The fastest way to add a link in PowerPoint

To insert a link in PowerPoint, select the text or object you want to link, then use Ctrl+K (Windows) or Cmd+K (Mac). A dialog box opens where you paste or type the web address. Click OK, and the link is live. You can test it during a presentation by holding Ctrl and clicking the link.

The same keyboard shortcut works whether you're linking text, a shape, an image, or a button. If you want to link to a slide within the same presentation instead of a web page, the Insert menu gives you that option too.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K on Mac) after selecting text or an object to open the link dialog instantly.
  • You can link to web addresses, email addresses, other slides in your presentation, or files on your computer.
  • During a presentation, hold Ctrl and click a link to follow it without leaving slideshow mode.
  • Change or remove a link by right-clicking it and choosing Edit Link or Remove Link from the menu.

Linking text or shapes using the Insert menu

If the keyboard shortcut doesn't work for you, the Insert menu offers the same function. Click the Insert tab at the top, then find and click the Hyperlink button (it usually shows a chain link icon). Select your text or object first, or the dialog will prompt you to do so.

The Hyperlink dialog that opens has fields for the address, the display text, and optional settings like a tooltip that appears when someone hovers over the link. If you want the link to open in a new browser window during your presentation, check the "Open in new window" box before clicking OK.

Linking to other slides in your presentation

PowerPoint lets you create navigation links that jump to a different slide in the same file. Select your text or object, press Ctrl+K, then in the dialog box look for a button labeled "Place in This Document" or "Link to Slide" (the exact name varies by version).

A list of all your slides appears. Click the slide you want to jump to, then OK. During your presentation, clicking that link takes you directly to that slide without leaving slideshow mode. This is useful for creating custom navigation, jumping to a backup slide, or letting an audience member ask a question that sends you to a specific topic.

Linking to email addresses

To create a link that opens an email when clicked, select your text, press Ctrl+K, and type mailto: followed by the email address with no spaces. For example: mailto:contact@example.com. When someone clicks the link during a presentation, it opens their default email program with that address already filled in.

You can also add a subject line by typing mailto:contact@example.com?subject=Your Subject Here. Replace spaces with %20 if you need them in the subject. This is less common in presentations but useful if you're sharing the file and want people to email you with feedback.

Linking to files on your computer

You can link to a document, spreadsheet, or other file stored on your computer. Select your text, press Ctrl+K, then click "Browse" or the folder icon in the dialog. Navigate to the file you want, select it, and click OK. When someone clicks the link, that file opens in its default program.

Be aware that if you move or rename the file later, the link breaks. If you're sharing the presentation with others, keep the linked file in the same folder as the PowerPoint file, or the link may not work on their computer. PowerPoint will warn you if a link is broken when you open the file.

Editing and removing links

To change where a link points, right-click it and select Edit Link (or Edit Hyperlink depending on your version). The same dialog opens, and you can update the address, text, or settings. Click OK to save the change.

To remove a link entirely, right-click it and select Remove Link. The text or object stays in your slide, but it no longer functions as a link. If you want to delete the text or object itself, just press Delete after selecting it.

Testing links before you present

Before you give a presentation, test each link to make sure it works. In normal editing mode, Ctrl+click a link to follow it. Your browser or email program opens, confirming the link is live. If a link is broken, you'll see an error message instead.

During a slideshow, links work the same way — hold Ctrl and click to follow them. If you click without holding Ctrl, nothing happens, so you won't accidentally jump away mid-presentation. After you follow a link, use your browser's back button or Alt+Tab to return to PowerPoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the color of a link in PowerPoint?

Yes. Right-click the link and select Format Text or Character Formatting (depending on your version). You can change the font color, underline style, and other formatting. Keep in mind that changing the color may make it less obvious to your audience that the text is clickable, so blue with an underline is usually clearest.

What happens if I click a link by accident during a presentation?

If you click without holding Ctrl, nothing happens — the link won't activate. If you do hold Ctrl and click, the link opens in your browser or email program. You can return to PowerPoint by clicking the PowerPoint window in your taskbar or pressing Alt+Tab. Your slide position stays the same.

Can I link to a specific page in a PDF file?

You can link to a PDF file on your computer using the browse method described above, but PowerPoint cannot link directly to a specific page within that PDF. The link opens the PDF from the beginning. If you need to jump to a specific page, open the PDF separately before your presentation and navigate to it manually.

Do links work if I email the PowerPoint file to someone else?

Web links (URLs) work on any computer. Links to files on your computer only work if the other person has that file in the same location, or if you send the file along with the presentation. Links to other slides within the presentation always work, no matter who opens the file.