The fastest way to copy a link

To copy a link, right-click on it and select Copy link or Copy link address — the exact wording depends on your browser. Then right-click where you want to paste it and select Paste, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+V on Windows or Command+V on Mac.

If you are copying the link from your browser's address bar instead of from a link on a page, click in the address bar, select all the text with Ctrl+A (or Command+A on Mac), then copy it with Ctrl+C (or Command+C). The paste step works the same way.

Most people never need to know anything beyond this. The sections below cover situations where the standard method does not work or where you need a different approach.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-click a link and select Copy link, then right-click where you want it and select Paste.
  • On a touchscreen device without a right-click option, press and hold the link until a menu appears, then tap Copy link.
  • If a link will not copy, try copying from the address bar instead, or check whether the website has blocked copying.
  • Keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+C to copy and Ctrl+V to paste work on Windows; use Command+C and Command+V on Mac.

Copying a link on a phone or tablet

On a touchscreen device, press and hold your finger on the link until a menu pops up. Look for an option that says Copy link, Copy link address, or sometimes just Copy. Tap it, and the link is now in your clipboard.

To paste it, open the app or text field where you want the link to go — a text message, email, note-taking app, or web browser — tap in the text area, and hold your finger until a menu appears with a Paste option. Tap Paste.

Some phones and tablets also let you use keyboard shortcuts if you have a physical keyboard connected. Ctrl+C copies and Ctrl+V pastes on Android devices; Command+C and Command+V work on iPad.

Copying from the address bar when right-click does not work

Some websites prevent you from right-clicking on links. If the context menu does not appear, try copying the link from your browser's address bar instead. Click the address bar at the top of the page, select all the text with Ctrl+A (Windows) or Command+A (Mac), copy it with Ctrl+C or Command+C, and paste it where you need it.

This method gives you the full URL of the page you are on, which is usually what you want anyway. If you need a link to a specific part of a page rather than the whole page, this approach will not help — you would need to contact the website owner or look for a Share button instead.

Using keyboard shortcuts instead of right-click

If you prefer not to use the mouse or trackpad, you can navigate to a link using the Tab key, which moves focus from one link to the next. Once a link is highlighted, press Ctrl+C on Windows or Command+C on Mac to copy it directly without opening a menu.

This works in most browsers and is often faster than right-clicking if you are already using the keyboard. After copying, switch to the app or text field where you want to paste and use Ctrl+V or Command+V.

What to do if a link will not copy

If right-clicking a link produces no menu, the website may have disabled copying for that particular link. Try the address bar method described above, or look for a Share button near the link — many websites provide this as an alternative way to get the link.

If you are trying to copy a link from a PDF, image, or other file type rather than a web page, the process is the same: right-click and select Copy link if the option appears. If it does not, the file may not contain a clickable link, and you may need to copy the file path or location instead.

Pasting a link into different places

Once you have copied a link, you can paste it almost anywhere: into an email, a text message, a social media post, a document, a chat app, or another browser tab. The paste command is always the same — Ctrl+V on Windows or Command+V on Mac — or right-click and select Paste.

Some apps format pasted links automatically, turning them into clickable buttons or showing a preview of the page. Others paste the raw URL as plain text. Both are correct; the difference is just how the app chooses to display it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my link paste as plain text instead of a clickable link?

Different apps handle pasted links differently. Some show the URL as clickable text, while others display it as plain text that you can still click. If you need a formatted link in a document or email, look for a Link or Insert Link option in the app's menu, which usually lets you paste the URL and add custom text.

Can I copy a link without using right-click?

Yes. Click the address bar, select all with Ctrl+A or Command+A, and copy with Ctrl+C or Command+C. You can also use the Tab key to navigate to a link and press Ctrl+C or Command+C directly without opening a menu.

What is the difference between copying a link and copying the address bar?

Right-clicking a link copies just that link's URL. Copying from the address bar copies the URL of the entire page you are currently viewing. If you want to share a specific link from a page, right-click the link. If you want to share the page itself, copy the address bar.

How do I copy a link on a Mac?

Right-click (or two-finger tap on a trackpad) the link and select Copy link. Then paste it with Command+V. You can also click the address bar, select all with Command+A, copy with Command+C, and paste with Command+V.