How to add a hyperlink in Google Docs
Learn how to add a hyperlink in Google Docs: select your text, open the Insert link box, paste a web address, and apply it in five quick steps.
Quick answer
To add a hyperlink in Google Docs, select the text you want to link, click Insert link in the toolbar, type or paste the web address into the Link box, and click Apply. The selected text turns blue and underlined, showing it is now a clickable link to that page.
Steps at a glance
- Select the words you want to turn into a link.
- Click Insert link in the toolbar.
- Type or paste the web address into the Link box.
- Click Apply.
- Check that the text is blue and underlined.
Interactive demo
Summary
A hyperlink turns words in your document into a clickable path to a web page. Google Docs lets you add one from the toolbar in a few clicks, so readers can jump straight to the source.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Select the text to link
Open your document and drag across the words you want to turn into a link. In this example the words full launch are highlighted. Any short phrase works, and the highlight shows exactly what will become clickable.
Step 2
Click Insert link
With the text still selected, click Insert link in the toolbar. On a Mac you can press ⌘K instead. A small box opens beside your text with a field for the address.
Step 3
Type or paste the URL
Type or paste the web address into the Link field. Once you have entered it, the address appears as an option under the field and the Apply button becomes active.
Step 4
Click Apply
Click Apply to attach the address to your selected text. The box closes and the link is saved.
Step 5
Check the linked text
Look at your document. The words you selected now appear blue and underlined, which tells you they are a hyperlink. The rest of the sentence stays as plain text.
Why this matters
You are sharing a launch brief and want readers to open the full reference without hunting for it. Linking the key phrase keeps the sentence clean, saves you pasting a long address, and sends people straight to the right page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to select text before adding a link?
Selecting text first is the simplest route, because the link is attached to the words you highlighted. Those words then show as blue and underlined.
Is there a keyboard shortcut for adding a link?
The Insert link button in the toolbar shows ⌘K as its shortcut on a Mac.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to highlight text in Google DocsLearn how to highlight text in Google Docs: select your words, open Highlight color in the toolbar, pick yellow or another color, and check the result.
How to add a checklist in Google DocsTurn a list of tasks into a Google Docs checklist with the Format menu, then click each checkbox to tick items off as you finish them.
How to add a footnote in Google DocsAdd a footnote in Google Docs from the Insert menu. Place your cursor, choose Page elements then Footnote, and type the note at the bottom of the page.
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