Renaming a hyperlink in Word is super easy and definitely something you can master in just a few minutes. All you need to do is select the hyperlink, right-click it, and then choose the option to edit. From there, you can type in whatever new text you want. This article will guide you through each step in detail to ensure you can do it without any hiccups.
How to Rename a Hyperlink in Word
Renaming a hyperlink in Word can make your documents look more professional and easier to read. We’ll go through each step so you know exactly what to do.
Step 1: Open Your Word Document
First things first, open the Word document where you want to rename the hyperlink.
Make sure your document is saved beforehand so you don’t lose any changes. This will also make it easier to backtrack if anything goes wrong.
Step 2: Locate the Hyperlink
Scroll through your document to find the hyperlink you want to rename.
Hyperlinks are usually underlined and blue, making them easy to spot. If you have many links, consider using the search function (Ctrl + F) to find it faster.
Step 3: Select the Hyperlink
Click on the hyperlink to select it.
When you click on it, the text will be highlighted, indicating that it’s selected. Be careful not to click the link itself, as this will open the linked webpage or document.
Step 4: Right-Click the Hyperlink
With the hyperlink selected, right-click it to open a context menu.
You’ll see various options like "Cut," "Copy," and "Open Hyperlink." You want to look for the option that says "Edit Hyperlink."
Step 5: Choose ‘Edit Hyperlink’
From the context menu, click on "Edit Hyperlink."
This will open a new window where you can edit the details of the hyperlink. You’ll see fields for the text to display and the URL.
Step 6: Change the Text
In the "Text to display" box, type in the new text you want for your hyperlink.
This is where you can be creative. Make the text descriptive so that it gives a clear idea of the link’s content.
Step 7: Confirm the Changes
Click "OK" to save your changes.
After clicking "OK," you’ll be brought back to your document, and the hyperlink text will be updated with your new input.
After renaming the hyperlink, your document will look more polished and the link text will be more meaningful. This can be especially helpful in professional documents or academic papers where clarity is key.
Tips for Renaming a Hyperlink in Word
- Use Descriptive Text: Make sure the new text clearly describes the link’s destination.
- Keep It Short: Short and concise text is easier to read and looks cleaner.
- Avoid Special Characters: Special characters can sometimes break hyperlinks.
- Test the Link: After renaming, click the hyperlink to make sure it still works.
- Update All Links: If you have multiple links pointing to the same place, update them all for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rename multiple hyperlinks at once?
No, you’ll need to rename each hyperlink individually.
Will renaming a hyperlink break the link?
No, renaming just changes the text, not the URL itself.
Can I change the URL as well?
Yes, in the "Edit Hyperlink" window, you can also update the URL.
Do I need to reformat the hyperlink text after renaming?
No, the formatting usually stays the same unless you change it manually.
What if I accidentally delete the hyperlink text?
You can press Ctrl + Z to undo the changes and restore the hyperlink.
Summary
- Open your Word document.
- Locate the hyperlink.
- Select the hyperlink.
- Right-click the hyperlink.
- Choose ‘Edit Hyperlink.’
- Change the text.
- Confirm the changes.
Conclusion
Renaming a hyperlink in Word is a simple yet powerful way to make your documents more readable and professional. Whether you’re working on a school project, a business report, or just a casual document, taking the time to rename your hyperlinks can make a big difference.
Experiment with different text to see what works best for your needs. If you found this guide helpful, you might also want to check out other tips and tricks for working with Word documents. Now that you know how to rename a hyperlink in Word, you can make your documents shine! Happy editing!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.