Have you ever wondered how people make those cool clickable links in their PDFs? I remember the first time I saw a PDF with working links and thought it was some kind of magic trick.
But here’s the good news. You don’t need any fancy software to add hyperlinks to your designs. If you have Canva, you’re all set.
Today, I’m going to show you exactly how to add hyperlinks in Canva. And trust me, it’s way easier than you think.
What Is a Hyperlink in Canva?
A hyperlink is just a fancy word for a clickable link. When someone clicks on it, they get taken to a website or another page.
Think of it like a door in your design that opens to something else.
Understanding the purpose of hyperlinks
Hyperlinks help you connect your design to other places on the internet. You can link to your website, social media pages, or even email addresses.
They make your designs more useful. Instead of just looking pretty, your designs can actually do something.
Why hyperlinks are useful in Canva designs
I use hyperlinks all the time in my Canva projects. They’re great for:
- Adding your website link to business cards
- Creating interactive portfolios
- Making clickable social media icons
- Building lead magnets with links to your offers
- Designing digital planners with working tabs
The best part? Your free Canva account can do this. You don’t need Canva Pro.
Where Can You Add Hyperlinks in Canva?
You might think hyperlinks only work on text. But Canva lets you add links to almost anything.
Adding links to text
Text is probably the most common place to add links. You can make a single word clickable or link an entire sentence.
I usually make my “Click Here” buttons or website URLs into hyperlinks. It just makes sense.
Adding links to images or elements
Here’s something cool. You can add hyperlinks to images, shapes, and even social media icons.
Want to make your Instagram icon clickable? You can do that. Need to link an image to your product page? Easy.
Adding links in PDFs, presentations, and social media posts
Now, this is important. Your hyperlinks will only work in certain file types.
They work great in PDF files and Canva presentations. But if you download your design as a PNG or JPG, the links won’t work.
Social media posts don’t support clickable links either. So don’t waste time adding links to Instagram or Facebook posts.
How to Add a Hyperlink in Canva (Step-by-Step Tutorial)
Let me walk you through the exact steps. I’ll keep it simple.
Step 1 – Open your Canva project
First, log into your Canva account. Open the design where you want to add a link.
If you’re starting fresh, create a new document. I recommend using the PDF document template if you want your links to work after downloading.
Step 2 – Select the element you want to link
Click on the text, image, or element you want to make clickable.
For text, you can highlight just a few words or select the whole text box. It’s up to you.
Step 3 – Click on the link icon
Look at the top toolbar. You’ll see a small chain link icon.
Can’t find it? Click the three dots in the toolbar. The link option should be right there.
Step 4 – Paste or type your URL
A box will pop up asking for your link. Paste your website URL here.
You can also type it directly. Just make sure you include the full link starting with https://
Press Enter when you’re done.
Step 5 – Apply and save your design
That’s it. Your link is now added.
Text links will show up underlined by default. You can remove the underline if you want by clicking the U button in the text editor.
How to Test or Preview Hyperlinks in Canva
Adding links is one thing. Making sure they work is another.
Checking links before downloading
In the Canva editor, your links won’t actually click through. This is normal.
But you can see a preview of your link when you select the element. Look at the toolbar and you’ll see part of the URL showing.
Testing clickable links in PDFs
The real test happens after you download your design.
Save your design as a PDF. Then open the PDF file and click your links. They should work perfectly.
If they don’t work, go back to Canva and check if you added the links correctly.
How to Add Multiple Links in One Canva Design
You’re not limited to just one link. You can add as many as you want.
Linking different elements or pages
Each element can have its own link. Your logo can link to your homepage. Your Instagram icon can link to your profile. Your email can open an email window.
Just repeat the process for each element you want to link.
Creating interactive Canva designs with multiple links
I love creating interactive PDFs with multiple links. They’re perfect for digital products.
You can make table of contents pages where each item links to a different page. Or create a resource guide with links to different websites.
The possibilities are endless.
Common Issues When Adding Hyperlinks in Canva
Sometimes things don’t work as planned. Here are the most common problems.
Link not working after download
This usually happens when you save your design as an image file.
Remember, hyperlinks only work in PDF files. Not in PNG, JPG, or any image format.
Always download as PDF Standard or PDF Print if you want working links.
