Why Hyperlinks Not Working in PDF – Try 5 Easy Fixes
PDFs are the perfect example of versatility; these are widely popular for their usefulness, especially for storing data in their original layout or formatting. It can preserve media information, like clickable hyperlinks, images, and more. Imagine this: what if suddenly hyperlinks not working in PDF document? This issue can be stressful for professionals. Whether it’s a URL, hyperlinks, YouTube links, or any other clickable links, several reasons disrupt the working of links.
This problem could reduce both productivity and user interaction. Follow this guide to discover the reasons and quick troubleshooting fixes. Using the methods below, you can mitigate such errors in the future. So, let’s dive into it.
What is a Hyperlink in a PDF Document?
Hyperlinks are typically known as clickable links or text-based URLs. Multiple types of links are mainly used for user interaction or navigation. It helps to redirect users from one location to another for relevant information. Moreover, hyperlinks in PDF improve document interaction, making it more functional or useful.
Additionally, it is used in documents like reports, forms, eBooks, research papers, etc. There are different types of PDF hyperlinks. Take a look below:
- External Hyperlinks: This type of hyperlink takes users to different sources, like websites or email addresses. Some common examples include URLs.
- Internal Hyperlink: These links are useful for internal navigation. It mainly includes bookmarks, table of contents (TOC), page links, etc.
In short, hyperlinks are useful for easy navigation and quick interaction. Despite the usability, the issue of “PDF links not working” can be stressful. It adds obstacles and restricts seamless accessibility. So, follow the section below for more understanding.
Why Hyperlinks Not Working in PDF? Common Reasons
Before jumping on the fixes, let’s first break down the reasons. There are various causes for the issue of “hyperlink does not work in PDF”. If you’re frequently facing this error, you might experience poor functionality. It further increases frustration and interrupts the workflow. Here are the major reasons behind PDF hyperlinks not working:
- Incorrect or Mistaken URLs: If the hyperlink in the PDF contains typos or spelling errors, including incomplete URLs, this can create a non-functional link. In other words, the hyperlink becomes unclickable (e.g. httsp:// or htts://).
- Dead Links in PDF: Sometimes, the web pages or URLs get deleted or inactive, which act as a broken or dead link. In this way, you might address issues like a hyperlink not working in PDF document.
- Outdated Edition of PDF Viewer: Using the outdated or older version of PDF Viewer can’t support the modern link formatting. Additionally, some temporary glitches are equally capable of hampering the functioning of media information in a PDF.
- PDF File Conversion Error: If you’re converting documents like Word, Google Docs, and PowerPoint directly into PDF, choosing the incorrect setting can cause hyperlinks not working in PDF. Moreover, it loses the document interaction, making flattened links.
- PDF Document Security: Sometimes owners make read only PDF, which certainly restricts viewers’ actions. The document protection can convert functional links into unclickable or flattened hyperlinks.
- Corrupted Document: File corruption is yet another reason for hyperlink in PDF not working. Moreover, the PDF becomes corrupted due to improper download or crashing when saving the document. Here, links certainly stop working.
Overall, these are the reasons for hyperlinks in PDF documents not working. Now, if you’re seeking quick troubleshooting fixes, the section below has covered everything. So, let’s dive into it.
5 Quick Fixes for “Hyperlink Does Not Work in PDF” Document
Does the “PDF hyperlinks not working” error annoy you? Of course, the chances are high. This error can disrupt the complete workflow, making the clickable hyperlink non-functional. To fix the issue of hyperlinks not working in PDF document, follow the methods below:
1. Fix Incorrect/ Wrong Hyperlink Formatting
2. Use the Updated Version of PDF Viewer
3. Check PDF Conversion Settings
4. Review the PDF File Corruption
5. Remove PDF Document Security
Now, let’s understand these troubleshooting methods in a detailed manner.
#1 Fix Incorrect Hyperlink Formatting to Resolve Hyperlinks Not Working in PDF
If the hyperlink in the PDF acts as non-functional, try to review the link. In other words, double-check all the links before inserting them into the document. Don’t make mistakes like htts:// or htstp:// when embedding the links. Fixing these typos, you can make a clickable hyperlink with ease.
