Hyperlinks - Creating and using

This function deserves special attention because it is very supportive and can be used in Excel in at least two essential ways, as:  

• searching tool (looking for information on Internet), or  
• linking tool (giving easy access to your documents)
  

The most useful SEARCHING tool is probably represented by this formula:

=HYPERLINK("http://www.google.com/search?q="&B1&"&safe=active","Search Google")

I've used to select two cells in one of the corners of my worksheet page for this function. E.g., cell A1 would contain the formula, and B1 would be used to enter my search text (anything, you'd like to search for in Google), like shown here:

This is your Excel interface to the world of Internet or internal web (Intranet). While working on your workbook you have immediate access to any information you may need, without going back and forth to your browser.

I find also Hyperlink quite helpful in searching with Microsoft Bing engine. To use it, enter this kind of formula: =HYPERLINK("https://bing.com/search?q=Middleton","Search Bing") in any empty cell of your worksheet. Remember to enter your search term directly into the formula after the '=' sign (as given e.g. here: Middleton).

You can also use option like this: =HYPERLINK("https://bing.com/search?q=","Search Bing"). In this case the www.bing.com page will be opened, and you can search conveniently by voice, image or simple text.

The second way of using Hyperlink function is as a LINKING tool. First, click on a cell in which you wish to place your link. Then just enter CTRL+K shortcut on your keyboard. This command shows "Insert Hyperlink" window, where you can choose appropriate option for your desired link. There are many of them.

From here you can link to: 

• current directory/folder 
• any existing file on your computer  
• currently used workbook  
• recently used files/addresses 
• specific places in workbooks  
• browsed Internet pages 
• specific places on web page/intranet  
• email address 

Always give a meaningful names to your hyperlinks and, optionally, provide a "ScreenTip..." which will be displayed when your mouse is hovered over them.

Happy hyperlinking!