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Creating Hyperlinks

A hyperlink is a word or phrase in an electronic document that, when clicked, immediately takes the reader to another page or document on the internet with related content. When using and creating hyperlinks, follow these guidelines:

  • Unless otherwise directed, writers should link to only federal, state or service websites - .gov, .mil or Fed.us addresses.
  • Use hyperlinks rather than writing out the complete URL in the text: The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a web resources and 24-hour help line for victims of domestic abuse seeking resources and support. 
  • Writers contributing content for MC&FP websites and applications will most often use hyperlinks when referencing Department of Defense or military service policies and regulations, or when they want to direct the reader to another resource, such as another website.
  • Do not use links to content that has no government origin or is in the public domain. Nongovernmental resources may be acceptable for use in rare circumstances and must have permission of the author or publisher.
    • In addition, prior to posting, the content use must receive approval from the Office of the Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs); in some instances, approval by the Department of Defense's Office of General Counsel will also be a requirement.
  • When creating a hyperlink, hyperlink several words or an entire phrase when possible. Avoid non-descriptive link text such as "click here."

For more information on MC&FP link policy, visit Military OneSource.

Follow these steps to create a hyperlink in Microsoft Word documents:

  1. Highlight the text that will become the hyperlink.
  2. Right click on your mouse and select “Hyperlink” from the menu that appears (or use the keystrokes Ctrl and K to pull up the same menu and select the same option).
  3. A window labeled “Insert Hyperlink” will appear on the screen with an address box at the bottom in which you can enter the URL (web address) for the hyperlink.
  4. Either type or copy and paste the URL directly from the website into the address box in the “Insert Hyperlink” window.
  5. Once you enter the complete URL in the box, click “OK” at the bottom of the “Insert Hyperlink” window.
  6. The hyperlink text should now appear in underlined blue font in the document.
  7. Click on the hyperlink to confirm that it directs the reader to the correct webpage or document.