Adding links in your Google Slides presentations can make them more interactive and engaging. Links allow you to connect to external websites, documents, or other slides within the same presentation.
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to learn how to add different types of links in Google Slides.
Step 1: Select the Text, Image, or Object to Link
The first step is to select the text, image, shape, or other object that you want to link.
To select text:
- Highlight the text by dragging your cursor over it
To select an image, shape, or other object:
- Click on the object to select it
You can tell when an item is selected because it will have a border or handles around it.
Step 2: Open the Link Dialog Box
Once you’ve selected the item to link, there are a couple ways to open the link dialog box:
Option 1:
- Go to Insert > Link
Option 2:
- Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + K (Cmd + K on Mac)
Option 3:
- Click the “Insert Link” icon on the toolbar
Opening the link dialog box is what allows you to specify the destination that clicking on the linked item will take users to.
Step 3: Choose Link Type and Enter URL
In the link dialog box, you can choose from several link types:
- Web page – Links to an external web page
- Slide in this presentation – Links to another slide in the same presentation
- Document – Links to a file stored in Google Drive
For a web page link, simply enter the full URL in the link field and click Apply.
For example:
https://www.example.comTo link to another slide, click on “Slides in this presentation” and select the destination slide from the dropdown menu before clicking Apply.
To link to a Google Doc, Sheet, or other Drive file, search for and select the file after clicking on “Document” in the link types.
Step 4: Format the Linked Text (Optional)
Once a link is inserted, any text that is linked will be formatted with underlining and a color change by default.
If you want the text formatting to match the rest of the text in your presentation, simply highlight the linked text and update the font/formatting.
The link will still work even if the text is formatted differently.
Step 5: Test the Link
The final step is to test that your link works correctly:
- Click on the linked item and verify you are taken to the correct destination
- Check both in edit mode and during the slideshow preview
Troubleshoot anything that isn’t working as expected by editing or removing and re-adding links.
Tips for Adding Better Links
Now that you know how to add basic links in Google Slides, here are some tips for enhancing your presentations with links:
Use Descriptive Link Text
Don’t simply link URLs. Use brief but descriptive text to enable users to better understand where links will take them.
For example, instead of linking the raw URL https://www.example.com, use link text such as Example Website.
Link Images and Shapes
You aren’t limited to just linking text. Get creative by linking images, shapes, charts, SmartArt graphics, and more.
Link to Slide Sections
Rather than linking to entire slides, you can create links to jump to specific sections of slides that are divided into logical parts.
Create Navigation Links
Build navigation menus with links to different sections of your presentation. Or add forward/back links to enable smooth linear flow.
Link to Documents or Web Resources
Enhance your slides by linking out to supporting documents like PDFs, images, or other presentations stored on Google Drive. Links to external websites can also provide additional context.
By mastering the use of hyperlinks in your Google Slides presentations, you can boost engagement and connect all your great content together in interactive ways.