Canva hyperlink greyed out or missing
Can’t find the link icon? Make sure you’ve selected an element first.
The link option only appears when something is selected. Also, some elements like backgrounds can’t have links added to them.
Hyperlinks not clickable in images or exported files
If your links aren’t working in the final file, check your export settings.
Did you export as a PDF? Did you select the right pages? Small details matter.
How to Add Hyperlink in Canva Mobile App
You can add links using the Canva mobile app too. The process is similar.
Step-by-step process for Android and iPhone users
Open your design in the Canva app. Tap the element you want to link.
Look for the link option in the bottom toolbar. It looks like a chain icon.
Tap it, enter your URL, and hit Done.
Then save your design as a PDF to keep the links working.
Limitations of adding links on mobile
The mobile app works well, but it’s easier on desktop. The screen is bigger and you can see more options.
If you’re adding lots of links, I suggest using your computer instead.
How to Remove or Edit a Hyperlink in Canva
Made a mistake? No problem. You can change or delete links anytime.
Removing an unwanted link
Click the element with the link. Find the link icon in the toolbar.
You’ll see a small trash icon next to the URL. Click it to remove the link.
Updating or changing an existing link
To change a link, just click the element again. Click the link icon and enter a new URL.
The old link gets replaced with the new one automatically.
Tips for Using Hyperlinks Effectively in Canva
Let me share some tips I’ve learned from using hyperlinks in my designs.
Best practices for clickable designs
Keep your links visible. If you remove the underline from text links, make sure people can still tell it’s clickable.
Use clear words like “Click Here” or “Visit Website” so people know what to do.
Test all your links before sharing your design. Nothing looks worse than broken links.
Making your links visually appealing
You can change the color of linked text to match your brand. Just select the text and choose a new color.
For button links, use shapes with your URL hidden inside. They look cleaner than plain text.
Using hyperlinks for marketing and portfolios
Hyperlinks are amazing for business. Add them to:
- Digital business cards
- Portfolio PDFs
- Lead magnets and freebies
- Email signatures
- Online course materials
- Marketing presentations
They turn static designs into interactive experiences.
FAQs About Adding Hyperlinks in Canva
Can I add a hyperlink to a video in Canva?
No, you can’t add clickable links to video elements in Canva. Videos are meant to play, not redirect to other pages.
However, you can add hyperlinks in Canva presentations. They’ll work when you present your design.
Why is my hyperlink not clickable in Canva?
Your hyperlinks won’t be clickable inside the Canva editor. This is normal.
They only become clickable after you download your design as a PDF or present it using Canva’s presentation mode.
Can I add hyperlinks to Canva social media posts?
Unfortunately, no. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn don’t support clickable links in uploaded images.
The hyperlink feature only works in PDF files and presentations.
Are hyperlinks supported in Canva free version?
Yes! You don’t need Canva Pro to add hyperlinks. The free version of Canva includes this feature.
Both free and paid users can add clickable links to their designs.
How do I add an email link in Canva?
To create an email link, type “mailto:” before your email address. For example: mailto:yourname@email.com
When someone clicks this link, it will open their email app with your address ready to use.
Do hyperlinks work in Canva presentations?
Yes, hyperlinks work perfectly in Canva presentations. When you present your design, the links become clickable.
Just make sure to use the Present option in Canva rather than downloading as an image.
Can I link to another page within my Canva design?
Absolutely! When you click the link icon, you’ll see an option to link to other pages in your document.
This is perfect for creating interactive PDFs with table of contents or navigation buttons.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to add hyperlinks in Canva opens up so many possibilities for your designs.
You can create interactive PDFs, clickable portfolios, and engaging digital products. All with just a few clicks.
Remember these key points:
- Always save as PDF to keep your links working
- Test your links before sharing your design
- You can add links to text, images, and elements
- The free version of Canva supports hyperlinks
- Mobile and desktop both work for adding links
Start small. Add one link to your next design and see how it works.
Then get creative. Add multiple links. Create interactive experiences. Make your designs do more than just look good.
At AIConnecto.com, we believe in making technology simple. And Canva hyperlinks are a perfect example of powerful features made easy.
So go ahead. Open Canva and start adding those clickable links. Your designs will thank you for it.
