In Microsoft Excel, hyperlinks generate a shortcut that take the user to a different part of the current workbook, a different workbook, or a website or file stored on a server. These links should work when opening an Excel file that has been saved as a PDF. However sometimes the hyperlinks in such a PDF file don’t work. In this article, we will discuss 5 possible causes and their solutions. Well use the following sample dataset to illustrate.
The file path is fixed.
Very often, a hyperlink will not work if the http:// or https:// prefix at the beginning of most URLs is not included. Adding or replacing HTTP:// and HTTPS:// in the hyperlink usually resolves this issue.
Steps:
The hyperlink will work without any issues.
After creating a hyperlink to another sheet or website, if the source sheet name or file on the website changes, then the hyperlink won’t work. For such situations, a new hyperlink must be inserted.
Steps:
Unfortunately, there is a built-in option in Excel which may cause hyperlinks not to work properly, called Update Links on Save. Generally, this option updates the links whenever you save your files. However if this option is enabled, hyperlinks may not work in a saved PDF file. Disabling this option may resolve the issue.
Steps:
The hyperlink should now work perfectly when saved into a PDF.
Sometimes, it also happens that your workbook may become corrupted, in which case you won’t be able to perform many tasks, including fixing hyperlink issues. However, the following solution may work:
Steps:
Download Practice Workbook
