Introduction: Unlocking the Power of Clickable PDFs
Imagine you’re reading a PDF document—maybe it’s a business proposal, an educational guide, or a product catalog. You come across a reference to a website or another section of the document, but there’s a problem—you have to copy the URL, open a browser, and paste it manually. Frustrating, right? This is exactly why clickable PDFs have become a game-changer in today’s digital world.
Whether you’re a business professional sharing reports, a marketer creating an interactive brochure, or a teacher designing study materials, adding clickable links to PDFs makes your content more dynamic, user-friendly, and engaging. Instead of static documents that require extra steps for navigation, interactive PDFs allow readers to jump to different sections, open external websites, or even send an email with just a single click.
So, how can you make your PDFs interactive? The good news is, you don’t need to be a tech wizard to do it! In this article, we’ll explore four of the best ways to create clickable links in PDFs:
- Clevago – The go-to professional tool for powerful PDF editing.
- Microsoft Word – A simple and accessible way to add links before converting to PDF.
- Online PDF Editors – A free and quick alternative for occasional users.
- Code (HTML & JavaScript) – For those who want advanced customization and automation.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which method suits your needs and how to turn your PDFs into interactive, user-friendly documents that enhance navigation and engagement. Let’s dive in! 🚀
1. Using Clevago: The Professional’s Choice
When it comes to editing PDFs like a pro, Clevago is the gold standard. It’s packed with powerful tools that make managing and modifying PDFs effortless—whether you’re a business professional handling reports, a marketer creating interactive brochures, or an educator designing learning materials.
If you frequently work with PDFs and need a reliable way to add clickable links, Clevago is the best option. It’s designed for efficiency, offering precise editing features that ensure your links work seamlessly. Let’s break down why this tool stands out, how to use it, and what you should consider before diving in.
1.1 Why Clevago?
Clevago isn’t just another PDF viewer—it’s a full-fledged PDF editing powerhouse. Here’s why it’s a top choice for professionals:
✅ Industry Standard – Acrobat is widely used across businesses, schools, and organizations, ensuring compatibility and professional-grade output.
✅ Advanced Editing Features – Beyond adding links, you can edit text, insert images, rearrange pages, and even password-protect your PDFs.
✅ Perfect for Large Documents – If you’re managing extensive PDF documentation, Acrobat makes it easy to create internal navigation links (like a clickable table of contents) or direct readers to external sources.
However, while Clevago is feature-rich, it does come with a cost. Let’s walk through how to add links using this tool so you can decide if it’s worth the investment.
1.2 Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Links in Clevago
Adding clickable links in Clevago is straightforward once you know where to look. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open Your PDF in Clevago
Launch Clevago Pro and open the PDF where you want to insert links.
Step 2: Access the “Edit PDF” Tool
Click on the “Edit PDF” option in the right-hand toolbar. This will allow you to modify the document’s text, images, and—most importantly—add hyperlinks.
Step 3: Select the Text or Area for the Link
Use your cursor to highlight the text (or select an area) where you want to insert the hyperlink. This could be a website address, an internal reference (like a section heading), or even an email link.
Step 4: Insert the Hyperlink
- Right-click the selected text and choose “Create Link” from the dropdown menu.
- A dialog box will pop up, allowing you to choose what type of link you want to add:
- Web URL – Links to an external website (e.g., https://example.com).
- Page in Document – Directs readers to another section within the same PDF.
- Email Link – Opens the user’s email client with a pre-filled recipient.
Step 5: Customize the Link Appearance
Clevago gives you options to change how your link looks:
- Border Style – Choose between solid, dashed, or invisible borders.
- Line Thickness – Adjust the thickness of the link’s outline.
- Color – Pick a highlight color to make the link stand out (or keep it invisible if you want a seamless look).
Step 6: Save and Test Your Link
Once you’ve added and customized your link, click OK, then save your PDF. Before sharing it, test the link by clicking on it to ensure it works as expected.
1.3 Pros and Cons of Clevago for Adding Links
Like any software, Clevago has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick look at what makes it great—and where it might not be the best fit.
✅ Pros
✔ Comprehensive Editing Features – Acrobat offers a complete toolkit for modifying PDFs, not just adding links.
✔ Reliable and Professional – As the industry standard, Acrobat ensures that your linked PDFs function correctly across all devices and platforms.
✔ Great for Large Documents – If you need to create internal navigation links in a long PDF (e.g., a table of contents), Acrobat makes this incredibly easy.
