A hyperlink enables users to navigate to a related webpage or file. In simple terms, this a "linked shortcut" that directs to a specified webpage or file location when clicked. Hyperlinks are usually highlighted in blue color and are a quick way of connecting to related information or program. Another use of hyperlinks includes the quick opening of email clients while still in MS Excel. Hyperlinks are therefore of great importance since they automate certain tasks as well as reduce the time that opening on navigating to the related details would take. By just clicking on a link, so much can be done. MS Excel has taken into consideration the great importance of hyperlinks. There are therefore tools in Excel that automate the creation and use of hyperlinks.
1. Creating hyperlinks in cells
Procedure:
1. Launch Excel.
2. Open your Workbook and Select the worksheet you are to work on.
3. Click a cell into which the hyperlink is to be inserted.
NB: You can merge two or more cells so that the hyperlink can fit without any struggles
4. Type the web address of a website. For Excel 2016 and later, a correctly typed address is usually turned automatically into a hyperlink.
5. You can widen the column for the address to fit comfortably as an alternative to Merging Cells.
6. If the address is not converted into a hyperlink automatically, right-click the cell housing the address. A shortcut menu will appear. Within this menu, a hyperlink option will be listed.
7. Click on the hyperlink option.
8. A hyperlink Dialog will pop up. Ensure your web address is correctly spelled/typed under the address box as well as in the text to display and click OK.
9. Click Save to effect any other changes that might have been made.
2. Using a hyperlink:
Hyperlinks are the simplest piece of items to use if properly set up.
Procedure:
1. Launch the Excel workbook with a hyperlink.
2. Open its worksheet.
3. Look for the cell with a hyperlink. Usually, a blue link is underlined.
4. Click on the hyperlink.
5. The web address will now open on your default browser.
3. Removing hyperlinks.
One can also remove existing hyperlinks from a worksheet.
Procedure:
1. Open Excel and launch the workbook.
2. Identify the cell from which the hyperlink is located.
3. Right-click the cell. A shortcut menu will pop up.
4. Select "remove hyperlink". The hyperlink will be removed leaving the original address in place.
4. Setting an email hyperlink:
A hyperlink can be set to open the default email client. When this is set, an email address can be used as the hyperlink to open the default email program.
To set up an email hyperlink:
Procedure:
1. Right-click on the cell with the email address.
2. Select a hyperlink option. An insert hyperlink dialog will appear.
3. Select the email address option.
4. Enter the email address and subject. This will automate the email writing process such that only the email's message may need to be inserted.
5. Confirm changes.
6. Click save to effect other overall changes.
7. Click on the hyperlink. The default email client should open up as follows.