These days, we deal with PDF files a lot, since PDF is a highly flexible format that can be easily viewed and manipulated on different devices. To enrich a PDF document, we may need to add internal or external hyperlink to a PDF file. Many users deem Adobe Acrobat as the only way to add a hyperlink to PDF, but there are alternatives to add hyperlink to PDF without Adobe Acrobat.
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Until today, many of us choose to convert PDF to the editable Word format to perform the PDF editing tasks, but it can actually cause formatting problems, so we will start with a better way to add hyperlink to PDF on Mac or Windows.
To add hyperlink to PDF without Adobe Acrobat, here we recommend using a PDF editor first. With the help of a one-stop PDF editor, you can insert links, edit links, move links, even remove links as you like. Link to a specific page or URL also works in this part. Cisdem PDFMaster is recommended due to its excellent performance in editing. Whether you want to jump to the specific page, or quick access to a URL, PDFMater makes it an easy task.
You can even drag and drop PDF files back to the program to convert PDF, create PDF, reduce file size, add passwords and unlock passwords in batch. It features practical editing tools for you to edit (replace text/add text), make comments (annotate/add shapes/insert stamps/free hand/sign), make fillable forms, manipulate pages and more. There is no reason to say no to the almighty PDF editor.
Without Adobe Acrobat and any desktop programs, we can add hyperlink to PDF using online tools like Google Docs and PDFescape with Internet connected. Read on and pick the best one for you.
Although it is not a professional PDF editor, I have to say that it has covered the basic functions that most users need to use, such as editing, converting, annotating, sharing, even comparing documents. Google Docs allows you to turn PDF into editable Word and provides numerous annotating tools to insert hyperlink/image/chart/watermark/page numbers/comment. Now, let’s get started by hyperlink a PDF with Google Docs online for free.
PDFescape is a smart online PDF editor across web and Windows devices that allows you to edit PDF files, annotate text, fill out forms, password protect PDF files and share documents online. Here we take online PDFescape to demonstrate how to add hyperlink to PDF for free.
Preview the built-in app to view and markup PDF files on Mac, it is understandable that all Mac users try this tool first when adding hyperlink to a PDF. However, it is pitiful that you cannot add hyperlink to PDF in Mac preview, it supports adding URL link to PDF only. If this is OK for you, you can follow the steps to add a link to your PDF with Mac Preview.
Tips: Don’t just save the PDF after adding URL link by clicking File>Save, otherwise the link won’t be clickable.
If you are a Microsoft Word user, you may have noticed that Microsoft Word 2016 and Office 365 allow inserting PDF into Word, once the PDF is opened in Word, you will be allowed to edit and add hyperlink to the file.
Note 1: According to the feedbacks, the original layout of inserted PDF may be changed in Microsoft Word 2016. So, before you add hyperlink to PDF free in Word, you’d better manually adjust the formatting.
Note 2: For users who installed Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013, etc., you can’t open the PDF file in Word directly. The only method is to insert it via object. Worse yet, you are not capable of editing the inserted PDF, but to convert PDF to DOCX/ DOC format previously.
If you have installed Adobe Photoshop, you are able to insert hyperlink in PDF via Photoshop too, but the PDF file will have to be saved in HTML format.
Adobe Acrobat series are always good solutions to edit and manage PDF files. You will be allowed to edit every bit of the PDF freely within the program, such as add PDF text, add page numbers, add hyperlink, delete sentences, change font size, etc. If you have installed Adobe Acrobat on your Windows PC or Mac, here are the steps to insert hyperlink to a PDF file.
So, Adobe is not the only solution to add hyperlink to PDF, you can utilize Cisdem PDFMaster, Microsoft Word, PDF converter, even online free PDF editors to add hyperlinks. But when using online free tools, you’d better give a second thought, uploading files to online server will bring potential risk of information leakage. If you are dealing with confidential files, pay for a powerful PDF editor like Cisdem PDFMaster, then add hyperlink or any other contents you are allowed to add.
Connie has been writing for Mac productivity and utility apps since 2009. Each review and solution is based on her practical tests, she is aways energetic and trustworthy in this field.