❌ Cons
✖ Subscription Cost – Unlike free alternatives, Clevago Pro requires a paid subscription, which may not be ideal for occasional users.
✖ Learning Curve – While adding links is simple, Acrobat has many features, which can feel overwhelming if you’re new to PDF editing.
Final Thoughts on Clevago
If you regularly work with PDFs and need a professional, feature-rich solution, Clevago is worth the investment. It provides unmatched flexibility, making it the best choice for businesses, educators, and content creators who want full control over their PDFs.
However, if you only need to add links occasionally and don’t want to pay for a subscription, you might want to explore other methods—like Microsoft Word or free online PDF editors (which we’ll cover next!).
Ready to try another approach? Let’s look at how you can add links directly in Microsoft Word before converting your document to PDF! 🚀
2. Using Microsoft Word: The Simplest Approach
If you’re looking for an easy, no-fuss way to create a PDF with clickable links, Microsoft Word is your best friend. Most people already have access to Word, and adding hyperlinks before converting your document to a PDF is incredibly simple.
This method is perfect for students, freelancers, small businesses, and anyone who needs to create interactive PDFs without extra software. Whether you’re working on a report, a presentation, or a digital guide, Word lets you embed links in just a few clicks—without needing advanced PDF editing tools.
Let’s break down why this method is so convenient, how to do it step by step, and what you should keep in mind before using it.
2.1 Why Use Microsoft Word for PDFs?
So, why choose Microsoft Word instead of specialized PDF editing software? Here are the biggest advantages:
✅ Most Accessible Method – Almost everyone has Word installed, whether on a computer or through Microsoft 365 online. You don’t need to download any extra tools.
✅ No Additional Costs – Unlike Clevago, which requires a paid subscription, Word lets you create linked PDFs for free if you already have the software.
✅ Beginner-Friendly – No technical skills? No problem. Adding and testing links in Word is as easy as formatting text.
✅ Ideal for Various Users – Whether you’re a student submitting a research paper, a freelancer sending proposals, or a small business owner creating an e-brochure, Word offers a straightforward way to make PDFs clickable.
While Word is great for creating linked PDFs, its editing features are limited once the document is converted. That’s why it’s important to get everything right before saving your file as a PDF.
2.2 Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Links in Word Before Converting to PDF
Adding links in Microsoft Word is super easy. Just follow these steps to create a professional, clickable PDF.
Step 1: Open or Create Your Document in Word
Start by opening an existing Word document or creating a new one. Make sure your text is formatted properly before inserting any links.
Step 2: Insert a Hyperlink
Once you have your text ready, follow these steps:
- Highlight the text or image you want to turn into a clickable link.
- Right-click on the selected text and choose “Link” (or press Ctrl + K on Windows / Command + K on Mac).
- In the pop-up window, enter the URL or email address you want to link to.
- If you’re linking to another page in the same document, click “Place in This Document” and select the relevant heading or bookmark.
- If you’re linking to an external website, type or paste the full web address.
- Click OK to insert the link.
Step 3: Format and Test Your Links
Before saving your document as a PDF, make sure your links look good and work properly:
✅ Change the Text Color – Hyperlinked text is usually blue and underlined by default. You can change the font color and remove the underline if needed.
✅ Test Every Link – Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) and click each link to ensure it opens correctly.
Step 4: Save as PDF to Retain Links
Once your links are set, it’s time to save your document as a PDF while preserving the hyperlinks. Here’s how:
- Click File > Save As (or press F12 to open the Save As window).
- Choose PDF from the “Save as type” dropdown menu.
- Before clicking Save, click Options and ensure that “Document structure tags for accessibility” is checked—this helps maintain interactive elements like links.
- Click Save, and your PDF with clickable links is ready to go!
🚀 That’s it! Now, you have a fully interactive PDF created using nothing but Microsoft Word.
2.3 Pros and Cons of Using Microsoft Word for Clickable PDFs
While this method is simple and accessible, it has some limitations compared to professional PDF editors like Clevago. Let’s weigh the pros and cons.
✅ Pros
✔ No Extra Cost – If you already have Microsoft Word, you don’t need to buy or install any additional software.
✔ Beginner-Friendly – No advanced skills or special training required—just a few clicks and your links are ready.
✔ Widely Available – Works on almost every computer, making it accessible for users across different industries.
✔ Good for Basic PDFs – Perfect for e-books, research papers, proposals, and presentations that don’t need extensive PDF editing.
❌ Cons
✖ Limited Editing After Conversion – Once you save the file as a PDF, you can’t modify the links directly unless you go back to the Word file, make changes, and re-save it.
