Adding a link to a PDF takes two minutes and requires only the PDF reader you already have

You can add a clickable link to any PDF without special software. On Windows, use the free Adobe Reader or Microsoft Edge. On Mac, use Preview, which comes built in. On any device, you can use the free web version of Adobe Acrobat. The steps differ slightly by tool, but the principle is the same: you select the text or area where you want the link, then paste the web address you want it to point to.

Most people add links for one of three reasons: to let readers jump to a website from inside the document, to link to another page within the same PDF, or to create an email link. This guide covers all three, starting with the simplest method.

Key Takeaways

  • Adobe Reader (free) and Microsoft Edge both let you add links to PDFs on Windows without paying for software.
  • Mac users can add links using Preview, the built-in PDF tool that comes with every Mac.
  • To add a web link, you select the text or draw a box around the area, then paste the URL you want readers to click.
  • Links to other pages in the same PDF require you to know which page number you want to jump to.
  • If you cannot edit the PDF, the document is locked — you may need the password or a different tool.

Adding a web link in Adobe Reader on Windows

Open your PDF in Adobe Reader. Click the Edit PDF button in the right panel (it looks like a pencil). The toolbar at the top will change to show editing tools.

Look for the Link tool in the toolbar — it looks like a chain link. Click it, then click and drag to draw a box around the text or area where you want the link to appear. A dialog box will pop up asking what you want to link to. Select Web Link, then paste the full web address (starting with https://) into the URL field. Click OK. The link is now active — readers can click it to visit that website.

Save the file by pressing Ctrl+S. If you see a message saying the file is read-only, you may need to save it with a new name or move it to a folder where you have write permission.

Adding a web link in Microsoft Edge on Windows

Open your PDF directly in Microsoft Edge (the browser that comes with Windows). Click the Edit PDF button in the top right corner. A toolbar will appear above the document.

Click the Link button in that toolbar. Draw a box around the text or area where you want the link. A small popup will ask for the URL. Paste the web address and press Enter. The link is now active. Save the file using Ctrl+S.

Adding a web link on Mac using Preview

Open your PDF in Preview (the default PDF reader on Mac). Click Tools in the menu bar, then select Annotate, then Add Link. Your cursor will change to a crosshair.

Click and drag to draw a box around the text or area where you want the link. A dialog box will appear. Paste the web address into the URL field and click Add. Save the file by pressing Command+S.

Adding a link to another page in the same PDF

This works the same way as a web link, but instead of pasting a URL, you tell the PDF where to jump. In Adobe Reader, after you draw the box around your text, select Go to a page in this document instead of Web Link. Type the page number you want readers to land on. In Preview on Mac, the process is identical — paste the page number instead of a web address.

This is useful when you have a table of contents and want each entry to jump to the right section. For example, if your table of contents says "Chapter 3: Budgeting" and Chapter 3 starts on page 12, you would link that text to page 12.

Creating an email link

An email link lets readers send you a message by clicking the link. In Adobe Reader, draw the box around your text as usual. When the dialog appears, select Email instead of Web Link. Type the email address in the field that appears. In Preview on Mac, type mailto:youraddress@example.com (with your actual email address) into the URL field.

When someone clicks an email link, their default email program will open with a new message addressed to you. This only works if the reader has an email program set up on their device.

What to do if you cannot edit the PDF

If the Edit button is grayed out or missing, the PDF is locked. Some PDFs are locked to prevent changes. Try opening the file in a different tool — Adobe Reader sometimes cannot edit a file that Microsoft Edge can, or vice versa. If none of your tools work, the document may require a password to unlock for editing. Ask whoever sent you the PDF whether it has an edit password.

If you have the password, right-click the file and look for a Properties or Get Info option. You may find a security section where you can enter the password. If that does not work, the PDF may have been created with restrictions that cannot be removed without the original file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a link to a PDF on my phone?

Most phone PDF readers do not support adding links. If you need to edit on a phone, use the free web version of Adobe Acrobat (acrobat.adobe.com) in your phone's browser. The steps are the same as the desktop version, but the interface is smaller.

Will the link work if I email the PDF to someone?

Yes. Links you add to a PDF stay in the file when you send it. The person who receives it can click the link as long as they have internet access and a PDF reader installed.

What if I want to link to a specific part of a webpage, not just the homepage?

Paste the full URL of the page you want to link to, including everything after the domain name. For example, instead of example.com, use example.com/support/contact. The link will take readers directly to that page.

Can I change or delete a link after I add it?

Yes. In Adobe Reader, click Edit PDF, then right-click the link and select Edit Link or Delete Link. In Preview on Mac, click Tools, then Annotate, then hover over the link and click the X that appears to delete it.

Why does my link not work when I test it?

Make sure you included https:// at the start of the web address. Also check that the URL is spelled correctly — a single typo will break the link. If the link is to another page in the same PDF, verify that you entered the correct page number.