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How to link to a section within a Word document

Author Amanda Li Last modified

Navigating through a lengthy Word document can be cumbersome, especially when you need to quickly reference specific sections. Fortunately, Microsoft Word offers powerful features that allow you to create hyperlinks within your document, enabling you to quickly jump to specific sections without scrolling.

This tutorial will guide you through two methods:

By the end of this tutorial, you'll be able to enhance the navigation of your document, making it more user-friendly and efficient. Whether you are working on a report, manual, or eBook, these steps will help you create a seamless reading experience for your audience.

Insert Hyperlink dialog with Place in This Document tab opened


Linking to a bookmark within Word

Bookmarks allow you to mark any part of your document, not just headings, making it a versatile option for linking to specific points within your text.

To add hyperlinks to a specific location within a Word document, you can create bookmarks and then link to them. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create a Bookmark

  1. Highlight the text or place the cursor where you want to create a bookmark.
  2. Select Insert > Bookmark.

    Bookmark button on the Insert tab on the ribbon

  3. In the Bookmark dialog box, enter a name for your bookmark, and click Add. Bookmark names must start with a letter, no spaces allowed.

    Bookmark dialog box

Step 2: Insert a Link to the Bookmark

  1. Select the text or object you want to use as a clickable link.
  2. Right-click and select Link. Or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + K.

    Link option on the right-clicking menu

  3. In the list, select the bookmark you want to link to.
  4. Click OK.

    Insert Hyperlink dialog

Result

Now when you click the selected text or object, you will jump directly to the bookmark you chose.

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Linking to a heading within a Word document

Headings in Word are not only useful for structuring your document but also for creating easy navigation links.

By applying heading styles, you can link to specific sections, making it simple for readers to jump to key parts of your text. Here’s a step-by-step guide to add hyperlinks to headings in your document:

Step 1: Apply Heading Styles

  1. Place the cursor at the paragraph you want to style as a heading.
  2. On the Home tab, select the appropriate heading style from the Styles group.

    Heading styles from the Styles group

Step 2: Insert a Link to the Heading

  1. Select the text or object you want to use as a clickable link.
  2. Right-click and select Link. Or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + K.

    Link option on the right-clicking menu

  3. In the list, select the heading you wish to link to.
  4. Click OK.

    Insert Hyperlink dialog

Result

Now when you click the selected text or object, you will jump directly to the heading you chose.

Tip: If you have multiple headings in your document, you can create and update a table of contents to link to these headings. Simply select References > Table of Contents, and choose a style that suits your needs.

Above is all the relevant content related to linking to a section within a Word document. I hope you find the tutorial helpful. If you're looking to explore more Word tips and tricks, access our extensive collection of tutorials.