Hyperlinking in a Google Presentation is a straightforward process. First, select the text or object you want to link. Then, click the “Insert” menu and choose “Link,” or use the Ctrl+K shortcut. Type or paste the URL, and press “Apply.” Now, the text or object will act as a clickable hyperlink, directing viewers to the designated website or page.
After you’ve inserted a hyperlink, clicking on the linked text or object during the presentation will open the web page in a new browser tab. This enables you to provide your audience with additional resources, supporting information, or direct them to related content.
Introduction
In the digital world we live in today, presentations have gone beyond static slides. They are now interactive experiences that can engage and inform audiences in dynamic ways. One way to amplify the impact of your presentation is by adding hyperlinks. Hyperlinks in Google Presentations can transform a simple slide into a gateway to a universe of information related to your topic.
But why is this important? Well, think of the last time you sat through a presentation. Wasn’t it more engaging when the presenter provided links to further reading, or videos that complemented their points? That’s the power of hyperlinking—it adds depth to your presentation and keeps your audience hooked. This guide is perfect for teachers who want to make their classes more interactive, professionals aiming to make their pitches more persuasive, or anyone looking to make their presentations pop. Let’s dive in and learn how to hyperlink in a Google Presentation!
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Hyperlink in a Google Presentation
Before we start, remember that adding hyperlinks can make your presentation more interactive and resourceful. Let’s go through the steps.
Step 1: Select the Text or Object
Select the text or object in your slide that you want to turn into a hyperlink.
When you have decided on the text or object, simply click on it to highlight it. This indicates that it’s ready for the next step.
Step 2: Open the Link Dialog Box
Click the “Insert” menu at the top of the screen and choose “Link,” or simply press Ctrl+K on your keyboard.
A dialog box will appear where you can insert the link. This is where you’ll specify the destination for your hyperlink.
Step 3: Type or Paste the URL
In the dialog box that appears, type or paste the URL you want to link to.
Make sure the URL is correct to avoid linking to the wrong page. A simple copy and paste from the browser’s address bar will work perfectly.
Step 4: Press ‘Apply’
After entering the URL, press the “Apply” button to finalize the hyperlink.
Once applied, the text or object you selected will become clickable and will take you to the URL once clicked during the presentation mode.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Interactivity | Adding hyperlinks to a Google Presentation makes it more interactive. Rather than just talking about a topic, you can show your audience where to find more information. |
| Improved Engagement | Hyperlinks can keep your audience engaged. Instead of losing interest, they can explore related content, making the presentation more impactful. |
| Easy to Use | Google’s user-friendly interface makes hyperlinking a breeze. Anyone can add hyperlinks to their presentation with just a few clicks. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Dependence on Internet Connection | Hyperlinks require an internet connection to work. If you’re presenting without Wi-Fi, those links won’t be accessible. |
| Potential Distraction | Hyperlinks can be distracting. If an audience member clicks on a link, they might miss important parts of the presentation. |
| Overuse Can Be Overwhelming | Too many hyperlinks can be overwhelming and may make the presentation look cluttered. It’s essential to use them sparingly and strategically. |
Additional Information
When you’re hyperlinking in a Google Presentation, remember that context is key. Think about why you’re adding a link and how it enhances your presentation. It could be additional data to back up your arguments, a related video that reinforces your points, or an article for further reading. Also, ensure that the hyperlinks open in a new tab so that viewers can easily return to the presentation.
Another tip is to test your hyperlinks before the actual presentation. There’s nothing more embarrassing than a link leading to a “404 error” page. Also, consider the use of URL shorteners if the link is too long and unwieldy, as this can make the text look cleaner and more professional.
Lastly, be mindful of the design aspect. If you’re hyperlinking text, make sure it stands out with different coloring or underlining. This way, your audience clearly knows it’s clickable. Now go ahead and make your Google Presentations come alive with hyperlinks!
Summary
- Select the text or object you want to hyperlink.
- Click “Insert” then “Link,” or use the Ctrl+K shortcut.
- Type or paste the URL in the dialog box.
- Press “Apply” to link the text or object to the URL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hyperlink to a specific slide within my presentation?
Yes, you can! Instead of pasting a URL, choose a slide from the list in the link dialog box.
Can I remove a hyperlink?
Absolutely! Just click on the linked text or object and then click the “Unlink” button or press Ctrl+K and clear the URL.
Will my hyperlinks work when I export the presentation to a different format?
When you export your presentation to a PDF, the hyperlinks will still work. However, exporting to other formats like PPTX may not preserve the links.
Can I track if people are clicking on my hyperlinks?
While Google Presentations doesn’t offer this feature natively, you could use URL shorteners that provide click statistics.
What should I do if a link isn’t working during my presentation?
Always have a backup plan. If the internet fails, be prepared to summarize what the link would have shown or have the actual content downloaded and ready to display.
Conclusion
There you have it, a comprehensive guide on how to hyperlink in a Google Presentation. By now, you should feel like a hyperlinking hero, ready to take your presentations to the next level. Remember, the key to a great presentation is not just the content but how you deliver and connect it to the wider world.
Hyperlinks are your secret weapon, bridging the gap between your slides and the vast resources of the internet. Happy presenting, and may your links always lead to the right place!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.