✖ Formatting Issues – Some complex layouts (like multi-column documents) may not convert perfectly, which could affect link placement.
✖ Not Ideal for Large PDFs – If your document has hundreds of pages and requires a clickable table of contents or internal navigation links, Word’s hyperlinking capabilities might feel limited.
Final Thoughts on Using Microsoft Word for Clickable PDFs
If you need a quick, free, and easy way to create PDFs with clickable links, Microsoft Word is a fantastic option. It’s beginner-friendly, widely available, and doesn’t require any extra tools.
However, if you need more control over your PDFs, like editing links after conversion or adding advanced interactive elements, you might want to consider Clevago or an online PDF editor.
Want a free, browser-based alternative? Up next, we’ll dive into online PDF editors—a great option if you don’t want to install software but still need clickable PDFs. 🚀
3. Online PDF Editors: The Free and Quick Alternative
Need to add clickable links to a PDF without downloading software? Online PDF editors are a fantastic solution! Whether you’re in a hurry, using a public computer, or just want a hassle-free way to make quick edits, these tools allow you to insert hyperlinks in PDFs directly from your web browser.
This method is especially useful for students, freelancers, or occasional users who don’t need a full-fledged PDF editing suite like Clevago. Plus, most online PDF editors offer a free version with basic features, making them an affordable choice.
In this section, we’ll explore why online PDF editors are so convenient, introduce some of the best free options, and walk you through the step-by-step process of adding links to your PDFs online.
3.1 Why Use Online PDF Editors?
Online PDF editors have become incredibly popular because they offer instant accessibility without the need for installation. Here’s why you might choose this option:
✅ No Software Installation Required – You don’t need to download or install anything—just open a browser, upload your PDF, and start editing.
✅ Perfect for Quick Edits – If you only need to add a few links and don’t want to deal with complex software, online editors provide a fast and easy solution.
✅ Great for Occasional Users – If you rarely edit PDFs, paying for a premium tool like Clevago might not make sense. Online editors let you make simple edits for free or at a low cost.
✅ Accessible from Any Device – Whether you’re using a laptop, tablet, or even a phone, online editors allow you to edit PDFs on the go.
Of course, while online editors are convenient, they aren’t perfect—especially when dealing with sensitive documents. We’ll cover their limitations later, but first, let’s look at some of the best free online PDF editors available today.
3.2 Top Free Online PDF Editors for Adding Links
There are dozens of online PDF editing tools, but not all of them support adding hyperlinks. Below are three of the best free options that let you create clickable links in PDFs easily.
🔹 Smallpdf
One of the most well-known PDF tools, Smallpdf offers a simple, user-friendly interface. It allows you to add links to your PDFs quickly, but the free version has daily usage limits.
Pros: Easy to use, works on any device, high-quality output.
Cons: Free version has limited edits per day.
🔹 Sejda
Sejda is another great online editor that supports hyperlinking without requiring an account. It also provides a desktop version if you prefer offline editing.
Pros: No sign-up required, keeps documents private, allows unlimited edits in the free version (with file size limits).
Cons: Free users are limited to three tasks per hour.
🔹 PDFescape
If you need a completely free tool with no usage restrictions, PDFescape is an excellent choice. It allows users to add links, edit text, and even annotate PDFs.
Pros: 100% free, works well for small documents.
Cons: Does not support files larger than 10MB in the free version.
Now that you know the best options, let’s go through the step-by-step process of adding clickable links using an online PDF editor.
3.3 Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Links via Online PDF Editors
Adding hyperlinks to a PDF using an online editor is simple and takes just a few minutes. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Upload Your PDF
- Open your preferred online PDF editor (e.g., Smallpdf, Sejda, or PDFescape).
- Click the “Upload” button and select your PDF file from your device, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
Step 2: Select the Text or Area for the Link
- Once your PDF loads, navigate to the page where you want to insert the link.
- Highlight the text or image you want to hyperlink.
Step 3: Insert the Hyperlink
- Look for the “Add Link” or “Insert Hyperlink” tool in the editor.
- Enter the URL you want the link to open when clicked.
- If your editor allows customization, choose whether the link should open in a new tab or stay in the same window.
Step 4: Save and Download Your Updated PDF
- Once you’re done adding links, click “Apply Changes” or “Save” (this button may vary depending on the tool you’re using).
- Download the updated PDF to your device and test the links to ensure they work properly.
