How to Keep Word Hyperlinks Relative Instead of Absolute in WPS Writer
Question details
The user needs a way to keep cross-document hyperlinks in Word or WPS Writer relative instead of absolute so links continue to work when files are moved or combined into a PDF.
- Product
- WPS Office Writer
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing multiple linked Word documents that will be moved or combined into a single PDF.
- Observed behavior
- Word or WPS Writer stores hyperlinks as absolute paths, so moving files or exporting to PDF can break the links.
Before editing, work on copies of the documents and place all linked files into the final folder structure. In WPS Writer, press Alt+F9 to display field codes so you can identify which hyperlinks are stored as absolute paths.
Edit WPS Writer Hyperlink Fields to Use Relative Paths
Use this when you need portable links that survive moving a folder or exporting the document set to PDF.
WPS Writer stores hyperlinks in field codes. If the field contains a full path such as C:\Users\name\Docs\chapter1.docx, the link is absolute. Replacing it with a path relative to the current document makes the set portable.
Open the document in WPS Writer and press Alt+F9 to display all field codes.
Find the HYPERLINK field that contains an absolute path, for example { HYPERLINK "C:\Users\name\Docs\chapter1.docx" }.
Change the full path to the relative path from the current document to the target file, for example { HYPERLINK "chapter1.docx" } or { HYPERLINK "subfolder\chapter1.docx" }.
Press Alt+F9 again, right-click the link, and choose "Edit Hyperlink" to check the address.
Save the file in its final relative folder location and test the link.
Keep All Linked Files in One Folder and Rebuild Hyperlinks Before Export
Use this when preparing a set of documents for PDF export and you want a simple, predictable link structure.
Export a Test PDF from the Final Folder Structure and Verify Hyperlinks
Use this after editing to confirm that links remain valid in the delivered PDF.
Make Word Hyperlinks Relative with WPS Office Writer
WPS Writer supports Word field codes and hyperlink editing, so you can replace absolute paths with relative paths, keep linked files in the same folder tree, and export a PDF with working links without switching to a different Office suite.
- 1. Open the Word document: Open the .docx or .doc file in WPS Office Writer.
- 2. Show field codes: Press Alt+F9 to display HYPERLINK and other field codes.
- 3. Replace absolute paths: Edit each HYPERLINK field to use a relative path such as subfolder\chapter1.docx.
- 4. Save in the final location: Save the document inside the final relative folder structure that will be moved or exported.
- 5. Export and verify: Click Menu > Export to PDF, then open the PDF and check each hyperlink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my hyperlinks change back to absolute paths after saving?
When a hyperlink is created through the Hyperlink dialog, the application may store the full address. Display field codes with Alt+F9, edit the HYPERLINK field manually to use a relative path, and save the document in its final relative folder structure.
Can I make every hyperlink in a document relative at once?
There is no single switch that converts all hyperlinks automatically. With field codes visible, you can use Find and Replace to remove the common absolute folder prefix from multiple HYPERLINK fields.
Does the same relative path method work for INCLUDETEXT or RD fields?
Yes. Word field-based links such as HYPERLINK, INCLUDETEXT, and RD fields can use a path relative to the current document. Test the method on copies first.
Why do links break after I export multiple Word files to PDF?
PDF export reads the stored hyperlink path. If the path is absolute and the folder has moved, the target cannot be found. Place documents in their final structure and use relative paths before exporting.
Do I need Microsoft Word to fix relative hyperlinks?
No. WPS Writer can open .docx files, display and edit field codes, and export to PDF, so you can correct relative links without Microsoft Word.
