If you have a presentation deck that needs to be shared online or through a projector, including hyperlinks can be incredibly beneficial.
Hyperlinks allow the presenter to take their audience from slide to slide or from a slide in the presentation to an external website or document.
PowerPoint is a fantastic tool that allows you to create beautiful, professional-looking slides that can convey your message effectively.
It is also a tool that has a lot of features, which can be tricky to navigate if you’re not familiar with them. One such feature is adding hyperlinks to your presentation.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of adding a hyperlink in PowerPoint. We will also share some tips on how to optimize your hyperlinks to make them accessible and useful for your audience.
Preparing to Add a Hyperlink
Before starting the process of adding a hyperlink, it’s vital to prepare the presentation. Determine whether you will be linking to an external website, a document, or another slide in your presentation. Here’s how to prepare your presentation properly:
Decide on a Destination
What is the destination for your hyperlink? The destination could be a webpage, a file, or another slide in your presentation. It is essential to decide before adding the hyperlink so that you understand what link type you will need to add.
Determine the Location
You need to pinpoint the specific location on which the hyperlink will be placed. Use your mouse cursor to click and drag the cursor to select the text or object which the hyperlink will be attached.
How to Insert a Hyperlink in PowerPoint
When creating a hyperlink in PowerPoint, there are different ways you can style it to fit your design. You can create a hyperlinked text or link to an object.
Now that you’re ready to create your hyperlink let’s take a look at the steps you need to follow:
1. Select the Text or Object
Select the text or object that you’d like to add the hyperlink to. This step is crucial because the hyperlink attaches directly to the selected text or object.
2. Click the ‘Insert’ Tab
On the ribbon menu, navigate and click the ‘Insert’ tab.
3. Click the ‘Hyperlink’ Button
Under the ‘Links’ group, click the ‘Hyperlink’ button (or press the shortcut key Ctrl + K). This opens up the ‘Insert Hyperlink’ dialog box.
4. Choose Your Link Type
In the ‘Insert Hyperlink’ dialog box, you will see several options. Select the one that’s appropriate for your hyperlink destination.
Link to a Webpage
If you’d like to link to a webpage, then choose ‘Web Page or File’. This option will allow you to enter a URL or even browse for a file on your computer.
Link to Another Slide
If you’d like to link within your presentation, choose ‘Place in This Document’. The ‘Select a place in this document’ section will show all the slides in your presentation. Choose the slide where you want to add the hyperlink and click ‘OK.’
Link to a File
If you’d like to link to a file, choose ‘Existing File or Web Page’. In this option, you can browse and select the file you want to link to.
5. Enter Relevant Information
Once you have chosen the hyperlink destination, you can now enter the specific information needed for that link type. For example, if you were linking to a webpage, you would enter the URL of that webpage in the ‘Address’ field.
6. Test Your Hyperlink
After you’ve entered your link destination and relevant information, click ‘OK’ to add your hyperlink. It is always a good idea to test the link by clicking on it to ensure it works and takes you to the correct destination.
Video Guide
Hyperlink Optimization
For your hyperlinks to be effective and useful, optimizing them is crucial. Here are some tips for optimizing your hyperlinks:
Use Relevant Descriptions
Use descriptions that are relevant to the link destination. Avoid using vague descriptions as this may lead to confusion for your audience.
Highlight the Hyperlink
Using contrasting or bold colors to your hyperlinked text makes it easier for your audience to identify and click on.
Keep it Concise
Your hyperlink text should be short and sweet. Avoid using long sentences or paragraphs as this can be visually overwhelming and may not achieve an essential message.
Use Descriptive Text
Using descriptive text that explains where the hyperlink leads can be useful for your audience. When hovering over the hyperlink, the description box pops up, providing the audience with more information.
Clean up Broken Links
It’s essential to periodically review your hyperlinks to ensure they are still active. Otherwise, you may run the risk of delivering a deck with broken links.
Conclusion
Adding hyperlinks to your PowerPoint presentation can be a useful tool in helping you communicate ideas, share external documents or websites, and create an engaging presentation. Remember to prepare your presentation appropriately, choose your hyperlink destination, and optimize the hyperlink to make it useful for your audience. By following these steps, you will be on your way to creating a professional and effective presentation.