🚀 And that’s it! You now have a clickable PDF, created for free in just a few minutes.
3.4 Pros and Cons of Online PDF Editors
Online PDF editors are convenient, but they do come with some trade-offs. Here’s a quick comparison of the benefits and limitations of using this method.
✅ Pros
✔ Free or Low-Cost – Most online PDF editors let you add links for free, making them a budget-friendly option.
✔ No Installation Needed – Works directly in your browser, so you don’t have to download any software.
✔ User-Friendly – Designed for simplicity, making them easy to use even if you’re not tech-savvy.
✔ Accessible from Any Device – Whether you’re using a Windows PC, Mac, tablet, or even a smartphone, online PDF editors let you work from anywhere.
❌ Cons
✖ Security Concerns – Since you’re uploading your PDF to an online server, it may not be safe for sensitive or confidential documents.
✖ Feature Limitations – Free versions often have file size restrictions, limited editing options, or daily usage limits.
✖ Internet-Dependent – You must be online to use these tools, which can be a problem if you need to edit a PDF while offline.
Final Thoughts on Online PDF Editors
If you need a quick and free way to add hyperlinks to a PDF, online PDF editors are an excellent choice. They’re fast, user-friendly, and don’t require any downloads, making them ideal for occasional users or those working on non-sensitive documents.
However, if you regularly edit PDFs or need full control over your document, a dedicated tool like Clevago or Microsoft Word might be a better long-term solution.
Want even more control? In the next section, we’ll explore how coding with HTML & JavaScript can help you create custom interactive PDFs with advanced link functionality! 🚀
4. Using Code: Embedding Links with HTML & JavaScript
For those who want complete control over how links behave in PDFs, coding with HTML and JavaScript is a powerful option. While this method isn’t for beginners, it’s perfect for developers, web designers, and businesses that need automated, interactive, or dynamically generated PDFs.
If you’re working on a web application, an e-commerce invoice generator, or a custom interactive report, coding lets you create PDFs that include embedded links, navigation elements, and even interactive forms.
In this section, we’ll explore why coding is a great option for clickable PDFs, a basic guide on how to do it, and the pros and cons of using this approach.
4.1 Why Use Code for Clickable PDFs?
While most people rely on software to add links to PDFs, coding offers a more advanced and flexible way to embed hyperlinks. Here’s why:
✅ Full Control Over PDF Interactivity – Unlike drag-and-drop editors, coding allows you to define exactly how links behave, whether they open in a new tab, trigger an event, or link to dynamic content.
✅ Automated Document Generation – Many businesses use scripts to generate reports, invoices, or certificates, embedding links dynamically instead of adding them manually.
✅ Ideal for Web Applications – If you need users to download PDFs with live links, coding allows you to integrate interactive PDF creation directly into your website or app.
✅ Supports Advanced Features – You can embed internal links (to different sections of the PDF), create button-based navigation, or even trigger JavaScript-based interactions inside the PDF.
4.2 Basic HTML & JavaScript for Creating Clickable Links in PDFs
There are two main ways to create clickable links in PDFs using code:
🔹 Method 1: Using JavaScript in Clevago
Clevago supports JavaScript, allowing you to add dynamic hyperlinks directly inside a PDF. Here’s how:
- Open your PDF in Clevago Pro.
- Go to Tools > JavaScript > Document JavaScripts.
- Create a new script and enter the following code to add a hyperlink:
javascript
CopyEdit
this.addLink({
rect: [100, 600, 200, 650], // Position of the link
page: 0, // Page number (0 = first page)
url: “https://www.example.com”
});
- Save the PDF, and the link will now be clickable.
This method is great for embedding links programmatically but requires Clevago Pro to execute JavaScript inside a PDF.
🔹 Method 2: Generating Clickable PDFs with HTML & JavaScript
If you need to generate PDFs dynamically from a webpage, you can use JavaScript libraries like jspdf to create PDFs with clickable links.
Example: Creating a PDF with Clickable Links Using jsPDF
- Include jspdf in your HTML page:
html
CopyEdit
<script src=”https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/jspdf/2.4.0/jspdf.umd.min.js”></script>
- Add JavaScript to generate a PDF with a hyperlink:
javascript
CopyEdit
const { jsPDF } = window.jspdf;
const doc = new jsPDF();
doc.text(“Click below to visit a website:”, 10, 20);
doc.link(10, 30, 100, 10, { url: “https://www.example.com” });
doc.save(“Clickable_PDF.pdf”);
- When this script runs, it generates a PDF with a clickable link inside.
