How to Keep PDF Relative Links Working After Moving a Folder
Question details
The user needs to maintain functional hyperlinks between multiple PDF files when moving or sharing the parent folder.
- Product
- PDF Editor
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Moving, copying, or sharing a folder containing multiple interconnected PDF files.
- Observed behavior
- Links created with absolute file paths break when the folder is moved. The goal is to apply relative links so the files open successfully regardless of their new drive or location.
Ensure all your related PDF files are organized in the exact same folder or directory structure before creating the links to preserve the relative paths.
Use the Go to a Page View Command
Using 'Go to a Page View' creates a relative link by default, preventing broken paths when folders are moved.
When you link to another PDF file using the 'Go to a Page View' action rather than the standard 'Open a File' option, the software automatically applies a relative path. This ensures the link stays intact as long as the linked documents remain in the same relative folder layout.
Open your PDF editor, navigate to the Tools or Edit menu, and select the Link or Add/Edit Link tool.
Draw a rectangle over the text or image area that you want to make clickable.
In the Create Link dialog box, select 'Go to a page view' as the link action and click Next.
Leave the prompt open, open the target PDF file you want to link to, scroll to the desired destination page, and click 'Set Link'.
Configure Relative Paths in Link Properties
Manually adjust the link properties to ensure the action uses a relative path instead of an absolute Open a File path.
Easily Create and Edit PDF Links in WPS Office
WPS PDF provides a comprehensive set of tools to add, edit, and manage hyperlinks. You can easily set up page views or insert relative web links to keep your files connected seamlessly even after moving folders.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS: Launch WPS Office and open the primary PDF file you want to edit.
- 2. Access the Edit Tools: Navigate to the 'Edit' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Link'.
- 3. Insert and Configure Link: Draw the link area over your text, then configure the target path or page view to ensure the destination path remains relative to the current file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an absolute and a relative link in a PDF?
An absolute link specifies the exact location on a specific drive (e.g., C:/Documents/Folder/File.pdf), which breaks if the file is moved to another computer or drive. A relative link specifies the location relative to the current document (e.g., ../Folder/File.pdf), keeping it functional as long as the folder structure is preserved.
Why do my PDF links break when I email them to someone else?
If your links use absolute paths pointing to your local hard drive, the recipient's computer won't be able to resolve them. Always use relative links and ensure all linked files are sent together in a single ZIP archive.
Can I batch update broken links in a PDF file?
Batch updating broken links typically requires advanced PDF editing software or specialized plugins. To prevent this issue altogether, it is best practice to set links using the 'Go to a Page View' method or relative paths when initially creating the document.
