How to Change a Link Name on a Webpage

Changing a link name usually means changing its visible text, also called the link text or anchor text. For example, you might turn a long web address into the clearer words “Read the return policy.” The destination can remain exactly the same.

This guide covers the general process for webpages, documents, email, and similar editors. The names and locations of buttons differ by app and version, so look for controls labeled “Link,” “Edit link,” or “Insert link.” If you mean changing a saved bookmark’s name or a page’s URL, see the FAQ below; those are different tasks.

What You’ll Need

Access to edit the webpage, document, message, or other content that contains the link.
The replacement text you want readers to see.
The correct destination URL, if you need to verify that it has not changed.

You may also need permission to edit or publish the content. If the link is in a message that has already been sent, you generally cannot change the original message for recipients; you may need to send a correction.

Step-by-Step

Open the content. Sign in to the relevant website or app, then open the page, file, email draft, or post in its editing mode. On a webpage, choose the command that lets you edit the page rather than merely view it. Menu paths and button names may differ slightly by version.
Find the linked text. Locate the words or address that currently act as the link. In an editor, linked text may appear in a different color, be underlined, or show a small link icon when selected. If you are unsure, click or select the text once and look for an edit-link control.
Open the link controls. Select the linked words, then choose “Edit link” or the equivalent. Some editors show a small pop-up toolbar; others open a panel or dialog. If the link is represented by an image, the editor may provide link settings after you select the image.
Replace only the display text. In the text or label field, enter the wording you want readers to see. Keep it concise and descriptive—for instance, “Download the form” rather than “click here.” Do not delete or overwrite the URL field unless you intend to change where the link goes.
Verify the destination. Check that the address field still contains the intended URL. If the editor separates text from address, make sure the new label is in the text field and the original destination remains in the link field. This catches the most common mix-up.
Apply the change. Choose “Save,” “Apply,” “Done,” or the matching control. In some editors, pressing Enter confirms the edit; in others, it may create a new line, so use the on-screen button when available.
Save or publish the content. Save the document or draft. For a webpage, use the site’s update or publish command if changes are not saved automatically. Wait for any confirmation before leaving the editor.
Test the result. Preview the page or reopen the saved file. Confirm the new label is readable, then follow the link or use its preview to make sure it opens the intended destination. If possible, check the published view rather than relying only on the editor.

Common Mistakes

Replacing the URL instead of the label: Many link dialogs have separate fields for displayed text and destination. Changing the address field can send readers somewhere else, even if the visible words look correct.
Removing the link while editing: Selecting text and typing can replace the whole linked phrase, including its link formatting. If that happens, select the new text and add the link again using the correct URL.
Using vague wording: “Here” or “More” does not tell readers what will open. Use words that describe the destination or action, such as “View the schedule” or “Contact support.”
Forgetting to save or publish: A label that looks changed in the editor may not appear to other people until you save, update, or publish.
Assuming all link names work the same way: A browser bookmark, a webpage link, and a document hyperlink are different objects. Editing one does not necessarily change the others.

Tips

Make the link text meaningful on its own, especially for readers scanning a page or using assistive technology.
Keep the label brief, but include enough detail to distinguish similar links. “Download the application form” is clearer than “Download.”
When editing a link in a table, menu, image, or button, check that you have changed the element’s accessible label or visible text—not just a caption or nearby description.
If you are editing HTML directly, the visible text sits between the opening and closing anchor tags, while the destination is usually in the href attribute. Change the words between the tags and preserve the correct href.
Keep a copy of the original URL before editing when the destination matters. It gives you a quick way to restore the link if the wrong field is changed.

Troubleshooting

The words changed, but they are no longer clickable: The editor may have removed the hyperlink when you replaced the text. Select the new label, choose the link command, enter or paste the intended URL, and save again.

The label is right, but the link opens the wrong page: Reopen the link settings and inspect the destination field. Correct the URL, apply the change, save or publish, and test it again. Check for a missing character or an unintended space if the address was typed manually.

You cannot find an edit option: Confirm that you are in editing mode and have permission to change the content. In some apps, right-clicking or using a link icon reveals the control; in others, select the linked text first. Consult that app’s help if the control is not available.

The old label still appears to other people: Make sure the update was saved or published. Refresh the page or reopen the document. If a site has a preview and a published version, compare them; edit the published content if it did not receive the change.

You are changing a sent email or published post: The original may not be editable after sending or publishing. If the platform has no edit option, send a follow-up with the corrected link and explain which link readers should use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing a link name change where it goes?

Not if you change only the displayed text field. Check the destination URL before applying the edit, especially when the editor shows text and address in separate fields.

Can I rename a link without knowing its URL?

Often, yes. You can replace the visible label while leaving the existing destination untouched. Still, check the address if the editor makes it easy to do so.

How do I change a link name in HTML?

Edit the visible wording between the anchor tags and leave the correct URL in the href attribute. For example, change <a href="https://example.com">Old label</a> to use the new label while preserving the address.

Is a link name the same as a URL?

No. The URL is the destination address; the link name is usually the visible text people click. A browser bookmark’s name is another separate label and can be renamed without changing the webpage’s URL.

Can I change a link in a message after sending it?

Usually, you cannot alter an email or message already delivered to recipients. Some platforms allow edits to published posts, but if no edit option is available, send a correction with the right link.

What makes link text accessible?

Use concise wording that explains the destination or action without relying on nearby text. Avoid labels such as “click here” when a more specific description is available.

Further reading: Google Help. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.