Additionally, check the spelling in the URL to avoid any errors. Ensure testing or previewing all the PDF hyperlinks before sharing or inserting the links.
#2 Update Your PDF Viewer or Reader
If hyperlink does not work in PDF, rather than becoming stressed, check your PDF Viewer. There is a high possibility that you’re using an outdated version of PDF Reader or Viewer. For example, if you’re using Adobe Acrobat Reader, regularly update your software as minor glitches can cause this error.
After the software update, if the issue remains constant, try a different PDF Viewer like Foxit or online tools. It is yet another effective fixes for PDF hyperlinks not working. Additionally, you can use a browser-based PDF reader like Edge or Chrome for instant accessibility of PDF.
#3 Check PDF Conversion Settings
Many professionals use the wrong PDF conversion settings, resulting in losing document formatting or interaction. In other words, when converting a Word, PowerPoint, Docs, or Excel document into a PDF, incorrect settings can make hyperlinks inaccessible.
One of the most prominent mistakes includes opting for “Save as PDF” or “Print” without understanding the actual meaning. Take a look below:
- Print PDF: This option can make flattened or static text in a PDF. Moreover, the hyperlinks become ineffective after selecting this feature.
- Save as PDF: Compared to Print, this is a better way for PDF conversion. It helps to preserve links in the original formatting. However, the older versions of Word or Excel don’t provide the “Save as” feature.
Here are the steps to follow when saving PDFs:
- In Word or PowerPoint: Use File > click Export, and lastly, use Create PDF.
- In Google Docs: Tab File and choose Download > click PDF (.pdf)
In this way, you can create a document having clickable hyperlinks.
#4 Review PDF File Corruption When PDF Links Not Working
After trying the above methods, if hyperlinks not working in PDF, this might happen due to file corruption. A corrupted document can cause errors like broken links, missing PDF elements, and formatting issues. Moreover, this mainly occurs due to improper downloading of a PDF file.
To fix the corruption problem, try SysTools PDF Recovery, one of the top-notch data recovery solutions for damaged or corrupted files. Using this software, you can recover or extract hyperlinks from PDF. Moreover, this tool has a built-in feature to deeply scan the document. Additionally, you can create a new accessible PDF using the tool.
#5 Remove PDF Document Limitations – The Ultimate Fixes
If the hyperlink does not work in PDF, it might happen due to document security. Sometimes, owners impose protection to ensure data integrity or security. This can add a barrier when accessing the full document. Here, you need an advanced solution like the SysTools PDF Unlocker Tool. This is a cutting-edge and robust troubleshooting fixes to try when facing any restriction. It helps to remove PDF restrictions and provides an interactive document.
Using this software, you can get an accessible PDF that contains clickable hyperlinks. In this way, you can resolve the error of PDF links not working instantly.
In short, these are the quick techniques to try when hyperlinks not opening or working in PDF document. Additionally, you can re-create a new document to ensure smooth functioning of media elements.
FAQs – PDF Hyperlinks Not Working
Q. Why are PDF hyperlinks not working in Chrome?
There are several reasons for PDF hyperlink not working in Chrome. Read them below:
- Wrong PDF Link Formatting
- Outdated Version of Chrome Browser
- Incompatible Due to Browser Cache Issues
- Document is Protected With Advanced Security
To fix these errors, use another PDF viewer like Acrobat Reader to access the document without any problem.
Q. How to enable hyperlink in PDF?
To enable hyperlink in PDF, follow the steps below:
- Use any platform like Word/ Doc on your system.
- Select the desired text > press Right-click > add link.
- Try shortcut: Ctrl + K (Windows) or Cmd + K (macOS).
Concluding Words
In this detailed guide, we have explained why hyperlinks not working in PDF document. If facing this error, taking preventive methods is essential. Using the above fixes, you can easily resolve the issue and mitigate it in future.