Using hyperlinks
A hyperlink, or simply a link, is text, an image, or another element that you can select to open a webpage, file, email address, or a different location within the same document. Hyperlinks are widely used across websites, online learning materials, and digital documents to help you quickly access related information.
How hyperlinks work
Every hyperlink has two parts:
- Display text (or an image) that people can see and select.
- Destination that tells the link where to go, such as a webpage address (URL, Uniform Resource Locator), a file, an email address or a location within a document, sometimes referred to as permalink.
For example, both of the following links will take you to the same webpage:
Using meaningful display text, such as Computing Guide, makes documents easier to read and navigate than showing a long web address.
Most word-processing applications allow you to add hyperlinks by entering the destination and choosing the text you want readers to see. While links can also be attached to images, clear descriptive text is usually easier to recognise and more accessible.
How you can use hyperlinks
Hyperlinks can help you organise information and find it again quickly. For example, when making study notes, you can add links to:
- module resources and webpages
- online articles and journals
- files stored on your device or in cloud storage
- specific headings, sections, or bookmarks within a document.
This can save time when revising, researching, or preparing assignments.
You can also copy a webpage address from your browser and paste it into a document, email, message, or forum post. Sharing a direct link can help you point others to a specific resource, ask for support, or highlight content you would like a tutor or fellow student to review.
Sometimes you may also need a link for a forum post. It’s useful if you want to use a specific post in your assignments as a reference or refer to it in another post. For instructions, see the Get permalink page in the Forums users guide.
How to make hyperlinks
These links take you to Microsoft and Mac websites where you'll find instructions. Alternative software is available and uses similar formatting.
