User Hyperlink text that is meaningful

Source: Microsoft

Hyperlink text should provide a clear description of the link destination, rather than only providing the URL.

To add a hyperlink to your document, do the following:

For PC Users / Microsoft Word 2010

  1. Place your cursor where you want the hyperlink.
  2. On the Insert tab, in the Links group, click Hyperlink to open the hyperlink dialog box.
    Insert Hyperlink on PC in Microsoft Word 2010
  3. In the Text to display box, type in the name or phrase that will briefly describe the link destination.
    Hyperlink Address & text to display on a PC Microsoft 2010
  4. In the Address box, type the link URL.
  5. Click OK.

For Mac Users / Microsoft Word 2011

  1. Place your cursor where you want the hyperlink.
  2. On the Insert menu, click Hyperlink.
    Insert Hyperlink on Mac in MS Word 2011
  3. In the Link to box, enter the Web address.
    NOTE To link to a specific location on a Web page, click the Web Page tab, and then under Anchor, follow the instructions.You can also add text or an object (such as a picture) as a hyperlink that opens a Word document, an Excel workbook, or a PowerPoint presentation. A hyperlink can also open a file or an e-mail address.
  4. In the Text to display box, type in the name or phrase that will briefly describe the link destination.
    Hyperlink Address & text to display on a Mac MS Word 2011
  5. Click ok.

To change the text of a hyperlink, do the following :

  1. Select the link and then, on the Insert tab in the Links group(on a PC) or select Insert menu (on a Mac), then click Hyperlink to open the Hyperlink dialog box.
  2. In the Text to display box, make any necessary changes to the text.
  3. Click OK.

ScreenTips

Additionally, you can include ScreenTip text that appears when your cursor hovers over a hyperlink, and can be used in a similar way to alt text. Example below:

ScreenTip example in document

To add ScreenTip text, do the following:

Microsoft Word 2010/PC Users

  1. Place your cursor in the hyperlink you want to add ScreenTip text to.
  2. On the Insert tab, in the Links group, click Hyperlink to open the hyperlink dialog box.
  3. Click ScreenTip
    ScreenTip on a PC in MS Word 2010
  4. Type in your text in the ScreenTip text box.
    ScreenTip text on PC in MS Word 2010
  5. Click OK.

Microsoft Word 2011 / Mac Users

  1. Place your cursor in the hyperlink you want to add ScreenTip text to.
  2. Select the Insert menu, then click Hyperlink to open the hyperlink dialog box.
  3. Click ScreenTip
    Screen Tip button on Mac MS Word 2011
  4. Type in your text in the ScreenTip text box.
    ScreenTip text on Mac in MS Word 2011
  5. Click OK.