A link is text or an image that takes you somewhere else when you click it
A link (also called a hyperlink) is the clickable part of a webpage or document that sends you to another page, file, or location. When you see underlined blue text or a button that responds to a click, that is usually a link. The link itself is invisible to most people — what you see is just the words or image on top of it, and the actual web address (called a URL) hiding underneath.
Making a link means connecting one piece of content to another by writing code that tells the browser where to go when someone clicks. You do not need to know how to code to do this. Most tools you already use — email, word processors, website builders — have a button or menu option that does the work for you.
Key Takeaways
- A link is created by selecting text or an image, then telling your tool where that link should point to — either a web address, an email address, or a location within the same document.
- In Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and most email programs, you highlight the text you want to turn into a link, then use the Insert menu or right-click to add the destination.
- On a website or blog, links are usually created through the editor's link button, which looks like a chain or paperclip icon.
- The text you see (called anchor text) can say anything, but it should tell the reader where the link goes so they know whether to click it.
How to make a link in Google Docs or Microsoft Word
Both Google Docs and Microsoft Word use nearly the same process. Highlight the word or phrase you want to turn into a link. Then either right-click and choose "Link" from the menu, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+K (Windows) or Cmd+K (Mac). A box will appear asking for the web address you want to link to. Paste or type the full URL — for example, https://www.example.com — then press Enter or click the button to confirm.
If you want to link to a different part of the same document in Google Docs, you can link to a heading instead of a web address. Highlight your text, open the link box, and choose "Headings" from the menu on the left. Pick the heading you want to point to. In Word, this option is called "Place in This Document" and works the same way.
How to make a link in email
Gmail, Outlook, and most other email programs have a link button in the compose window. It usually looks like a chain or paperclip. Highlight the text you want to turn into a link, click the link button, and paste the web address into the box that appears. Some email programs also let you right-click the highlighted text and choose "Link" from the menu.
Be careful with email links: some email providers strip out links or mark messages with many links as spam. If you are sending a link to someone important, test it first by sending it to yourself. Also, never paste a link without checking where it actually goes — hover your mouse over it (without clicking) and your browser will show you the real address at the bottom of the screen.
How to make a link on a website or blog
Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress all have a link button in their editor. It usually appears in the toolbar above where you type, and looks like a chain link or paperclip. Highlight the text you want to link, click the button, and paste the web address. Some builders also let you link to pages within your own site — look for an option that says "Internal Link" or "Link to Page".
If you are writing in WordPress and using the block editor, highlight your text, and a small toolbar will appear above it with a link icon. Click it and type or paste the address. If you are using the older classic editor, use Ctrl+K or Cmd+K just like in Word or Docs.
What the text should say
The words you turn into a link (called anchor text) should tell the reader where the link goes. "Click here" or "Read more" does not tell someone anything — they have to click to find out. Instead, use text that describes the destination: "Learn about our return policy" or "read the PDF guide" or "See the full schedule".
Good anchor text also helps people using screen readers (tools that read web pages aloud for people who are blind or have low vision). A screen reader user might hear a list of all the links on a page without hearing the surrounding text, so the link text itself needs to make sense on its own.
How to link to an email address
You can create a link that opens someone's email program and starts a new message. Highlight your text, open the link dialog, and look for an option that says "Email" or "Mailto". Type the email address, and optionally add a subject line. When someone clicks the link, their default email program will open with that address already filled in.
Use this carefully — putting an email address in a link on a public website can expose it to spam bots that scan web pages for addresses to target. If you are linking to an email on a private page or in a document only certain people see, it is safer.
Checking and fixing broken links
A broken link is one that points to a page that no longer exists or has moved. If you link to a website and that site later changes or deletes the page, anyone who clicks your link will see an error message. You cannot prevent this entirely, but you can check your links periodically to catch problems.
In Google Docs, you can hover over a link and click the three dots that appear, then choose "Remove" if it is broken. In Word, right-click the link and choose "Remove Link". On a website, most builders have a tool that scans your pages for broken links — look in the settings or tools menu. If you find a broken link, edit it to point to a new address or remove it entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change what the link text says without changing where it points?
Yes. Right-click the link and choose "Edit Link" (or use the link button again). You can change the visible text without touching the web address underneath. This is useful if you want to update how a link reads without losing the destination.
What if I want to link to a specific part of a webpage, not just the homepage?
Copy the full URL from your browser's address bar when you are on that specific page or section. Most websites show the exact page you are viewing in the address bar. Paste that full URL into your link, and the link will point to that exact location, not the homepage.
How do I know if a link is safe to click?
Hover your mouse over the link without clicking — your browser will show you the real web address at the bottom of the screen. If the address looks suspicious or does not match what the link text says it should be, do not click it. Be especially careful with links in emails from people you do not know.
Can I link to a file like a PDF or a Word document?
Yes. Upload the file to your website or cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox), get the link to that file, and paste it into your link dialog just like a web address. When someone clicks, the file will read or open in their browser, depending on their settings.
What is the difference between a link and a bookmark?
A link is something you create in a document or webpage that points somewhere else. A bookmark is something you save in your browser to remember a page you like. They are different tools for different purposes — links are for sharing or connecting content, bookmarks are for your own reference.