How to Insert a Hyperlink in PowerPoint 2013 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Want to make your PowerPoint presentation more interactive and professional? Adding hyperlinks is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to do it. Whether you want to link to a website, another slide, an email address, or even a file on your computer, PowerPoint 2013 gives you complete control.

In this detailed tutorial, we’ll show you how to insert a hyperlink in PowerPoint 2013 step by step — from basics to advanced linking techniques. By the end, you’ll know how to create smooth, clickable slides that guide your audience exactly where you want them to go.

What Is a Hyperlink in PowerPoint 2013?

A hyperlink in PowerPoint is a clickable element — such as text, an image, or a shape — that directs the user to another location. That location could be:

• A website

• A different slide

• A file or document

• An email address

Think of hyperlinks as bridges between your slides, files, or external resources — they make your presentation more dynamic and interactive.

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2. Why Use Hyperlinks in a Presentation?

Hyperlinks can significantly enhance your PowerPoint presentation. Here’s why they’re useful:

• Connect to online resources: Link to official websites, references, or videos.

• Navigate between slides: Perfect for interactive quizzes, menus, or non-linear slideshows.

• Attach supporting documents: Link to PDFs, spreadsheets, or Word files for extra information.

• ✉️ Enable quick contact: Create clickable email links for feedback or communication.

• Improve audience engagement: Makes your presentation feel more like a guided experience.

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3. Types of Hyperlinks You Can Create

PowerPoint 2013 supports several hyperlink types. Here’s a breakdown:

You can mix and match these depending on your needs.

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4. Step-by-Step: How to Insert a Hyperlink in PowerPoint 2013

Let’s explore the main methods to insert hyperlinks — one by one.

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4.1 Linking Text to a Website

Steps:

1. Select the text you want to hyperlink.

2. Go to the Insert tab on the Ribbon.

3. Click Hyperlink in the Links group (or press Ctrl + K).

4. In the Insert Hyperlink dialog box, select Existing File or Web Page on the left.

5. In the Address field, type or paste the website URL (e.g., https://www.microsoft.com).

6. Click OK.

✅ Result: Your selected text turns blue and underlined. When clicked during the slideshow, it will open the linked webpage.

Tip: You can right-click the text → Hyperlink → to access the same menu.

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4.2 Adding a Hyperlink to an Image or Shape

Hyperlinks aren’t limited to text. You can link images, icons, SmartArt, or shapes as well.

Steps:

1. Click on the image or shape you want to hyperlink.

2. Press Ctrl + K or go to Insert → Hyperlink.

3. Enter your desired link (web URL, file, or slide).

4. Click OK.

✅ Result: When clicked during the presentation, the image or shape acts as a clickable button.

️ Example: Use a company logo that links directly to your website.

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4.3 Linking to Another Slide in the Same Presentation

This is especially useful for interactive menus, navigation dashboards, or quizzes.

Steps:

1. Select the text, shape, or object you want to link.

2. Go to Insert → Hyperlink.

3. On the left panel, select Place in This Document.

4. A list of your slides will appear — choose the one you want.

5. Click OK.

✅ Result: Clicking the link jumps directly to the chosen slide.

Pro Tip: You can link to first slide, last slide, or even custom slide titles.

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4.4 Linking to a File or Document

Sometimes you need to link to a PDF, Word file, or Excel sheet for reference.

Steps:

1. Highlight the text or object.

2. Go to Insert → Hyperlink.

3. Under Existing File or Web Page, navigate to your desired file.

4. Click OK.

✅ Result: The file opens automatically when clicked during the slideshow.

⚠️ Note: Make sure the linked file stays in the same folder as your presentation when sharing it — otherwise, the link might break.

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4.5 Creating an Email Link (mailto:)

Want to let viewers contact you directly from your slides?

Steps:

1. Select the text (e.g., “Email Us”).

2. Click Insert → Hyperlink.

3. On the left, choose Email Address.

4. Type your email (e.g., support@company.com).

5. Optionally, add a subject line like “Inquiry from PowerPoint.”

6. Click OK.

✅ Result: Clicking the link opens the user’s email client with a pre-filled address.

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5. Editing or Removing a Hyperlink

To Edit:

1. Right-click the linked text or object.

2. Choose Edit Hyperlink.

3. Change the URL, file path, or slide.

4. Click OK.

To Remove:

1. Right-click the link.

2. Select Remove Hyperlink.

✅ Result: The object remains, but the link is deleted.

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6. How to Test Your Hyperlinks in PowerPoint

You can test hyperlinks directly within PowerPoint before presenting.

