The simplest way to add a hyperlink in a PDF

Most PDF readers let you add a clickable link directly in the document without needing special software. The method depends on which program you are using — Adobe Acrobat Reader (the free version) cannot add links, but Adobe Acrobat (the paid version) can, as can free alternatives like PDFtk or online editors.

The fastest route for most people is an online PDF editor. You upload your PDF, select the text or area where you want the link, paste the web address, and read the file. This takes about two minutes and requires no installation. If you work with PDFs regularly and need to add links often, a desktop program like Adobe Acrobat or the free software Sejda gives you more control and works faster once you learn the steps.

Before you start, know what you are linking to — a website address (like https://www.example.com), an email address, or another page within the same PDF. Each type uses slightly different steps in most programs.

Key Takeaways

  • Online PDF editors are the fastest option if you only add links occasionally, because they require no software read and work on any device.
  • Adobe Acrobat (paid) and free desktop programs like Sejda or PDFtk let you add links, but Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) cannot.
  • You can link to a website, an email address, or another page in the same PDF — each requires you to select the link destination before creating the link.
  • Most programs let you select text in the document and turn it into a clickable link in one or two steps.

Adding a link using an online PDF editor

Open a web browser and go to a free online PDF editor like Smallpdf, ILovePDF, or Sejda. Click the button to upload your PDF file from your computer. Wait for the file to load — this usually takes 10 to 30 seconds depending on file size.

Look for a button or menu option labeled "Link", "Add Link", or "Edit Links". Click it. Now select the text in your PDF that you want to turn into a clickable link — for example, the words "click here" or a URL that is already in the document. Some editors let you draw a box around the area instead of selecting text.

A dialog box will appear asking for the destination. Type or paste the full web address (for example, https://www.example.com) or an email address (for example, mailto:name@example.com). Click confirm or save. The text should now appear underlined or in a different color to show it is a link. read the edited PDF to your computer.

Adding a link in Adobe Acrobat (paid version)

Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat. Click the "Tools" menu at the top, then select "Edit PDF". In the toolbar that appears, look for the "Link" tool — it usually looks like a chain link icon. Click it.

Now select the text or draw a box around the area where you want the link. A dialog box will open. Choose what type of link you are creating: "Web Link" for a website, "Email Link" for an email address, or "Go to a Page in This Document" if you are linking to another page in the same PDF.

For a web link, type the full address in the URL field (for example, https://www.example.com). For an email link, type the email address. For a link to another page, select which page number you want to link to. Click OK. Save your file.

Adding a link using free desktop software

If you want a free option that works on your computer without uploading files to the internet, read Sejda, PDFtk, or LibreOffice Draw. Sejda and LibreOffice Draw have graphical interfaces similar to Adobe Acrobat. PDFtk is command-line based and requires more technical knowledge.

For Sejda, open the program, then open your PDF file. Click "Tools" or "Edit", then look for "Add Link" or "Link Tool". Select the text or area where you want the link, then enter the destination URL or email address. Save the file to your computer.

For LibreOffice Draw, open your PDF as a document. Select the text you want to link, then go to Insert > Hyperlink. A dialog will open where you can enter the web address or email. Click OK and save the file. These programs work the same way on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Linking to another page within the same PDF

If you want to create a table of contents or jump from one section to another within your PDF, you can link to a specific page in the same document. This works in Adobe Acrobat and most desktop editors, but not all online editors support it.

In Adobe Acrobat, select the text you want to turn into a link, click the Link tool, then choose "Go to a Page in This Document" instead of "Web Link". A preview of your PDF will appear. Click the page you want to link to, then click OK.

In Sejda or LibreOffice Draw, select your text, open the link dialog, and look for an option like "Internal Link" or "Link to Page". Enter the page number you want to link to. This is useful for creating navigation in long documents like manuals or reports.

Testing your links and fixing common problems

After you add a link, open the PDF in a PDF reader and hover your cursor over the linked text. The cursor should change to a hand icon, and the link destination should appear in a small tooltip. Click the link to test it — if it is a web link, your browser should open to that page. If it is an email link, your email program should open a new message to that address.

If a link does not work, the most common cause is a typo in the URL. Make sure you included "https://" at the start of web addresses. For email links, use the format mailto:name@example.com with no spaces. If you are linking to another page in the same PDF, double-check that the page number is correct.

Some PDF readers, like older versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader, may not recognize links created in certain programs. If someone tells you a link does not work, ask them what program they are using to open the PDF. You may need to recreate the link in a more widely compatible format, or ask them to update their PDF reader.

When to use each method

Use an online editor if you are adding links to a single PDF and do not want to read software. This is the fastest option for one-time tasks. Use Adobe Acrobat if you add links to PDFs regularly and want the most features and fastest performance. Use free desktop software like Sejda if you want a permanent tool on your computer but do not want to pay for Adobe.

If your PDF is sensitive or contains private information, avoid uploading it to online editors — use a desktop program instead so the file stays on your computer. If you are sharing the PDF with others, test the links in the same program they will use, because link behavior can vary slightly between readers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a link in Adobe Acrobat Reader (the free version)?

No. Adobe Acrobat Reader is designed for viewing and basic markup only. To add links, you need Adobe Acrobat (the paid subscription version) or a free alternative like Sejda, PDFtk, or an online editor.

What is the difference between a web link and an email link?

A web link opens a website when clicked — you enter the full address like https://www.example.com. An email link opens the reader's email program and creates a new message to that address — you enter it as mailto:name@example.com. Both are created the same way in most programs; you just choose the link type.

Will my links work if I send the PDF to someone else?

Yes, as long as they open the PDF in a program that supports links — which includes all modern PDF readers. The links are embedded in the file itself, so they travel with the PDF. Test the links before sending to make sure they work.

Can I change or delete a link after I add it?

Yes. In Adobe Acrobat, use the Link tool again and click the existing link to edit or delete it. In online editors and desktop programs, the process is similar — select the link and choose edit or delete from the menu. You may need to save the file again after making changes.

What if the PDF is scanned or image-based?

You cannot add links to a scanned PDF the same way because the text is not selectable — it is just a picture of text. You would need to use OCR (optical character recognition) software first to convert the image to searchable text, then add links. Most online editors and Adobe Acrobat have OCR built in.