How to Stop Text After a URL Becoming Blue and Underlined in Word
Question details
The user wants to prevent or remove the blue, underlined hyperlink formatting that automatically applies to plain text typed immediately after a URL in a document.
- Product
- Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Typing descriptions after pasting URLs or continuing a sentence immediately after inserting a hyperlink.
- Observed behavior
- Text typed after a URL inherits the blue, underlined hyperlink style, making regular text incorrectly appear and act as part of the clickable link.
Before applying these fixes, ensure you select only the plain text that incorrectly inherited the hyperlink formatting, so you do not accidentally remove the actual hyperlink itself.
Use the Clear Formatting Shortcut (Ctrl+Spacebar)
The quickest way to remove unwanted hyperlink formatting from plain text is using the built-in keyboard shortcut to clear direct formatting.
When you type immediately after a hyperlink or paste formatted URL text, the word processor assumes you want to continue the link. Pressing Ctrl+Spacebar strips away this inherited style, returning the text to your default paragraph settings.
Highlight the specific text that has incorrectly turned blue and underlined after the URL.
Press 'Ctrl + Spacebar' on your keyboard. This will instantly clear the direct formatting and Hyperlink style, reverting the text to its normal appearance.
Use the Clear All Formatting Button on the Ribbon
If you prefer using the mouse, you can use the Clear All Formatting tool located in the Home tab of the ribbon.
Remove the Hyperlink from the Extra Text Manually
You can use the right-click context menu to manually unlink the text if the formatting shortcuts do not work.
Manage Hyperlinks Easily with WPS Writer
WPS Office provides a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Word. It offers intuitive formatting tools that prevent annoying hyperlink extensions, making document editing smooth and hassle-free.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing the problematic hyperlink formatting.
- 2. Select the affected text: Highlight the text following the URL that incorrectly inherited the blue, underlined style.
- 3. Clear the formatting: Go to the 'Home' tab and click the 'Clear Formatting' icon, or simply press Ctrl + Spacebar to instantly fix the text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my text automatically become a hyperlink when I type after a URL?
Word processors have an AutoFormat feature that automatically turns web addresses into clickable links. If you continue typing immediately after the link without adding a space or returning to the normal style, the program assumes the new text is a continuation of the link.
How can I stop Word from creating hyperlinks automatically?
You can disable this in the AutoCorrect settings. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Under the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab, uncheck the box for 'Internet and network paths with hyperlinks'.
Does pressing Ctrl+Spacebar delete the text or just the formatting?
Ctrl + Spacebar only removes direct formatting (like bold, italics, or hyperlink styles) applied on top of the default paragraph style. It does not delete or alter any characters in your text.
How do I remove all hyperlinks in an entire document at once?
Press Ctrl + A to select the entire document, then press Ctrl + Shift + F9. This keyboard shortcut unlinks all hyperlinks and converts them to plain text while keeping your content intact.
