How to Add a Hyperlink in PowerPoint (2026)
A hyperlink in PowerPoint can point to a webpage, another slide in the deck, an external file, or an email address — and you can attach it to text, a shape, or an image. The shortcut is Ctrl+K. Links only activate during the slideshow, not while editing. Here’s every link type.
1. Link to a Webpage (Windows & Mac)
- Select the text or object.
- Insert > Link (or Ctrl+K).
- Choose Existing File or Web Page and type the URL in the Address box.
- Click OK.
The link works when you run the show — Ctrl+click it while editing to test.
2. Link to Another Slide
- Select the text or object and press Ctrl+K.
- Choose Place in This Document.
- Pick the target slide from the list (First, Last, Next, or a specific slide).
- Click OK.
This is how you build a clickable menu or “back to agenda” button.
3. Link to a File or Email
In the Link dialog:
- Existing File or Web Page > browse to a document to open it on click.
- E-mail Address > type an address and subject to start a pre-filled email.
4. Add a Link on the Web
In PowerPoint for the web, select text or an object, go to Insert > Link, paste the URL, and click Insert. Linking to another slide is supported too via the dialog.
5. Edit, Remove, or Add a ScreenTip
- Edit/Remove: right-click the link > Edit Link or Remove Link.
- ScreenTip: in the Link dialog, click ScreenTip and type the hover text viewers see during the show.
6. Troubleshooting
Clicking the link does nothing
Links only fire during the slideshow. While editing, hold Ctrl and click.
The link opens the wrong slide
The target slide moved. Right-click > Edit Link and reselect it under Place in This Document.
A pasted URL didn’t become a link
Press Spacebar or Enter after it to auto-format, or select it and use Ctrl+K.
Related PowerPoint guides: How to insert a table · How to group objects · How to add a GIF · How to make a timeline · How to embed a video
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