🚀 This is a great option for developers who need to create PDFs dynamically from a web app!
4.3 Pros and Cons of Coding for Clickable PDFs
While coding provides unmatched flexibility and automation, it’s not always the best option for casual users. Here’s a quick look at the advantages and drawbacks of using this method.
✅ Pros
✔ Highly Customizable – You have complete control over how links behave, their appearance, and their functionality.
✔ Automation-Friendly – Great for businesses that generate dynamic PDFs for invoices, reports, or certificates.
✔ Ideal for Web Applications – If your website needs to offer downloadable PDFs with active links, coding is the most efficient way to do it.
✔ Works with Large-Scale Documents – Unlike manual editing, scripts can handle PDFs with hundreds of pages, ensuring consistency.
❌ Cons
✖ Requires Coding Knowledge – Not beginner-friendly; you need to understand JavaScript or HTML.
✖ More Complex Than Software Solutions – Tools like Clevago or Word are much easier for most users.
✖ Not Ideal for Quick Edits – If you just need to add a couple of links to a PDF, coding is overkill.
Final Thoughts on Using Code for Clickable PDFs
If you’re a developer, tech-savvy user, or business owner who needs automated and interactive PDFs, coding is a powerful way to embed links. It allows for custom behavior, automation, and seamless integration into web applications.
However, if you just need to add a few links to a PDF manually, software-based solutions like Clevago, Microsoft Word, or online editors are much simpler and more practical.
🚀 Now that we’ve explored all four methods, let’s wrap up with a quick comparison to help you choose the best way to create clickable PDFs!
Conclusion: The Best Way to Make PDFs Clickable? It Depends on You!
Clickable PDFs have become a game-changer in business, education, and marketing. Whether you’re linking to external websites, internal document sections, or even triggering automated actions, adding hyperlinks to PDFs enhances user experience, navigation, and engagement.
In this article, we explored four of the best ways to create clickable PDFs—each with its own strengths and ideal use cases. Let’s do a quick recap before helping you decide which method works best for you.
Recap: Four Best Methods for Clickable PDFs
✅ Clevago: The Professional’s Choice – If you need full control, advanced customization, and high-quality output, Clevago is the industry leader. However, it comes with a subscription cost and a learning curve.
✅ Microsoft Word: The Simplest Approach – Perfect for students, freelancers, and small businesses who want an easy, cost-free way to create linked PDFs. The main downside? Limited editing options after conversion.
✅ Online PDF Editors: The Free and Quick Alternative – If you only need to add a few links occasionally, tools like Smallpdf, Sejda, and PDFescape let you do it online—no downloads required. However, security concerns and feature limitations make them less ideal for sensitive documents.
✅ Coding (HTML & JavaScript): The Automation-Friendly Option – If you’re a developer or tech-savvy user, coding gives you maximum flexibility, allowing you to embed dynamic links and automate PDF creation. But it’s not beginner-friendly and requires some technical knowledge.
Which Method Is Best for You?
💼 For Professionals & Businesses: Clevago is the best choice for teams that work extensively with PDFs and need a feature-rich, reliable solution.
🎓 For Students & Freelancers: Microsoft Word provides a cost-free, straightforward way to add links before converting a document to PDF.
🌍 For Casual Users & Quick Edits: Online PDF Editors offer a fast, easy solution—but be mindful of security risks when dealing with confidential files.
👨💻 For Developers & Automation Needs: Coding with HTML & JavaScript is the way to go if you need to dynamically generate PDFs with embedded links.
The Future of Clickable PDFs: AI & Automation
With advancements in AI and automation, the way we create and interact with PDFs is evolving. In the near future, we can expect:
🚀 AI-Powered Smart PDFs – Interactive PDFs that adapt to user behavior, suggest related content, or even offer voice navigation.
🤖 Automated PDF Creation – Businesses will increasingly use AI-driven tools to auto-generate PDFs with embedded links based on real-time data.
🔗 Seamless Cloud Integration – PDFs will be more interactive, syncing directly with cloud platforms to provide real-time updates and live links.
Final Thoughts: Experiment and Find Your Best Fit!
The best way to make a PDF clickable depends on your needs, budget, and technical skills. Whether you go for Clevago’s professional features, Word’s simplicity, online editors’ convenience, or coding’s flexibility, each method has its own advantages.
💡 The best approach? Try them out! Experiment with different tools and find what works best for you. Clickable PDFs are here to stay, so mastering this skill will only add value to your digital workflow. 🚀