Insert Hyperlink Shortcut (Ctrl+K / ⌘K)
Select the text or cell you want to link, then press Ctrl+K on Windows or ⌘K (Command+K) on the Mac to open the Insert Hyperlink dialog. The same keys edit an existing link when your cursor is on it.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insert / edit hyperlink | ⌘K | Ctrl+K | |
| Remove hyperlink (Word) | ⌘⇧F9 | Ctrl+Shift+F9 | |
| Follow link (Word) | ⌘Click | Ctrl+Click | |
| Insert hyperlink (Google Docs) | ⌘K | Ctrl+K |
Link text, then paste the address
Highlight the words or select the cell you want to turn into a link and press Ctrl+K (Windows) / ⌘K (Mac). In the dialog, paste the URL and press Enter. If your cursor is already inside an existing link, the same shortcut re-opens the dialog so you can change the address.
Windows vs Mac
The insert key is identical across platforms — Ctrl+K on Windows, ⌘K on the Mac — in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Google Docs and most browsers' editors. The difference is removal: Word on Windows uses Ctrl+Shift+F9 to strip a link, and Mac uses ⌘⇧F9 (you may need fn if your function keys are set to media controls).
Link to a cell, sheet or email address
In Excel, Ctrl+K / ⌘K also links inside a workbook: in the dialog choose Place in This Document, then type a cell reference like Sheet2!B5 to jump there on click. To link to an email address instead of a web page, type mailto:name@example.com as the address — clicking it opens a new message in Outlook or your default mail app. In Google Sheets the same Ctrl+K / ⌘K opens a link box where you can search for another sheet by name.
Starting a fresh page in Word? Use the Page Break shortcut.
Adjust the gap between lines with the Line Spacing shortcut.
Adding a citation? See the Insert Footnote shortcut.
Formatting a bibliography or reference list? Set up a hanging indent shortcut.
FAQ
What is the insert hyperlink shortcut?
Press Ctrl+K on Windows or ⌘K (Command+K) on the Mac. Select the text or cell first, then paste the address in the dialog.
Does Ctrl+K work in Google Docs and Word?
Yes. Ctrl+K (Windows) / ⌘K (Mac) opens the insert-link dialog in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Google Docs.
How do I remove a hyperlink with the keyboard?
In Word select the linked text and press Ctrl+Shift+F9 on Windows or ⌘⇧F9 on the Mac. In Google Docs, click the link and choose Remove.
How do I hyperlink to another cell or sheet in Excel?
Press Ctrl+K (Windows) or ⌘K (Mac), choose "Place in This Document" in the dialog, and type a cell reference such as Sheet2!B5. The link jumps to that cell when clicked.
How do I make a mailto email link with the keyboard?
Select the text, press Ctrl+K / ⌘K, and type mailto:name@example.com as the address. Clicking the link opens a new message in your default mail app.