• Option 1: Hold down Ctrl and click the link in Normal view.

• Option 2: Start the slideshow (F5 key), then click the link normally.

If the link works, PowerPoint will open the connected file, slide, or webpage.

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7. Using Action Buttons for Hyperlinks

PowerPoint 2013 includes Action Buttons, which are pre-designed clickable icons for navigation.

To Insert an Action Button:

1. Go to Insert → Shapes.

2. Scroll to the bottom under Action Buttons.

3. Choose a button (like Home, Next, or Back).

4. Draw it on your slide.

5. In the Action Settings dialog:

   • Choose Hyperlink to:

   • Select your target (Next Slide, URL, etc.)

6. Click OK.

✅ Result: The button acts like an interactive control for your slideshow.

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8. How to Make Hyperlinks Look Professional

You don’t have to stick with blue and underlined text. Here’s how to style hyperlinks:

• Highlight the hyperlink text.

• Go to the Home tab → Change Font Color or Remove Underline.

• Or right-click → Remove Hyperlink Style (if using custom themes).

Pro Tip: Use subtle colors and consistent formatting for a clean, branded look.

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9. Troubleshooting: Hyperlinks Not Working

If your links aren’t opening, check these fixes:

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10. Best Practices for Adding Links in PowerPoint 2013

Follow these tips for clean, reliable linking:

• ✅ Use relative paths for linked files when sharing.

• Keep all linked documents in one folder.

• Use descriptive link text (“View Report” instead of “Click Here”).

• Maintain consistent link formatting throughout your slides.

• Test all links before presenting or sending your file.

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11. Hyperlinks for Interactive Presentations and Quizzes

Want to make your PowerPoint presentation feel like a website or app?
Use hyperlinks to create:

• Clickable menus (Home, About, Contact)

• Interactive quizzes (Correct/Incorrect buttons)

• Learning modules (Jump to specific topics)

Example:

• Slide 1: Question

• Slide 2: Correct Answer

• Slide 3: Try Again
  Use “Link to → Slide 2” for the correct button and “Link to → Slide 3” for the incorrect one.

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12. Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Hyperlinking

These shortcuts save time when adding multiple links quickly.

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13. Using Hyperlinks in Slide Master (for Templates)

If you’re designing a template that needs consistent navigation:

1. Go to View → Slide Master.

2. Add your navigation buttons or linked text.

3. Insert hyperlinks using Ctrl + K.

4. Close Master View.

✅ Result: Every slide created from this layout will include those clickable links automatically.

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14. Printing Slides Without Showing Links

Hyperlinks don’t print as clickable elements, but they might show as colored text.

To make them look normal on printed copies:

• Change hyperlink color to black (or theme color).

• Remove underlines using the Home tab.

• Use File → Print → Grayscale to remove color distinction.

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15. Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Adding hyperlinks in PowerPoint 2013 is one of those small tweaks that can transform your presentations from static to dynamic. You can link to slides, files, websites, or even email addresses — all with just a few clicks.

Whether you’re creating a corporate presentation, a learning module, or an interactive quiz, mastering hyperlinks helps you build smooth navigation and engaging user experiences.

Remember:

• Use hyperlinks purposefully.

• Keep your file paths consistent.

• Test every link before presenting.

Once you practice a few times, inserting hyperlinks will become second nature!

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16. FAQs

1. How do I add a hyperlink in PowerPoint 2013?

Select the text or object → Go to Insert → Hyperlink → Enter your URL or choose the target → Click OK.

2. Can I link to another PowerPoint presentation?

Yes. Choose Existing File or Web Page, navigate to another .pptx file, and link it. It will open when clicked.

3. How do I remove an unwanted hyperlink?

Right-click the link → Select Remove Hyperlink.

4. Why isn’t my hyperlink opening?

Ensure the file or URL exists and that your PC has permission to access it. Also, check for firewall or network restrictions.

5. Can I make an image a hyperlink?

Absolutely! Select the image, press Ctrl + K, enter your URL or destination, and click OK.

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17. Key Takeaways

• ✅ Insert hyperlinks easily using Ctrl + K or the Insert → Hyperlink option.

• You can link to websites, slides, files, or email addresses.

• Use Action Buttons for professional navigation menus.

• Always test your links before presenting.

• Customize hyperlink appearance to match your theme.

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In summary:
Knowing how to insert a hyperlink in PowerPoint 2013 helps you turn static slides into interactive experiences. From linking text to embedding email addresses, every hyperlink adds clarity, context, and control — making your presentation truly stand out.