[Fixed!] Excel to PDF Hyperlinks Not Working (5 Easy Fixes)

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.

Case 1 – Fix the File Path

The most common reason why a hyperlink may malfunction is due to an incorrect file path or URL. To resolve the issue, the file path or URL needs to be corrected. This cannot be done in the PDF file; rather, it’ll have to be corrected in the source Excel file, which will then have to be re-saved as PDF.

Steps:

Select the hyperlink cell in the dataset.
Right-click and select the Edit Hyperlink option.

Correct the Address or URL and press OK.

The file path is fixed.

Save the file as PDF, and the hyperlink will work.

Case 2 – Add or Replace HTTP:// and HTTPS://

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:

Select the hyperlink cell in the dataset.
Right-click and choose the Edit Hyperlink option.

Enter the Address with HTTPS:// as a prefix and press OK.

Export the file as PDF.

The hyperlink will work without any issues.

Case 3 – Create New Hyperlink

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:

Select the hyperlink cell in the dataset.
Right-click and select the Edit Hyperlink option.

Input the new hyperlink and press OK.

Save the file as PDF, and the hyperlink will now work properly.

Case 4 – Disable Update Links Option on Saving

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:

Click on the File tab.

Click on Options.

Click Advanced ➤ Web Options.

Open the Files section.
Unmark the Update links on save option.
Click OK.

Click OK again.

The hyperlink should now work perfectly when saved into a PDF.

Case 5 – Repair Corrupted Files

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: