Excel HYPERLINK Function

Using the Excel HYPERLINK Function

Excel HYPERLINK Function

Summary

The HYPERLINK function is used to create an easy to read shortcut that takes the user to another place in the workbook, opens a document, or goes to an internet website. When a user clicks a cell that contains the HYPERLINK function they are immediately taken to the specified location.

HYPERLINK is very useful it you need a visually appealing way to guide users to a different location.

Syntax

=HYPERLINK (link_location, [friendly_name])

Syntax Breakdown

Link_location
Required. This is the location you would like users to visit once they click the link. It can be a path or file name to a document or a specific part of a document, such as a cell or named range. This argument could also be a universal naming convention (UNC) on a server or a uniform resource locator (URL) on the internet.

If this link specified in this argument doesn't exist or cannot be navigated, an error will be thrown.

Friendly_name
Optional. This argument is the text that will be displayed in the cell. Many of you are familiar with hyperlinks as they commonly appear as blue and underlined in many online publications. This argument can be omitted and the cell will simply show the link_location. br>
Friendly_name can be text, a value, a name or a cell that contains the link_location.

Usage Notes

The HYPERLINK function is extremely useful if you require a user friendly way to present link to web pages, other sections of a workbook, or documents. Users can click the link and be taken to the specified location.

Selecting a HYPERLINK Cell


If you need to select a cell containing a hyperlink, but don't want to go to the link_location, you have two options:

  1. Navigate to the cell using the arrow keys on your keyboard. To edit the cell, press F2.
  2. Click on the cell and hold the mouse button down until the cursor changes.


Different HYPERLINK Locations


If you are trying to access another sheet in the same workbook, use the following:

Excel HYPERLINK Same Book Example

This above is saying go to the workbook called Projects (remember, this should be the name of the workbook you are currently in), go to the In Progress sheet and go to cell A1.

If you are trying to access a sheet in a different workbook, use the following:

Excel HYPERLINK Different Book Example

The above is saying go to the workbook called Clients that is stored on the D drive in the WORK directory.

HYPERLINK Shortcut


If you are searching for a quick way to enter a hyperlink into a cell, hit Ctrl + K on your keyboard. You will be presented with the following screen: Excel HYPERLINK Shortcut

You have the option to select a web page, a place in the same document, create a new document, or enter an email address on the left side of the screen.

Enter the address and friendly text as prompted and press OK. The hyperlink will now be in the cell.

Disable Automatic Hyperlinks in Excel


If you type a web address into a cell, Excel will automatically turn it into a hyperlink. For example, if I type www.google.com and press Enter, Excel will automatically create a clickable link to Google. This can be useful for some. However, if you do not want Excel to automatically create hyperlinks, follow these steps:

  1. In the ribbon, click File and then Options and then navigate to the Proofing section.

    2. Excel HYPERLINK Edit1
  2. Click the AutoCorrect Options button.
  3. Go to the AutoFormat As You Type tab.
  4. Remove the check from the Internet and network paths with hyperlinks option.

    5. Excel HYPERLINK AutoCorrect
  5. Click the OK button twice to exit the dialog boxes


Removing Hyperlinks in Excel


To remove a hyperlink in a cell simply select the cell with the hyperlink you wish to remove, right click any part of the cell, and select Remove Hyperlink.