How to Fix Hyperlinks Pointing to Original Slides When Duplicating in PowerPoint
Question details
Internal hyperlinks in duplicated PowerPoint slides continue pointing to the original slides instead of the newly copied slides.
- Product
- PowerPoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Duplicating slides that contain internal hyperlinks to create variations or new sections within the same presentation.
- Observed behavior
- The hyperlinks on the copied slides retain the subaddresses of the original slides, directing the user back to the old content instead of the new slides.
Identify all the specific slides you have duplicated and take note of the slide titles or numbers for both the original and the newly copied slides to ensure you update the internal links accurately.
Manually Edit the Hyperlink Subaddress
Update the link destinations on the copied slides manually. This is the most reliable method for small to medium-sized presentations.
When you duplicate a slide, PowerPoint copies the hyperlink exactly as it is, including its subaddress (the specific target slide ID). You must manually redirect these links to the new slides.
Navigate to the newly duplicated slide and find the text or shape containing the hyperlink.
Right-click the hyperlink and select "Edit Hyperlink" from the context menu.
In the dialog box, click on "Place in This Document" on the left panel, then select the title or slide number of your newly copied slide.
Click "OK" to save the changes. Run the presentation in Slide Show mode to verify the link now points to the correct slide.
Use a VBA Macro for Large Presentations
Automate hyperlink updates across many duplicated slides using a custom VBA macro.
Edit Presentation Hyperlinks Seamlessly in WPS Office
WPS Presentation provides a highly intuitive interface for managing internal slide links, making it easy to duplicate slides and adjust hyperlink destinations without hassle.
- 1. Open your presentation: Launch WPS Presentation and open your existing .pptx file.
- 2. Duplicate the slide: Right-click the desired slide in the left thumbnail pane and select "Duplicate Slide".
- 3. Edit the hyperlink: Right-click the hyperlinked text or shape on the new slide and choose "Edit Hyperlink".
- 4. Select the new target: In the dialog box, click "Place in This Document" and pick the new target slide from the list.
- 5. Save changes: Click "OK" to update the link path instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do hyperlinks point to the old slide when I copy it?
When duplicating a slide, the hyperlink's subaddress (the specific target slide ID) is copied exactly as it was. It does not dynamically update to the new slide's ID automatically.
Can I batch update all duplicated hyperlinks at once without VBA?
Currently, standard presentation software does not have a built-in native feature to batch update hyperlink destinations upon duplicating slides. Manual editing is required unless you use a VBA script.
How do I find the correct subaddress for my new slide?
When you open the "Edit Hyperlink" dialog and select "Place in This Document", the slide titles and numbers are listed. Clicking the correct slide from this visual list will automatically generate the correct background subaddress for you.
Will copying and pasting shapes update the hyperlinks?
No. Similar to duplicating an entire slide, copying and pasting an individual hyperlinked shape will retain the original destination link. You must right-click and edit the hyperlink to point to the new location.
