How to Insert a Hyperlink in Word

Adding a clickable link to a Word document β€” whether pointing to a website or another spot in the same file β€” makes long documents easier to navigate and reports easier to reference. Here's how to add and remove hyperlinks in a few clicks.

  1. Select the text to link

    Drag to highlight the word or phrase you want to turn into a hyperlink.

  2. Enter the web address

    Type or paste the URL you want the text to point to, then confirm.

Why link within a document, not just to the web

Most people only think of hyperlinks as links to websites, but linking to a heading or bookmark inside the same document is one of the most underused features in long reports. It effectively turns a static document into a navigable mini-website β€” readers can jump from a summary section straight to the relevant detail with one click, instead of scrolling through dozens of pages.

A quick note on link formatting

By default, inserted hyperlinks usually appear underlined and in a different color, which can clash with a document's design. You can select the linked text and change its font formatting like any other text without breaking the link itself β€” the underline and color are just styling, not a functional requirement for the link to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link to a specific page number instead of a heading?

Word links work off bookmarks and headings rather than fixed page numbers, since page numbers shift as content is edited. For a link that stays accurate, add a bookmark at the target spot and link to that instead.

Does removing a hyperlink also delete the text?

No. "Remove Hyperlink" only strips the clickable link behavior and reverts the formatting β€” the underlying text stays exactly where it is.