How to Create Hyperlinks in PDF (Step by Step Guide)

Part 1. How to Create Hyperlink in PDF (Windows & Mac)

If you want a quick, reliable, and simple way to insert hyperlink in PDF document, Tenorshare PDNob is one of the best tools available today. Unlike other complex editors that require multiple steps or expensive subscriptions, PDNob makes the whole process fast and easy.

It works perfectly on both Windows and Mac, giving you full control over how your document looks and functions. With this tool, you can easily make links clickable in PDF whether you want to direct readers to a specific page, open a website, or attach another file for reference.

Key Features of Tenorshare PDNob PDF Editor

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly on both Windows and Mac, giving you full flexibility to edit and insert hyperlinks on any system.
• Quick Link Insertion: Lets you add clickable links instantly, helping you save time when you need to make links clickable in PDF documents.
• Multiple Link Actions: Allows you to jump to pages, open web pages, or link to files—all within a single, easy-to-use interface.
• Comprehensive PDF Editing Tools: Offers 100+ features like text, image, watermark, and background editing alongside hyperlink insertion.
• Beginner-Friendly Interface: Designed with a clean and simple layout, making it easy for anyone to insert hyperlink in PDF document without confusion.

How to Make Links Clickable in PDF Using Tenorshare PDNob

Let’s go through the steps to create hyperlinks in PDF using Tenorshare PDNob. The process is simple and works on both Windows and Mac.

• Open your PDF file in Tenorshare PDNob PDF Editor. Go to the top menu and click on the “Edit” tab.
• Select the “Link” option from the toolbar. You’ll see two choices “Add/Edit Links”and “Delete All Links.”

• Click “Add/Edit Links.” Then, use your mouse to select the area or text in the PDF where you want to insert the link.


Choose the type of link action you want:

• For “Jump to a Page View”, enter the page number inside the same PDF that you want the link to go to.
• For “Open a Webpage”, type or paste the web URL you want to connect to.
• For “Open a File”, browse and select the file path you want the link to open.

• After setting the link, click OK and Save your PDF. Now your hyperlink is active and ready to use.

Part 2. How to Insert Hyperlinks in PDF via MS Word & Preview

If you don’t want to download any new software, you can create hyperlink in PDF using Microsoft Word or the Preview app on Mac. Here’s how:

1. How to Create Hyperlink in PDF in MS Word

• Open your PDF file in Microsoft Word. Word will automatically convert your PDF into an editable .docx file.
• Select and highlight the text or image you want to use as your anchor for the hyperlink.
• In the toolbar, go to Insert → Link. This will open a dialog box where you can set up your hyperlink.
• Enter the URL you want to add. If you want to link to a specific section within the same document, click the “This Document” tab and choose the heading or bookmark you want to link to.
• When finished, go to File → Save As → PDF. This will export your document as a PDF file with clickable hyperlinks.

Pros and Cons of using Ms Word to create hyperlinks:

2. How to Add Hyperlink to PDFs in Preview (Mac)

Many users wonder if they can add hyperlink to PDF using Preview. Unfortunately, Preview does not have a built-in option to add clickable hyperlinks directly to text. That means you can’t turn regular text into a live link. However, there is a simple workaround you can insert a URL as a text box, which readers can open in Safari with one click.

Follow these steps to do it:

• Open your PDF file in Preview. Click Tools → Annotate → Text to insert a text box anywhere in your PDF.
• Move the text box to your desired location and type the URL you want to include.
• To open the link, right-click the text inside the box and select “Open URL.” The link will then open directly in Safari.

Pros and Cons of using Preview to add hyperlink:

These two options work well if you only need basic hyperlink features. For advanced functions like hyperlink pages in PDF or add jump to page in PDF chapters, Tenorshare PDNob is still the best choice.

Part 3. How to Add Hyperlinks to PDF for Free (Online)

You can also add hyperlink to PDF free using online editors. These tools work directly in your browser and don’t need installation.

