How to Create a Go Back Link in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
Question details
The user wants to add an internal hyperlink in a PDF document that allows the reader to return to their previous location.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Improving user navigation within long or complex PDF documents by adding a dedicated back button or link.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs a specific method to trigger the 'Previous View' command when a hyperlink is clicked in the PDF.
Ensure you have your PDF document opened in an advanced PDF editor like Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, as basic PDF readers do not support creating custom action links.
Create a Previous View Link Using Acrobat Pro DC
Use Adobe Acrobat's built-in Link Action settings to execute a menu command that navigates the reader back to their previous view.
By setting a link to execute a specific menu item rather than simply pointing to a static page, the link acts dynamically. It will always return the reader to the exact location they were at before clicking the initial hyperlink, making it ideal for glossaries, indexes, or footnotes.
Open your PDF in Acrobat Pro DC. Go to the 'Tools' menu, select 'Edit PDF', and then click on 'Link' > 'Add/Edit Web or Document Link'. Draw a rectangle around the text or image you want to use as your 'Go Back' button.
In the Create Link dialog box that appears, set your preferred link appearance (e.g., Invisible Rectangle). Under 'Link Action', select 'Custom link' and click 'Next'.
The Link Properties window will open. Navigate to the 'Actions' tab. From the 'Select Action' dropdown menu, choose 'Execute a menu item', then click the 'Add' button.
A Menu Item dialog will appear. Go to View > Page Navigation > Previous View. Click 'OK' to close the dialog, then click 'OK' again on the Link Properties window. Save your PDF.
Set Up the Navigation Structure in Adobe InDesign
If you are creating your document from scratch in Adobe InDesign, you can create the 'Go Back' action before exporting it as a PDF.
Seamlessly Manage and Edit PDF Links with WPS Office
WPS Office offers a comprehensive, built-in PDF editor that makes adding, editing, and managing internal hyperlinks incredibly straightforward. Whether you are building interactive documents or simply need an easy-to-use alternative to heavy PDF software, WPS Office delivers an intuitive experience.
- 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your target PDF document.
- 2. Access the Link Tool: Navigate to the 'Edit' tab on the top ribbon and select the 'Link' option.
- 3. Create the Hyperlink: Draw a rectangle over your desired text. In the settings prompt, choose 'Jump to a page in the document' to create seamless internal document navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a 'Previous View' link work on mobile PDF readers?
Support for advanced menu-execution links varies by mobile app. Standard, robust PDF applications like Adobe Acrobat Reader for mobile will generally support the 'Previous View' action, but basic default system readers might ignore it.
What is the keyboard shortcut for Previous View in a PDF?
If a document lacks a 'Go Back' link, users can typically return to their previous view by pressing Alt + Left Arrow on Windows, or Command + Left Arrow on Mac in standard desktop PDF readers.
Why is my 'Execute a menu item' link not working after exporting?
This usually happens if the PDF is flattened or opened in a web browser's built-in PDF viewer instead of a dedicated PDF application. Browser viewers often have limited support for custom interactive actions.
