Adding a hyperlink in three steps

To add a hyperlink in PowerPoint, select the text or object you want to link, right-click it, and choose "Link" from the menu. Paste or type the web address in the dialog box that appears, then click "OK". The text will turn blue and underlined, showing it is now a clickable link.

This works the same way whether you are linking to a website, an email address, or another slide in your presentation. The process takes about 10 seconds once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Select the text or shape you want to turn into a link, then right-click and choose "Link" to open the hyperlink dialog.
  • Paste the full web address (starting with https://) into the "Address" field, or type an email address prefixed with mailto: to create an email link.
  • Link to another slide in the same presentation by choosing "Place in This Document" instead of entering a web address.
  • Test every link before you present by holding Ctrl and clicking it, because broken links will embarrass you in front of an audience.

Linking to websites and external pages

When you want to link to a website, you need the full web address starting with https:// or http://. If you copy the address from your browser's address bar, paste it directly into the "Address" field in the hyperlink dialog. PowerPoint will accept it as-is.

If you type the address by hand, include the https:// at the start. Without it, PowerPoint may not recognize what you typed as a web link. Once you click "OK", the text becomes clickable and will open that page in a browser when someone clicks it during your presentation.

Creating email links

To create a link that opens someone's email program, select your text and open the hyperlink dialog the same way. Instead of a web address, type mailto: followed when ready by the email address with no space — for example, mailto:contact@company.com.

When someone clicks this link during your presentation, their default email program will open with a new message addressed to that email. This is useful if you want the audience to contact you or a team member without having to remember or write down an address.

Linking to other slides in your presentation

PowerPoint lets you jump to a different slide when someone clicks a link. Select your text, open the hyperlink dialog, and instead of entering a web address, click "Place in This Document" on the left side of the dialog box.

A list of all your slides will appear. Click the slide you want to link to, then click "OK". This is useful for presentations with a table of contents on the first slide, or when you want to jump to a backup slide if someone asks a question. During your presentation, you can click the link to jump forward or backward without clicking through every slide in between.

Changing the appearance of linked text

By default, hyperlinked text appears in blue and underlined. If you want to change how it looks, select the linked text and use the font color and underline buttons in the toolbar the same way you would format any other text. You can make it red, remove the underline, make it bold, or change the size.

Keep in mind that changing the appearance does not change how the link works — it only changes what the audience sees. If you remove the underline and change the color to black, people may not realize the text is clickable, so use formatting that makes links obvious.

Testing links before you present

Before you present, test every link by holding down Ctrl and clicking it. If you click without holding Ctrl, you will just select the text instead of activating the link. Testing takes a few seconds per link and prevents the awkward moment when a link does not work in front of an audience.

If a link does not work, right-click it, choose "Edit Link", and check that the address is correct. Common mistakes include forgetting the https:// at the start of a web address, or typing a web address that no longer exists. If you are linking to another slide, make sure you chose the correct slide number in the dialog.

Removing or editing a hyperlink

To remove a hyperlink without deleting the text itself, right-click the linked text and choose "Remove Link". The text will stay on your slide but will no longer be clickable.

To change where a link points, right-click it and choose "Edit Link". The hyperlink dialog will open with the current address shown. Change it to the new address and click "OK". You can also use this to fix a link that points to the wrong slide or website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link to a file on my computer instead of a website?

Yes. In the hyperlink dialog, click "Place in This Document" or look for a "Browse" button that lets you select a file from your computer. Choose the file and click "OK". When someone clicks the link during your presentation, that file will open. Make sure the file is on the same computer you are presenting from, or the link will break.

Why does my link not work when I click it during the presentation?

During a presentation, you need to hold Ctrl and click a link to set up it. A regular click just moves to the next slide. If the link still does not work while holding Ctrl, the address may be wrong, the website may be down, or the file may have moved. Test all links before you present.

Can I make a shape or image into a link instead of text?

Yes. Select the shape or image, right-click it, and choose "Link" just as you would with text. The shape or image will become clickable. This is useful if you want a button-like object that jumps to another slide or opens a website.

What happens to links if I save my presentation as a PDF?

Hyperlinks usually stay active when you save a PowerPoint file as a PDF. Test the PDF on the computer you will use for presenting to make sure the links work. Some links, especially those pointing to other slides, may not work the same way in PDF format.