A link is a clickable piece of text or an image that takes you to another webpage or file when you click it
Links are the connective tissue of the internet. When you see underlined text in blue, or a button that says "click here," you are looking at a link. The link itself is invisible code that points to a web address — called a URL — somewhere else. When you click it, your browser loads that address.
Links can be text, images, buttons, or even parts of a larger image. The person who created the page decides what to make clickable and where it should lead. That destination might be another page on the same website, a completely different website, a PDF document, a video, or an email address.
Key Takeaways
- A link is code that connects one webpage to another; the visible part is usually blue underlined text, but it can be any text, image, or button.
- When you hover your mouse over a link, your cursor changes to a hand pointer, and you can see the destination address in the bottom left corner of your browser.
- Links can point to other websites, pages within the same website, downloadable files, or email addresses.
- Clicking a link is safe as long as you trust the source; the danger comes from links in emails or messages from people you do not know.
How to tell if something is a link
The most obvious sign is the appearance. Most links are blue and underlined, though website designers can change this. Some links are buttons with a border or background color. Some are plain text that only looks clickable when you move your mouse over it.
The most reliable way to check is to move your mouse pointer over the text or image. If it is a link, your cursor will change to a hand with a pointing finger. At the same time, look at the very bottom left corner of your browser window — you will see the actual web address the link points to. This is useful because it shows you where you are actually going before you click.
On a phone or tablet, you cannot see the destination address the same way. Instead, press and hold on the link for a second or two. A menu will pop up showing you the address and options like "open in new tab" or "copy link."
The difference between a link and the text around it
A link is only the specific word, phrase, or image that is clickable. The regular text before and after it is just text — clicking it does nothing. For example, in the sentence "Visit our privacy policy for more details," only the words "privacy policy" are the link. Clicking "Visit our" or "for more details" will not work.
This matters because it means you have to click the exact right spot. If you are trying to reach a link and nothing happens, you may have clicked just outside the clickable area. Try clicking directly on the underlined or colored text.
Where links come from and where they go
Every link has two parts: the visible part (the text or image you see) and the hidden part (the web address it points to). When someone creates a webpage, they write code that says "make this text a link to this address." The browser then displays the text in a way that signals it is clickable.
A link can point to almost anywhere. It might go to another page on the same website, a page on a completely different website, a PDF file you can read, a video, a map, or even a phone number or email address. When you click a link to an email address, your computer opens your default email program and starts a new message to that address.
Links and safety
Clicking a link itself is not dangerous — the danger comes from not knowing where the link actually goes. This is why the "hover and check the address" trick is important. If someone sends you a link in an email or text message and you do not recognize the sender, check the destination address before clicking.
Scammers sometimes hide malicious links behind text that looks trustworthy. For example, a link might say "Click here to update your bank account" but actually point to a fake website designed to steal your password. This is called phishing. The safest approach is to go directly to the official website yourself rather than clicking a link from an email, especially if the email is unexpected.
Links from websites you already trust — like news sites, social media platforms, or official government websites — are generally safe. The risk is highest with links from unknown senders or suspicious-looking emails.
How links work on different devices
On a computer with a mouse, links respond to clicking. On a phone or tablet with a touchscreen, you tap the link instead. The behavior is the same — the browser loads the destination address — but the physical action is different.
Some devices also let you long-press (press and hold) a link to see options. On phones, this usually shows a menu with choices like "open in new tab," "copy link," or "share link." On computers, right-clicking a link does the same thing.
Links that open in a new tab or window
Some links are set up to open in a new browser tab instead of replacing the current page. You will not see a visual difference before you click — the only way to know is to right-click and look at the menu, or to check if the creator mentioned it on the page.
When a link opens in a new tab, your original page stays open behind it. This is useful when you want to keep reading the first page while exploring a link. If a link opens in the same tab, you have to use your browser's back button to return to the original page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when a link is "broken"?
A broken link points to a webpage or file that no longer exists. When you click it, you get an error message like "404 Not Found" instead of the page loading. This usually happens when a website reorganizes its pages or deletes old content. There is nothing wrong with your computer — the destination straightforward is not there anymore.
Can I tell where a link goes without clicking it?
Yes. On a computer, hover your mouse over the link and look at the bottom left corner of your browser — the address will appear there. On a phone, press and hold the link and a menu will show the address. This is the best way to check if a link is safe before you click it.
What is the difference between a link and a bookmark?
A link is code on a webpage that takes you somewhere when you click it. A bookmark is something you save in your browser so you can return to a page later without typing the address. You can bookmark any page you visit, but only the creator of a page can add links to it.
Why do some links change color after I click them?
Websites track which links you have already visited and often change their color to show this — usually from blue to purple or gray. This helps you remember which pages you have already read. The color change is just visual; the link still works the same way.
Is it safe to click links in emails?
Links from people you know and trust are usually safe. Links from unknown senders or unexpected emails are risky — scammers use them to direct you to fake websites that steal passwords. When in doubt, go directly to the official website yourself instead of clicking the link in the email.