Here are three good options:

1. Google Docs

Google Docs provides an easy, free way to add hyperlinks to PDFs directly in your browser, with no software to install. In just a few clicks, you can link to webpages, other files, or specific sections within the document. Here’s how to do it step by step:

• Open Google Drive, right-click on your PDF, and choose “Open with → Google Docs.”
• Highlight the text where you want to add the hyperlink, then click the Insert Link icon on the toolbar (or right-click and choose “Insert link”).
• In the pop-up box, paste the URL you want to link to, or select a Google Doc or heading within the same file. Click “Apply” to confirm.
• Once done, go to File → Download → (.pdf) to save your document back as a PDF. Your hyperlinks will now be active and clickable.

Pros and Cons of using Google Docs:

2. iLovePDF

iLovePDF is a simple and user-friendly online tool that lets you add hyperlink to PDF free without installing any software. It works on all devices and is perfect for quickly making links clickable in your documents. Here’s how to use it:

• Visit iLovePDF and select the “Edit PDF” tool from the main menu.
• Upload your PDF file by clicking “Select PDF file” or dragging it into the upload box.

• Highlight the text where you want to add the hyperlink, click the Link icon, and paste your URL.

• Click “Download PDF” to save your updated file your hyperlink will now be active.

Pros and Cons of using iLovePDF:

3. PDF24

PDF24 is another excellent online tool to add hyperlink to PDF free in just a few clicks. It’s completely web-based, so there’s no need to install any software. The interface is clean, fast, and works on both desktop and mobile browsers. You can easily insert hyperlink in PDF document to connect pages, websites, or files. Here’s how to do it:

• Go to PDF24 and select the “Edit PDF” option from the homepage.
• Upload your PDF file from your computer or drag it into the upload box.

• Click on “Add Link”, then enter your URL or file path in the given box.

• When finished, click “Download” to save the final version of your PDF with active hyperlinks.

If you only need to insert hyperlink in PDF document quickly, online tools like iLovePDF or PDF24 are great. But if you need professional editing, Tenorshare PDNob is much more powerful.

Part 4: How to Fix PDF Hyperlinks That Aren’t Working

Sometimes, PDF hyperlinks not working can be frustrating. Here are common reasons and easy fixes:

1. Hyperlinks Missing After Saving or Emailing

If links disappear after sending a PDF, it’s often because of email compression.

Fix: Upload your file to cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox, and share the cloud link instead of an attachment.

2. Links Work on Desktop but Not on Mobile

Some apps on phones can’t read hyperlinks properly.

Fix: Use a mobile-friendly PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat Reader or re-export the file with Tenorshare PDNob.

3. Hyperlinks Grayed Out or Disabled

This happens if your file has restrictions.

Fix:

• Go to File → Properties → Security and set it to No Protection.
• Or print the file as a new PDF (File → Print → Save as PDF).

By following these steps, you can fix PDF hyperlinks not working and make sure every link is active and clickable.

Part 5. FAQs of How to Create Hyperlink in PDF

1. How do I add a hyperlink to a PDF without Acrobat?

You can use Tenorshare PDNob, Google Docs, or PDF24 to add hyperlink to PDF free. All work without Adobe Acrobat.

2. How to edit a hyperlink in PDF?

Open your PDF Editor, select the link, and change the URL or action. Save the file again. That’s how you make links clickable in PDF after editing.

3. How do I hyperlink a PDF in an email?

Attach your PDF to the email, or upload it to Google Drive and share the link. This method prevents PDF hyperlinks not working after sending.

4. What is the difference between a link and a hyperlink?

A link is a simple text or button that connects to another page. A hyperlink does the same but is active and clickable inside a document. You can use tools like Tenorshare PDNob to insert hyperlink in PDF document easily.

Conclusion

With the right tools, you can easily learn how to create hyperlink in PDF, and how to add jump to page in PDF chapters. If you want the simplest and most reliable method, Tenorshare PDNob is highly recommended. It allows you to hyperlink pages in PDF, convert files, and edit pdf documents all in one place. Whether you choose a desktop app or free online tool, knowing how to create hyperlink in PDF makes your files easier to read, share, and navigate.

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