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How to Add Custom Text for Hyperlinks in Microsoft Forms

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to insert a hyperlink into a Microsoft Forms subtitle or description and display it as custom text instead of showing the full URL.

Can You Use Custom Text for Hyperlinks in Microsoft Forms?

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a form or survey where the creator needs to provide clean, readable links to respondents in the form's description or subtitles.
Observed behavior: Currently, pasting a URL displays the full web address rather than a clickable custom text element, which can make the form look cluttered.

Before you start

Ensure you have editing access to your Microsoft Form and prepare the exact web addresses you need to share with your respondents.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a URL Shortener as an Alternative

Since Microsoft Forms does not natively support custom hyperlink text formatting in all fields, using a URL shortener can make your links look much cleaner and more professional.

Currently, Microsoft Forms lacks comprehensive rich-text hyperlink capabilities. When you paste a standard URL into a text field, it simply displays the raw web address. To prevent long, messy URLs from ruining the aesthetic of your form, you can convert them into highly condensed links using third-party shortening services.

Copy your destination link

Highlight and copy the full, long URL that you want to include in your form.

Generate a short URL

Visit a free URL shortening service like Bitly or TinyURL, paste your long link into the provided field, and generate the shortened version.

Paste into Microsoft Forms

Return to your Microsoft Form and paste the shortened URL directly into your subtitle, description, or question field. It will automatically become a clickable link when respondents view the form.

Automatic Link Recognition: Make sure your shortened URL begins with 'http://' or 'https://' so Microsoft Forms successfully recognizes it as a clickable web link.

Solution 2

Submit a Feature Request via the Microsoft Feedback Portal

If native custom hyperlink text is essential for your workflow, you can advocate for its development by submitting feedback directly to Microsoft.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Create Professional Documents with Custom Hyperlinks in WPS Office

While Microsoft Forms limits your hyperlink formatting, creating standard surveys, documents, or fillable PDFs in WPS Office allows you complete control over your text and hyperlinks. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the official website.
2. Type your custom text: Open WPS Writer or Presentation, and type the exact display text you want your readers to see.
3. Insert the hyperlink: Highlight the text, press Ctrl+K (or right-click and select Hyperlink), paste your URL, and click OK to create a clean, customized link.

Fully supports custom hyperlink text formatting in Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation.Highly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Free and lightweight, providing a familiar user interface for seamless migration.Built-in PDF editor lets you create professional fillable forms with clean, customized links.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rich text formatting in Microsoft Forms?

Microsoft Forms supports basic rich text formatting (such as bold, italic, and underline) for titles and subtitles. However, inserting custom anchor text for URLs is still restricted and generally unsupported.

Will a raw URL automatically become clickable in a Microsoft Form?

Yes. If you paste a full, valid URL (starting with http:// or https://) into a form's description or subtitle, it will automatically render as a clickable link for your respondents when they view the live form.

Is there any way to embed an HTML hyperlink in MS Forms?

No, Microsoft Forms does not support HTML tags or Markdown formatting. Entering standard HTML link code (like <a href='...'>Text</a>) will display as plain text rather than a functioning, clickable hyperlink.

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