How to Delete a Link in Google Docs

Have you ever pasted a link into your Google Docs document and later realized you didn’t need it? Maybe it was outdated, incorrect, or simply distracting. Deleting links in Google Docs is straightforward, but not everyone knows all the tips and tricks to do it efficiently. In this guide, we’ll show you how to delete a link in Google Docs, step by step, along with shortcuts, best practices, and common mistakes to avoid.

Table of Contents

What is a Link in Google Docs?

A link, or hyperlink, in Google Docs is a piece of text or an object that, when clicked, directs the reader to a web page, another section of the document, or an email address. Links are often used for references, citations, or external resources.

Why Remove Links?

Removing links may be necessary for several reasons:

The URL is outdated or broken.
You want to clean up formatting for professional documents.
You prefer plain text instead of clickable links.
Reducing distractions for readers.

Step-by-Step Guide: Delete a Link in Google Docs

Step 1: Open Your Document

Open Google Docs and navigate to the document containing the link you want to remove.

Step 2: Highlight the Linked Text

Click and drag over the text or object that contains the link. Make sure it’s highlighted.

Step 3: Remove the Link

Option 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + K (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + K (Mac).
Option 2: Right-click on the highlighted text and select “Remove link” from the context menu.

The hyperlink will be removed, leaving only the plain text.

Keyboard Shortcut to Delete a Link

For power users:

Windows: Ctrl + Shift + K
Mac: Cmd + Shift + K

This removes the hyperlink instantly without accessing menus.

Alternative Method: Right-Click Menu

Highlight the linked text.
Right-click to open the context menu.
Click Remove link.

This method is great for users who prefer mouse navigation.

Removing Multiple Links at Once

Currently, Google Docs does not support removing all links in a document at once natively.
Workaround: Copy the text into Notepad or Google Keep, then paste it back into Google Docs to remove all formatting and links.

Removing Hyperlinks from Imported Documents

If you import Word files or PDFs into Google Docs, they often carry over links:

Highlight linked text.
Use Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + K or right-click → Remove link.
Repeat as needed or use the copy-to-plain-text method.

Best Practices for Managing Links in Google Docs

Check links before sharing to ensure accuracy.
Keep a consistent style for external and internal links.
Use descriptive text instead of raw URLs for better readability.

How to Convert a Link to Plain Text

Sometimes, you don’t want to remove the link but just convert it:

Highlight the text.
Press Ctrl + Shift + K (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + K (Mac).
The text remains, but the link is no longer clickable.

Using Google Docs on Mobile

Deleting links on mobile is just as easy:

Open the document in Google Docs app.
Tap the linked text.
Tap Remove link from the pop-up menu.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Deleting Links

Highlighting partially: Only part of the linked text may remain linked.
Not using shortcuts: Slower methods can be inefficient for long documents.
Removing links from templates accidentally: Always double-check templates before removing links.

Tips for Efficient Link Management

Use Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + K as your go-to shortcut.
Maintain a link checklist for long reports or collaborative documents.
Use plain-text copy-paste to remove all links in bulk.

Conclusion: Clean Up Your Google Docs Links Efficiently

Deleting a link in Google Docs is simple, whether you use the keyboard shortcut, right-click menu, or mobile app. By following these best practices, you can maintain professional, clean, and distraction-free documents. Keep your workflow fast and efficient by mastering these methods today.

FAQs

1. Can I remove all links in a Google Docs document at once?
Not directly. Copying the text to a plain-text editor and pasting it back is the easiest way.

2. Does removing a link delete the text?
No, removing a link leaves the text intact; only the hyperlink is removed.

3. Can I remove links on mobile?
Yes, tap the linked text and select Remove link in the Google Docs app.

4. What is the shortcut for removing a link?
Windows: Ctrl + Shift + K | Mac: Cmd + Shift + K

5. Will removing a link affect formatting?
No, the text formatting remains; only the clickable functionality is removed.

Key Takeaways Summary

Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + K is the fastest way to remove links.
Use right-click menu for mouse-based removal.
On mobile, tap linked text → Remove link.
Use plain-text copy-paste to remove multiple links at once.
Regularly check and manage links for clean, professional documents.