The fastest way to share a link is to copy it from your browser's address bar and paste it into an email, text message, or chat app

Open the page you want to share. Look at the top of your browser window where the web address appears — this is your link. Click on it once to select the entire address, then right-click and choose "Copy" (or use Ctrl+C on Windows, Command+C on Mac). Open your email, messaging app, or chat platform and paste the link where you want it to go. The person who receives it can click the link to open that same page.

Different apps and devices have slightly different steps, but the copy-and-paste method works everywhere. Some browsers and apps also offer a "Share" button that does this work for you in one tap, which is worth looking for if you share links often.

Key Takeaways

  • Copy the link from your browser's address bar by clicking it, right-clicking, and selecting "Copy."
  • Paste the link into email, text messages, chat apps, or social media by right-clicking and selecting "Paste" (or Ctrl+V / Command+V).
  • Many apps have a built-in "Share" button that copies and opens your messaging app in one step.
  • Shortened links and QR codes are alternatives when you need a link that is easier to type or scan.

Copying a link from your browser

Every browser stores the web address of the page you are viewing in the address bar at the top. On desktop computers, this bar shows the full address. On phones, you may need to tap the address bar to see it completely.

Click or tap the address bar once. The entire address should highlight in blue or another color, showing it is selected. If it does not highlight automatically, triple-click to select all of it. Then right-click (or long-press on a phone) and choose "Copy" from the menu that appears. On a Mac, you can also use Command+C. On Windows, use Ctrl+C.

The link is now in your clipboard — a temporary holding space on your device. You can paste it anywhere you want to send it.

Pasting a link into email or messages

Open the email, text message, chat app, or social media platform where you want to send the link. Click in the message box where you type your message. Right-click and choose "Paste," or use Ctrl+V on Windows or Command+V on Mac. The link will appear in your message.

On a phone, long-press in the message box and select "Paste" from the menu. Some phones show a paste button automatically when you have something copied.

After you paste, you can add words before or after the link to explain what it is. Then send the message as you normally would. The person who receives it will see the link as a clickable address.

Using the Share button in your browser or app

Many browsers and apps have a "Share" button that skips the copy-and-paste step. On desktop, look for a button that looks like an arrow pointing outward, or a box with an arrow. On phones, this button is often at the top right of the screen or in a menu.

Tap or click the Share button. A menu will appear showing apps you can send the link to — usually email, text message, social media, or messaging apps you have installed. Select the app you want to use. Your device will open that app with the link already filled in, ready to send.

This method is faster if you share links often, because it combines copying and opening your messaging app into one action.

Creating a shortened link

Long web addresses can be hard to type or remember. Services like Bitly, TinyURL, and Google's URL shortener turn long links into short ones that are easier to share, especially in places where space is limited.

Visit one of these services on your browser, paste your long link into the box provided, and click the button to shorten it. The service will give you a much shorter address that points to the same page. Copy this short link and share it instead of the original.

Shortened links are useful when you are sharing a link in a text message, on social media, or anywhere the address is very long. Be aware that shortened links hide the original web address, so only use services you trust.

Sharing a link as a QR code

A QR code is a square pattern that a phone camera can read and turn into a link. Some websites and apps can generate a QR code from any web address. You can then take a screenshot of the code and share it as an image, or print it.

To create a QR code, visit a QR code generator (search for "QR code generator" in your browser), paste your link into the box, and click the button to generate the code. Download or screenshot the image. Anyone with a phone can point their camera at the code, and their phone will offer to open the link.

QR codes are useful when you want to share a link in a physical place — printed on a poster, a business card, or a document — or when typing a long address is not practical.

What to do if the link does not work

If someone tells you a link you sent does not work, the page may have moved or been deleted. Try opening the link yourself in your browser to confirm it still works before asking the other person to try again.

If the link works for you but not for them, ask them to clear their browser cache (a temporary storage of web pages). On most browsers, you can do this by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Delete on Windows or Command+Shift+Delete on Mac, then selecting the option to clear cached files. They can then try the link again.

If the page has genuinely moved or been deleted, you may need to search for the new location of that information and share a different link instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shorten a link without using a third-party service?

Most browsers and websites do not offer built-in shortening. However, some platforms like Twitter automatically shorten links when you paste them. If you need a short link, using a service like Bitly or TinyURL is the most reliable method.

Is it safe to click links that other people send me?

Links from people you know and trust are generally safe. Be cautious with links from strangers, especially in unsolicited emails or messages. If a link looks suspicious or you are not sure where it goes, do not click it. You can hover your mouse over a link to see the actual web address before clicking.

What if I want to share a link but keep it private?

Use email or a private messaging app instead of posting on social media. Email and direct messages go only to the people you choose. If you want to share a link with a group privately, use a group chat or a private messaging platform rather than a public post.

Can I share a link to a document I have not published online?

Not directly — the link must point to something already on the internet. If you want to share a document, you can upload it to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox, get the sharing link from that service, and send that link instead. The recipient will need permission to view it, which you can set when you create the sharing link.