How to Stop Adobe Acrobat from Automatically Creating URL Links
Question details
The user wants to disable the feature in Adobe Acrobat that automatically converts plain text HTTPS web addresses into clickable hyperlinks.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- Windows and macOS
- Scenario
- Typing or viewing plain text URLs in a PDF document where active hyperlinks are not desired.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat automatically converts typed HTTPS addresses into clickable links, overriding the preference to keep them as plain text.
Ensure you have your Adobe Acrobat application open. Note that changing this preference will apply globally to all PDFs you view or edit on your device.
Disable 'Create links from URLs' in Acrobat Preferences
Modify the general settings in Adobe Acrobat to stop the application from automatically hyperlinking web addresses.
If you are on Windows, click on 'Edit' in the top menu bar and select 'Preferences'. If you are using macOS, click on 'Acrobat' in the top menu and select 'Preferences'.
In the Preferences window, look at the left-hand sidebar and click on the 'General' category.
Locate the setting labeled 'Create links from URLs'. Uncheck the box next to this option, then click 'OK' to save your changes and prevent automatic URL conversions.
Edit PDF Text and Manage Links Easily with WPS Office
WPS Office includes a robust PDF editor that gives you full manual control over your text formatting and hyperlinks, preventing unwanted automatic link generation.
- 1. Open Your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you want to edit.
- 2. Access the Edit Tools: Navigate to the 'Edit' tab located on the top ribbon of the application.
- 3. Edit Plain Text: Click on 'Edit Text' to freely type or paste your plain text URLs. WPS Office will not force automatic hyperlinks during manual text editing.
- 4. Manage Hyperlinks Manually: If you do want to add a link, click the 'Link' button in the Edit tab to draw a clickable area over specific text exactly where you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling this setting remove existing hyperlinks in my PDF?
No, clearing the 'Create links from URLs' option only prevents new plain text URLs from becoming clickable links. Any hyperlinks that were previously created will remain intact.
How can I remove an active hyperlink that Acrobat already created?
To remove an existing link in Acrobat, select the 'Edit PDF' tool, right-click on the active hyperlink, and choose the option to delete or remove the link.
Does this preference apply to all PDFs opened in Acrobat?
Yes, changing this setting in the General Preferences applies globally to the Adobe Acrobat application, affecting all documents you open or edit on that device moving forward.
