Hyperlinks in Word are handy for providing quick access to web pages or email addresses, but sometimes you might want to remove them, either because they’re no longer relevant or just to keep your document clean. Here’s a quick way to do it: right-click on the hyperlink, select ‘Remove Hyperlink,’ and voilà, the hyperlink is gone. The text will remain, but it will no longer be clickable.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Remove a Hyperlink in Word
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify what we’re about to do. Removing a hyperlink from a Word document is a simple process that involves a couple of clicks. It’s a basic task, but one that’s essential when editing or formatting your document.
Step 1: Open your Word document
Open the document that contains the hyperlink you want to remove.
Step 2: Right-click on the hyperlink
Move your cursor over the hyperlink, then right-click on it to bring up a context menu.
In this step, make sure you’re actually clicking on the hyperlink. You’ll know you’re in the right spot when your cursor turns into a little hand, like it does when you’re about to click a link on a webpage.
Step 3: Select ‘Remove Hyperlink’
From the context menu, click on the ‘Remove Hyperlink’ option.
Once you’ve clicked ‘Remove Hyperlink,’ the text will immediately revert to its default formatting. It will no longer be underlined or colored, and clicking on it won’t take you anywhere.
After you complete the action, the hyperlink will no longer be functional. The text will still be in the document, but it will look just like any other text, without the underlining or blue color that typically signifies a hyperlink.
Tips for Removing Hyperlinks in Word
- If you’re removing multiple hyperlinks, you can hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key and click on each hyperlink to select them all, then right-click and select ‘Remove Hyperlink.’
- To remove all hyperlinks in a document at once, press ‘Ctrl + A’ to select all the text, then ‘Ctrl + Shift + F9.’
- Be careful not to select ‘Edit Hyperlink’ instead of ‘Remove Hyperlink,’ as this will bring up a dialog box for editing the link instead of removing it.
- If you accidentally remove a hyperlink, you can press ‘Ctrl + Z’ to undo the action.
- If you want to remove the hyperlink but keep the text styled as a link, you can select ‘Edit Hyperlink’ and then clear the address field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove hyperlinks from pictures as well?
Yes, the process is similar. Right-click on the picture with the hyperlink, and then select ‘Remove Hyperlink.’
Will removing a hyperlink also remove the text?
No, removing a hyperlink will only remove the linking function. The text itself will remain in the document.
Can I remove a hyperlink without using a mouse?
Yes, you can use the keyboard shortcut ‘Ctrl + Shift + F9’ to remove a hyperlink after selecting it with your keyboard.
What if ‘Remove Hyperlink’ doesn’t show up in the menu?
Make sure you’re right-clicking on the actual hyperlink. If it still doesn’t show up, try selecting the text and then right-clicking.
Is there a way to prevent automatic hyperlinks in Word?
Yes, you can turn off automatic hyperlinking in Word by going to ‘File,’ then ‘Options,’ ‘Proofing,’ and ‘AutoCorrect Options.’ Under the ‘AutoFormat As You Type’ tab, uncheck ‘Internet and network paths with hyperlinks.’
Summary
- Open your Word document.
- Right-click on the hyperlink.
- Select ‘Remove Hyperlink.’
Conclusion
Removing hyperlinks in Word is a breeze once you know how. Whether you’re sprucing up your document for a presentation, submitting a paper for school, or sending out a professional report, knowing how to remove a hyperlink in Word can come in handy. It’s one of those skills that seems trivial until you need it, and then it’s invaluable. With the tips and tricks you’ve learned here, you’re well-equipped to handle those pesky hyperlinks like a pro. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to use these steps next time you’re editing a document. And, if you find yourself in a hyperlink-heavy document, don’t forget the keyboard shortcuts that can save you time. Now go forth and de-link with confidence!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.