The basic method: right-click and copy

To copy a link, right-click on it and select Copy link (or Copy link address on some browsers). The link is now in your clipboard — you can paste it anywhere by right-clicking again and selecting Paste, or by pressing Ctrl+V on Windows or Command+V on Mac.

This works on almost every website and in most apps. The exact wording of the menu option varies slightly between browsers — Chrome says "Copy link", Firefox says "Copy link address", Safari says "Copy link" — but they all do the same thing.

If you are on a phone or tablet, press and hold the link until a menu appears, then tap Copy link or Copy. On some phones, you may see Copy link address instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-click any link and select Copy link to add it to your clipboard without opening the page.
  • On phones and tablets, press and hold the link until a menu appears, then tap Copy link.
  • You can paste the copied link into messages, documents, emails, or anywhere else by pressing Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac).
  • If right-click does not work, try selecting the link text, copying it with Ctrl+C or Command+C, and pasting it into your browser's address bar.
  • Some apps and websites block copying links for security reasons — in those cases, you may need to share through the app's built-in share button instead.

Copying a link from the address bar

If you want to copy the link to the page you are currently viewing, click on the address bar at the top of your browser (where the web address appears), then press Ctrl+A to select all the text, and Ctrl+C to copy it. On Mac, use Command+A and Command+C instead.

You can also triple-click the address bar to select the entire address, then copy it. This method gives you the full URL of the current page, which is useful if the right-click menu is not working or if you want to share the exact page you are on.

Copying links on different browsers

Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all use the same right-click method. Open the browser, find the link you want to copy, right-click it, and select the copy option. The menu wording is slightly different in each browser, but the result is identical.

If you are using a less common browser or an older version, the right-click menu may look different, but the copy option should still be there. If it is not, try the address bar method instead — that works in every browser.

Copying links in messaging and social media apps

In apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and Twitter, press and hold a link until a menu appears. Look for an option that says Copy link, Copy URL, or Share link. Some apps use slightly different wording, but the function is the same.

If the app does not have a copy option in the menu, try selecting the link text itself and copying it with Ctrl+C or Command+C. This copies the text rather than the link address, so it may not work as a clickable link when you paste it elsewhere.

What to do if copy is not working

Some websites and apps block the right-click menu or disable copying for security or copyright reasons. If you cannot copy a link the normal way, try these alternatives: select the link text by clicking and dragging across it, then copy it with Ctrl+C or Command+C. When you paste it, the text will appear, though it may not be a working link.

Another option is to look for a share button on the page or in the app — many websites have a share icon (usually three dots or a square with an arrow) that lets you copy the link through a different menu. If neither of those works, you can manually type or note the web address from the address bar.

Pasting a copied link

Once you have copied a link, you can paste it almost anywhere: into an email, a text message, a document, a social media post, or a chat. Right-click where you want to paste it and select Paste, or press Ctrl+V on Windows or Command+V on Mac.

If you are pasting into a text field that does not have a right-click menu (like some messaging apps), try pressing Ctrl+V or Command+V directly. If that does not work, the app may not support pasting — in that case, you may need to type the link manually or use the app's built-in share feature instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does copying a link open the page?

No. Copying a link puts it in your clipboard without opening anything. You only open the page when you click the link or paste it into your address bar and press Enter.

Can I copy a link from a PDF or document?

Yes. Right-click the link in the PDF or document and select Copy link or Copy. If that does not work, try selecting the link text and copying it with Ctrl+C or Command+C, though the text alone may not work as a clickable link.

What is the difference between copying a link and copying link text?

Copying a link (the address itself) gives you the full URL that works as a clickable link when you paste it. Copying the link text (the words you see) gives you only those words, which may not be a working link. Always use Copy link if the option is available.

Can someone tell if I copied their link?

No. Copying a link does not notify the website or the person who posted it. The only way they know you accessed the link is if you click it and visit the page, or if you tell them you copied it.

Why does my phone not show a copy option when I hold a link?

Some apps and websites block the copy menu for security reasons. Try using your browser instead of the app — open the link in your phone's web browser and try copying it there. If that does not work, you may need to use the app's built-in share button instead.