How to Share Links to Local Files in WPS Word and PDF
Question details
The user needs to share a Word or PDF hyperlink that points to a file stored locally on their computer. The link works only on the user's computer, and recipients cannot access it from another machine.
- Product
- WPS Office Writer and PDF
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user is preparing a Word or PDF file that contains a hyperlink to a local file and wants recipients to be able to open that linked file.
- Observed behavior
- The local file hyperlink works only on the user's computer and fails for other recipients because they do not have access to the same desktop path.
Before you begin, locate the local file on your computer and have sign-in details ready for OneDrive, Dropbox, or iCloud. If you plan to export to PDF, make sure the final link is a full web URL rather than a desktop path.
Upload the Local File to a Cloud Service and Insert the Online Link
Use this method when recipients are on different computers and need reliable access to the linked file.
A hyperlink to a file stored on your desktop only points to that local path. Moving the file to a cloud service creates a web address that any recipient can open.
Sign in to OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, or another web-based service, click Upload or Files, and select the local file from your desktop.
Select the uploaded file, open Share, set link permissions to 'Anyone with the link can view' if available, and copy the generated URL.
In WPS Office, open the Word document, select the existing hyperlink or the text you want to link, then go to Insert > Hyperlink.
In the Hyperlink dialog, paste the copied cloud URL into the Address field and click OK.
Press Ctrl+S to save the Word file, then send the document or export it as PDF and share it.
Embed the File Directly in the Word Document
Use this method when you want recipients to have a copy of the file inside the document and do not need a standard clickable hyperlink.
Share Local File Links with WPS Office by Using a Cloud Location
Upload the local file to OneDrive, Dropbox, or iCloud, copy the shared link, and insert it into your WPS Writer document. WPS Office preserves the hyperlink when you share the Word file or export to PDF.
- 1. Install and open WPS Office: Download WPS Office from the official website, then open the Word document in WPS Writer.
- 2. Upload the file to a cloud service: Use OneDrive, Dropbox, or iCloud to upload the file, then copy the shared web link.
- 3. Insert the link in WPS Writer: Select the text, go to Insert > Hyperlink, paste the copied URL in the Address field, and click OK.
- 4. Save and share or export to PDF: Save the .docx file or go to File > Export to PDF, then share the document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a hyperlink to a desktop file work only on my computer?
A desktop hyperlink uses a local path such as C:\Users\YourName\Desktop\file.pdf, which does not exist on the recipient's computer. Upload the file to OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, or another web-based service and use the shared web URL instead.
How do I insert an online file link in WPS Writer?
Open your document in WPS Writer, select the text or existing hyperlink, go to Insert > Hyperlink, paste the shared cloud URL in the Address field, and click OK. Then save the document.
Can I embed a file in a WPS Word document?
Yes. Place the cursor where the file should appear, go to Insert > Object, choose Create from File, browse to the local file, and click OK. Embedded files may not behave like standard hyperlinks after PDF conversion.
Will hyperlinks survive when I export a Word document to PDF in WPS Office?
Standard hyperlinks with full web addresses are generally preserved when exported to PDF. Desktop file paths and embedded objects may not work as normal hyperlinks.
Which cloud services can I use to share a linked file?
You can use OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, Google Drive, or any web-based service that provides a shareable URL for the uploaded file.
