Excel Hyperlinks: Buttons

Hyperlinks allow you to easily navigate to a website, file, email address, or different worksheets. Hyperlink buttons are especially useful in dashboards and reports because users can just click on the button to go to the hyperlink. In this article, you will learn how to use Excel hyperlinks: Buttons.

Key Takeaways:

• Hyperlink buttons make worksheets easier to navigate.
• You can link buttons to websites, files, sheets, or email addresses.
• Shapes and icons can both be used as clickable buttons.
• Hyperlink buttons improve the look of dashboards and reports.
• You can edit or remove hyperlinks at any time.

Download workbookHyperlink-Buttons1.xlsx

 

Using Excel Hyperlink Buttons to Streamline Navigation

What Are Hyperlink Buttons in Excel?

A hyperlink button in Excel is a clickable button that takes you to another location. It can open another worksheet, jump to a specific cell, open a website, or launch a file on your computer. Unlike plain text hyperlinks, buttons are easier to see and click. They also make workbooks more user-friendly, especially when working with dashboards or large spreadsheets.

Benefits of Buttons for Hyperlinks

• Easy to use: Buttons are easy to find and click.
• Clear navigation: Add custom text so users know where each button goes.
• Faster workflow: Quickly move between worksheets, files, or websites.
• Professional appearance: Buttons give your workbook a clean and organized look.
• Easy to update: You can edit, move, or replace buttons whenever needed.

 

Create a Hyperlink Button: Step-by-Step Guide

STEP 1:  Go to Insert > Illustrations > Shapes > Any Rectangle Shape

STEP 2:  Create a rectangle and type SALES.  Update the formatting to make the text look bigger and centered.

STEP 3:  While holding CTRL + SHIFT, drag your first button using left-click to instantly duplicate it. Do it twice.

STEP 4:  Go to Format > Shape Style and pick the formatting you want. Do it for all buttons to differentiate them from one another.

Make sure to change the text of the other buttons to COSTS and PROFIT.

STEP 5:  We will now create the cell that our button will navigate to.

Select the blank cells beside the SALES table. Then select Home > Merge & Center

STEP 6:  Take note of the cell reference and copy this. For SALES, this is cell A2.

STEP 7: Right-click on the SALES Button and select Link.

STEP 8:  Make sure Place in This Document is selected, then place the cell reference A2. Press OK.

STEP 9:  Do the same for COSTS.

Select the blank cells beside the COSTS table. Then select Home > Merge & Center

Take note of the cell reference and copy this. For COSTS, this is cell A26.

STEP 10: Right-click on the COSTS Button and select Link.

Make sure Place in This Document is selected, then place the cell reference A26. Press OK.

STEP 11:  Select the blank cells beside the PROFIT table. Then select Home > Merge & Center

Take note of the cell reference and copy this. For PROFIT, this is cell A48.

STEP 12: Right-click on the PROFIT Button and select Link.

Make sure Place in This Document is selected, then place the cell reference A48. Press OK.

STEP 13:  Let’s freeze in place the top row that contains our buttons.

Go to View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Top Row

Now you can use the buttons for instant navigation.

 

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Check that the hyperlink address is correct and points to the right location.
• Make sure you click on the shape, not the empty space around it. Enlarging the button can also make it easier to click.
• When you copy a button to another workbook, some formatting may not be copied. Check the button after pasting it.
• Lock the worksheet or group the button with other objects to stop it from being moved accidentally.
• Some features look different in different Excel versions. Use the Excel Search box or Help menu to find the option.

 

FAQs

How to use images as hyperlink buttons?

To use images as a hyperlink button,

• Insert an image
• Right-click on it
• Select Link > Insert Link
• Enter the link

How to remove a hyperlink from a button?

To remove a hyperlink,

• Right-click the button
• Select Remove Link

How to change a hyperlink?

To change the hyperlink from a button,

• Right-click on the button
• Select Edit link
• Enter the new location or URL

How do I keep my buttons from moving or resizing when I change cell sizes?

• Right-click the button
• Under Properties
• Select Format Shape
• Choose the option to not move or size with cells