Keep Word Document Links Working After Copying a Folder in WPS Office
Question details
The user needs a master Word document to keep links to reference documents working after the entire folder is copied, instead of continuing to open the original folder files.
- Product
- WPS Office Writer
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user copies a folder containing a master document and several linked reference documents, and wants the copied master document to link to the copied reference files.
- Observed behavior
- After copying the folder, the links continue pointing to the original folder because Word stores absolute paths by default.
Make sure all referenced files are kept in the same relative folder layout and know whether you want offline local links or online OneDrive links before editing the master document.
Switch Hyperlink Fields to Relative Paths in WPS Writer
Use this when you copy the entire folder locally and want the master document to follow the copied reference files instead of the original absolute paths.
Word and WPS Writer normally store hyperlinks as absolute paths, which is why copied folders still open the original files. Editing the hyperlink field code to a relative path makes the link resolve inside the current folder.
Open the master .docx file in WPS Writer, then press Alt+F9 to display the underlying field codes for hyperlinks.
Locate the HYPERLINK field for the reference document and change the path to a relative value such as "reference.docx" or ".\reference.docx" depending on the folder structure.
Press Alt+F9 again to return to normal view, then save the document. Copy the entire folder and open the copied master document to confirm the links now open the copied files.
Use OneDrive Sharing Links for Online Reference Documents
Use this when the reference documents can be uploaded online and you want the hyperlinks to remain identical no matter where the folder is copied.
Keep Local Word Links Working with WPS Writer Relative Paths
Use WPS Writer to replace absolute hyperlinks with relative paths, so a copied folder opens the reference files inside that copied folder. For online collaboration, swap local links to OneDrive sharing links without changing WPS document formatting.
- 1. Download and install WPS Office: Download WPS Office from the official WPS website, install it, and open the master document in WPS Writer.
- 2. Open the hyperlink field codes: With the master document open, press Alt+F9 to show existing hyperlink fields that point to the original folder.
- 3. Edit to relative paths: Replace absolute paths with relative references such as "reference.docx" or ".\Subfolder\reference.docx" so the links resolve inside the current folder.
- 4. Save and test with a copied folder: Save the document, copy the entire folder to another location, and open the copied master document to verify the links now open the copied reference files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Word document links still open the original folder after copying?
Word and WPS Writer store hyperlinks as absolute paths by default. You can change the link to a relative path in the HYPERLINK field code or use an online OneDrive sharing link.
How do I show hyperlink field codes in WPS Writer?
Open the document in WPS Writer and press Alt+F9. Edit the HYPERLINK field value, then press Alt+F9 again to return to normal hyperlink display.
Can I use relative paths in WPS Writer for .docx files?
Yes. WPS Writer supports Word field codes, and saving the document as .docx preserves the relative path behavior.
Will OneDrive sharing links keep working after I copy the folder?
Yes. If the master document links to the online file URL, the links do not change when you copy the local folder. Keep the OneDrive sharing permissions open for anyone who needs access.
Do I need to recreate links manually for multiple reference documents?
No. You can edit each HYPERLINK field code or replace the link target with Ctrl+K; you do not need to recreate the hyperlink text from scratch.
