Is there a way to create working hyperlinks within layout. I would like to be able to export my layout documents to PDF with working hyperlinks. Can this be done? I currently export to PDF then use another program to create the Hyperlinks. Seem kind of tedious especially when I need to change something in layout.
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Not currently possible in LayOut.
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I don’t use Layout often as you can tell because I find it surprising something so obvious is not supported.
It does appear the functionality could be added using a Layout Extension, but I have no experience writing Layout Extensions.
So you export a pdf, then create a link in the Layout document that opens the pdf?
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Jim, at this point you’d have too export the PDF and then edit the PDF in Acrobat or something to add the hyperlink.
I’ve seen a couple of requests for this functionality over the years. Not many requests. I’d guess it’s on the list but other features have priority.
I don’t know, either, if an extension could be written to make hyperlinks possible.
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Oh I think I misunderstood. You need the pdf to have the links - I don’t think the pdf export can be modified to do that.
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Hi, I would just like to support the position that having a web hyperlink in layout is a necessary, important missing bit of functionality. We use layout to help clarify specifications, sourcing notes etc and it’s surely an easy fix to be able to make a web link work properly with all you clever software developers supporting layout??? When is this going to get addressed by the SU team?
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I expect it’s on the to do list but as to when it will be addressed, we won’t know until it happens.
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Continuing the discussion from How do you create Hyperlinks within Layout for export to PDF?:
Stephen, I inserted a hyperlink into Layout. I created the link in Word, copied, and pasted into my Layout page. After I exported the file as a PDF, the hyperlink was active. It works great.
The following is the active hyperlink in the PDF file formed with the export from Layout. Online calculator URL is https://www.blocklayer.com/wall-framingeng.aspx I hope this is helpful.
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Stephen, I inserted a hyperlink into Layout. I created the link in Word, copied, and pasted into my Layout page. After I exported the file as a PDF, the hyperlink was active. It works great.
The following is the active hyperlink in the PDF file formed with the export from Layout. Online calculator URL is Wall Framing Calculator with Stud Spacing Diagram - Inch I hope this is helpful.
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LayOut text boxes are RTF format under the hood, so if you copy and paste properly formed RTF containing a hyperlink, it should work - at least for a while. However, since it’s not officially supported or tested, there’s a chance that your hyperlinks could stop working for no apparent reason. Definitely keep an eye on it, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed that they just keep working for you!
Marc
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Marc,
Thanks for the message. I understand that this has not been tested in Layout. However, hyperlinks saved in a PDF file should continue working in that file that is not connected to any other file. If I find that it is not working, I will post another message to the “community” site.
I have been using the above approach for decades on my website as a college professor. Also, I found the following in a search for “hyperlink save in pdf file”: “Do Word hyperlinks work in PDF? The resulting PDF retains the formatting of the original document, including embedded links.” The URL is https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=hyperlink+save+in+pdf+file Scroll down to the portion “People also ask” and find the question in the above quote.
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This lack of direct linking any entity to a URL is really frustrating…
and why is it so Microsoft RTF centric?
So to link to my shared project spreadsheet (200+ item FFE schedule) in Google Sheets I have to
- Create a cell (redundent) in google sheets to add the link wording (eg FFE List)
- link that wording to the shareable link
- copy that cell into word
- copy that word content into Layout…
In Powerpoint… I just right click on any text or graphical object , add the link… DONE…
Linking directly to schedules, specifcations, product information, how to videos, sample images building codes etc is basic necessity of information exchange…
I suspect that many dont complain about it because we have all developed our own workarounds … but come on TRIMBLE team, this is an interconnected world, open data exchange is essential these days…please make it simple and universal for us…
PS, why is it I can copy/paste a shape (eg vector rectangle) from Powerpoint in LO retaining all its characteristics… but I cannot copy/paste a vector rectangle from LO to Powerpoint?
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LOL every time I search the forum for how to do something, someone has already requested it, sometimes by multiple people dating years back. I stared out saying “LOL” because I’m trying to be supportive and not a negative person, but when I spend $300 a year on a tool for my business that I assume will make my life easier, but hit roadblocks on the most basic stuff that all other programs offer. I feel like I’m wasting my money. This seems like low hanging fruit that the developers can knock out fairly quickly.
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FYI: Reassigned to the LayOut > Feature Requests category.
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