A link is text or an image that takes you somewhere else when you click it
A link is a clickable piece of text or an image that sends you to another page, document, or location on the internet. When you see underlined blue text on a website, that is usually a link. Links can also be hidden inside buttons, images, or regular-looking text that changes color when you hover over it.
The destination can be another website entirely, a different page on the same website, a document you can read, an email address, or even a specific section further down the same page. Links are how websites connect to each other and how you navigate around the internet.
Key Takeaways
- A link requires two things: the text or image the reader clicks on, and the web address or file location it points to.
- In most word processors and website builders, you highlight text, then paste or type the destination address into a dialog box.
- Email links use a special format that starts with mailto: followed by the email address.
- Links to other parts of the same page require you to create an anchor point first, then link to it by name.
Making a link in Microsoft Word or Google Docs
In both Word and Google Docs, the process is nearly identical. Highlight the text you want to turn into a link, then right-click and choose "Link" or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+K (Windows) or Command+K (Mac). A dialog box will open asking for the destination address.
Paste the full web address into the box — for example, https://www.example.com. If you are linking to a file on your computer, click the option to browse for a file instead of typing a web address. Click OK or Insert, and the text will now be clickable. When someone clicks it, their browser will open that address.
To remove a link, right-click the linked text and choose "Remove link" or "Delete link". The text stays, but it no longer goes anywhere.
Making a link on a website or in HTML
If you are building a website or editing HTML code directly, links use a specific tag. The format looks like this: <a href="https://www.example.com">Click here</a>. The part inside the quotation marks is the destination address. The text between the opening and closing tags is what the reader sees and clicks on.
You can also use an image as a link by putting an image tag inside the link tag instead of text. Most website builders like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace have a visual link button in the editor so you do not have to write HTML code yourself — you just highlight text or select an image, click the link icon, and paste the address.
Creating email links
An email link is text that opens the reader's email program when clicked. Instead of a web address, you use a special format that starts with mailto: followed by the email address. In HTML, it looks like this: <a href="mailto:name@example.com">Send us an email</a>.
In Word or Google Docs, you can create an email link the same way you create a regular link, but type mailto:name@example.com in the address field instead of a web address. When someone clicks it, their default email program opens with a new message addressed to that email.
Linking to a specific section on the same page
Sometimes you want a link to jump to a different part of the same page rather than go to a different page entirely. This requires two steps. First, you create an anchor — a named location — at the spot you want to jump to. In HTML, an anchor looks like this: <a id="section2"></a>. You place this code just before the heading or text you want to link to.
Then you create a regular link that points to that anchor by name. In HTML, it looks like this: <a href="#section2">Jump to Section 2</a>. Notice the hash symbol (#) before the anchor name. In Word or Google Docs, you can use the "Bookmark" feature to mark a location, then link to it the same way you link to a web address.
What happens when you click a link
When you click a link, your browser reads the destination address and loads that page or file. If the link points to a website, the browser opens that website in the same tab or a new tab, depending on how the link was created. If the link points to a downloadable file like a PDF or image, the browser either opens it or downloads it to your computer.
Links can also be set to open in a new tab instead of replacing the current page. In HTML, you add target="_blank" to the link tag. In Word or Google Docs, there is usually a checkbox that says "Open in new window" or similar in the link dialog box.
Checking and fixing broken links
A broken link is one that points to a page or file that no longer exists. When you click a broken link, you usually see a 404 error message or a "page not found" message. If you are building a website, you should check your links regularly to make sure they still work.
To fix a broken link, right-click it and choose "Edit link" or use the link dialog box to change the destination address to a working one. If the page you were linking to has moved, search for the new address and update the link. If the page is gone permanently, consider removing the link or replacing it with a link to a similar page that still exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a link out of an image instead of text?
Yes. In most programs and website builders, you select the image, click the link button, and paste the destination address. In HTML, you put an image tag inside a link tag: <a href="https://example.com"><img src="image.jpg"></a>. When someone clicks the image, it takes them to the destination.
What is the difference between a relative link and an absolute link?
An absolute link includes the full web address, like https://www.example.com/page. A relative link is shorter and only includes the path from the current page, like /page or ../other-folder/page. Relative links work only when linking to pages on the same website. Most people use absolute links because they work everywhere.
How do I know if a link is safe to click?
Hover your mouse over the link without clicking. In most browsers, the actual destination address appears in the bottom left corner of the screen. If the address looks suspicious or does not match what the link text says, do not click it. Be especially careful with links in emails or messages from people you do not know.
Can I change the color of a link?
Yes, but only if you are building a website or editing HTML. In a document like Word or Google Docs, links are usually blue and underlined by default, and you cannot change that without affecting the whole document. On a website, you can use CSS code to change link colors, or use a website builder's design settings to customize how links look.