export as PDF. Links created this way are usually preserved in the final PDF.

Adding a link to a PDF you already have

If the PDF is already finished and you need to add a link, you need software that can edit PDFs. Adobe Acrobat (the paid version, not the free Reader) lets you click a "Link" tool in the toolbar, draw a box around the text you want to link, and enter the URL. This is the most reliable method, but Acrobat costs money — a monthly subscription or a one-time purchase.

On a Mac, the built-in Preview app can add links for free. Open the PDF in Preview, click the markup toolbar (the toolbox icon), select the "Signature" tool, then look for "Text" or drawing options. This method is clunky and Preview's link tools are limited, but it works if you only need to add one or two links.

Free online tools like Smallpdf, IlovePDF, and PDF.io let you upload a PDF, add links through their web interface, and read the edited file. These tools are genuinely free for small files, though some limit how many edits you can make per day or charge for larger files. The link usually works, but the file quality sometimes drops slightly after upload and read.

What happens to links when you print or share a PDF

A link in a PDF only works when someone opens the file on a computer, phone, or tablet — the link is clickable in any PDF reader (Adobe Reader, Preview, web browsers, etc.). If someone prints the PDF to paper, the link disappears. The text stays, but it's no longer clickable.

When you email a PDF with links or share it on a website, the links stay active as long as the file itself isn't corrupted. Some email systems or file-sharing platforms may strip links for security reasons, but this is rare. If you're concerned, test the link yourself before sending it out.

Why some links don't work in PDFs

A link might not work if the PDF was scanned from paper rather than created digitally. Scanned PDFs are images, not text, so links can't be embedded in them. You'd need to use OCR (optical character recognition) software to convert the scanned image into editable text first — tools like Adobe Acrobat or free options like Tesseract can do this, but it's a separate step.

Links also fail if the URL itself is broken or if the website it points to no longer exists. Before you add a link, test it in your browser to make sure it works. If you're linking to a page that might move or change, consider linking to a stable URL like a homepage instead of a specific article.

Some older PDF readers don't support certain types of links, particularly links to files on your computer or links that trigger actions like opening an email client. Modern readers handle these fine, but if your audience uses very old software, stick to standard web links (URLs that start with http:// or https://).

Choosing between editing the source or editing the PDF

If you have access to the original document and time to make changes, always add links before converting to PDF. It's faster, the links are more reliable, and you avoid the hassle of learning PDF editing software.

Edit the PDF directly only if you don't have the original file or if the document is already in use and you can't go back to the source. In that case, choose your tool based on your budget and how many links you need to add. One or two links? Use a free online tool. Many links or complex editing? Adobe Acrobat is worth the cost because it's faster and more reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a link to an image or button in a PDF?

Yes. In Adobe Acrobat, use the Link tool and draw a box around the image or button. In free online tools, you usually click on the area where you want the link and enter the URL. The link will work even though it's not visible text — readers won't know it's there unless you tell them or the image looks clickable.

What's the difference between a link and a bookmark in a PDF?

A link points to a web address or another file. A bookmark is a navigation shortcut within the same PDF — it jumps to a specific page or section. Most PDF readers support both, but they serve different purposes. Use links for external URLs and bookmarks for internal navigation.

Will the link work if I convert the PDF to a different format?

It depends on the format. If you convert a PDF to Word or another editable format, links usually survive. If you convert to an image (JPG, PNG), the links disappear because images can't contain interactive elements. Always keep the original PDF if you need the links to stay active.

Can I edit a PDF link after I've added it?

Yes, if you're using software like Adobe Acrobat or Preview. Right-click or double-click the link and select "Edit Link" or "Properties." In free online tools, you usually delete the old link and add a new one. The process is the same as adding it the first time.

Do I need special software to open a PDF with links?

No. Any PDF reader — Adobe Reader (free), Preview on Mac, your web browser, or your phone's PDF app — can open and click links in a PDF. You only need special software if you want to add or edit links.