Create hyperlinks

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to link text or objects to websites, files, and email addresses or to a section within the document in Adobe InDesign.

Hyperlink to external locations and URLs

External hyperlinks let readers jump from your InDesign document to websites, files, or email addresses when exported to Interactive PDF, ePub, or HTML. You can link to URLs, file paths, or email addresses. When linking to files, include them in your exported document so the links work correctly.

Select the text, text frame, or graphic frame you want to convert to a hyperlink.

Select Type > Hyperlinks & Cross-References > New Hyperlink.

In the New Hyperlink dialog box, select URL, File, or Email from the Link To menu.

Enter the required details under Destination:

For URL: Enter the full web address, including http:// or https://.
For File: Enter the file path.
For Email: Enter the email address and, optionally, a subject line.

Select Shared Hyperlink Destination if you want to save the destination for reuse in the Hyperlinks panel.

By default, InDesign applies the Hyperlink character style to selected text. You can change the formatting of your hyperlink text in the Appearance tab and provide the alternate text in the Accessibility tab. You can also edit hyperlinks in the Hyperlinks panel.

Select OK.

Hyperlink to a section in the document

Create hyperlinks that direct readers to specific pages, text anchors, or saved destinations within your InDesign document. These internal links improve navigation in long documents and can be selected when exported to Interactive PDF, ePub, or HTML. Before creating a link, identify the destination page, anchor, or shared item.

Select the text, frame, or graphic that will serve as your hyperlink source.

Select Type > Hyperlinks & Cross-References > New Hyperlink.

In the Link To drop-down, select Page, Text Anchor, or Shared Destination.

Select the required document from the Document drop-down.

Specify the details:

For Page: Enter the page number and select a Zoom Setting between Fixed, Fit View, Fit in Window, Fit Width, Fit Height, Fit Visible, or Inherit Zoom.
For Text Anchor: Select a previously created text anchor.
For Shared Destination: Select an anchor or any saved URL, file, or email from the Name drop-down.

Tip

Create a shared destination by selecting the Shared Hyperlink Destination option when you create hyperlinks to external locations.

Select OK.

Create print and digital materials with InDesign
Design impactful ads, magazine and book layouts, and more.

Open the app

Hyperlink appearance options

Learn

Learn with step-by-step video tutorials and hands-on guidance right in the app.

Community

Join discussions, find answers, learn from experts, and share your knowledge.

Adobe Home

Access your favorite Creative Cloud apps, services, file management, and more.