Overview
Hyperlinks and URLs play a crucial role in enhancing the interactivity and accessibility of your digital content.
A URL is a specific web address that specifies the location of a resource on the internet. Hyperlinks, on the other hand, are clickable elements containing URLs that enable users to navigate directly to the linked resource.
Adding Hyperlinks to Text
To add a hyperlink in Atticus:
Highlight the text you want to link.
Click on the “Link” button in the toolbar.
Choose the type of link you want to add: Web Link, Internal Link, or Link to Book.
Add or select the desired destination.
Click Insert Link.
It’s always recommended to test your links by hovering over the pencil icon and clicking the “Visit URL” option that pops up.
Editing or removing links
If you would like to edit your link destination, hover over the hyperlink in the editor and click the pencil icon.
If you have a link attached to the wrong wording or simply a link that you no longer want included, you can click on the link and choose “Delete” to remove it entirely.
Types of Links:
Web Links
Web links direct users to external web pages. To add a web link:
Highlight the text.
Click the “Link” button.
Enter the URL and click “Insert Link.”
Internal Links
Internal links navigate readers to different pages within your book.
Begin by using the same process to insert a hyperlink, but when the link menu opens, choose “Internal Link” from the top center of the popup.
You’ll see a dropdown menu where you can select the name of the page you want to link to.
Link to Books
This option allows you to take advantage of the Booklinker integration to efficiently create universal book links that work globally for multiple retailers.
Image Links
If you would like to use an image as an anchor for your URL, you can also do this in Atticus. Readers will then be able to click on this image images to visit the URL.
First, you’ll need to upload the image you want to use to your document. You can do this by clicking on the “Add Image” button in the toolbar of either the writing tab or the content section of the formatting tab.
Once your image is uploaded, you'll see all of the image options including the option to add a link.
Select from Web Link to add a URL or Internal Link to link to another chapter in the book.
When you're happy with all of your settings, click Upload Image to add it to the page.
Print Edition
In print-ready PDF book files created with Atticus, links will not be clickable because these files are intended for physical book publishing. For print purposes, it's essential to include the full URL in the text so readers can manually reference it. You might also consider including a shortened URL or a QR code for easy reference.
Best Practices for Hyperlinks in Atticus
To ensure a seamless reading experience for your audience, follow these best practices when adding hyperlinks in Atticus:
Avoid Setting Links in Word: Links set in the Word version of your manuscript may not import properly into Atticus. It's best to apply all hyperlinks directly within Atticus.
Atticus does not currently support importing anchored internal links from Word documents. Avoid using internal links in your Word document. You can import footnotes but not other internal links.
Relevance: Ensure that the URLs you add are relevant to your content.
Quality Content: Link to reliable sources to maintain credibility.
Direct Links: Make sure URLs point directly to the desired page to avoid confusion.
Test Links: Always test URLs before publishing to ensure they lead to the intended destination.
Placement of URLs
Strategic placement of URLs in your book's layout is crucial, especially in print. Consider the following tips:
Readability and Line Breaks: If necessary, use a line break before the URL, but avoid placing line breaks within the URL itself.
Visual Separation: If URLs are lengthy or could disrupt the reading experience, consider placing them at the end of relevant chapters or sections, visually separated from the main text.
Short and Snappy URLs: Keep URLs short and memorable to make them easier for readers to type and share.
QR Codes
QR codes offer an engaging alternative to traditional hyperlinks, especially in print materials. Here are some benefits and considerations:
Engaging Access: QR codes provide an immediate and engaging way for readers to access online content, particularly when reading in print.
Ease of Use: They eliminate the need for readers to manually type or remember URLs.
Design Flexibility: QR codes can be creatively designed to complement the book's aesthetics.
Beyond Print
While QR codes are commonly associated with print materials, they can also be effective in digital formats. Readers can scan QR codes with their smartphones or tablets to access online resources, regardless of the device's browser limitations.