Learn How to Send Links and Share URLs

Understanding URLs and Links: The Basics

A URL, or Uniform Resource Locator, is the web address you see in your browser's address bar. When you want to share content with someone else, you're sharing this URL. URLs work like postal addresses for the internet — they tell your browser exactly where to find a specific webpage, document, or resource.

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Every URL has several parts that work together. The protocol comes first, usually "http://" or "https://" (the "s" means secure). Next is the domain name, like "google.com" or "wikipedia.org." Many URLs also include a path that shows where the specific page sits within the website's structure. For example, in the URL "https://www.example.com/products/shoes/running," the path is "/products/shoes/running."

The difference between a link and a URL matters. A URL is the actual web address — the text itself. A link is what you create when you make that URL clickable. When you see blue underlined text on a webpage that takes you somewhere when you click it, that's a link. The URL is hiding behind it, but you don't always see it.

Understanding these basics helps you share content correctly. When someone asks you to send them a link, they want you to share that URL in a way they can access. Different situations call for different sharing methods. You might copy and paste the URL directly, use built-in share buttons, create a shortened version, or share through email or messaging apps.

Practical Takeaway: Before sharing any link, check that it works by clicking it yourself. Make sure the webpage that opens is exactly what you intended to share. This prevents confusion and ensures the recipient sees the correct content.

Copying and Pasting URLs: The Direct Method

The most straightforward way to share a URL is to copy it from your browser and paste it where you need it. This method works in almost every situation — whether you're sharing in an email, text message, social media post, or document.

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On most browsers, you'll find the URL in the address bar at the top of the window. To copy it, click on the address bar to highlight it. The entire URL should become selected (usually shown with a blue background). On Windows computers, press Ctrl+C to copy. On Mac computers, press Command+C. The URL is now stored in your clipboard, ready to paste elsewhere.

To paste the URL, navigate to where you want to place it — an email message, a chat window, a document, or a social media comment. Click in the text field where you want the URL to appear. Then press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac). The full URL will appear in that location.

One important note: make sure you're copying the actual URL from the address bar, not text that appears on the webpage. Web pages often contain text that looks like links but might not be the complete URL. For example, a website might display "Learn more here" as a link, but the actual URL might be something longer like "https://example.com/articles/2024/detailed-guide-to-learning-more." Always copy from the address bar to ensure you're sharing the correct, complete URL.

This direct copying method works across all devices — computers, tablets, and smartphones all have copy and paste functions. The keyboard shortcuts might vary slightly on different devices, but the process remains similar.

Practical Takeaway: After pasting a URL somewhere, test it by clicking on it (or having someone else click it) to confirm it takes you to the right webpage. This simple check prevents sharing broken or incorrect links.

Using Built-In Share Buttons and Features

Many websites and social media platforms include share buttons designed to make sending links easier. These buttons appear on webpages, news articles, videos, and social media posts. They look like icons — commonly a triangle pointing right, a paper airplane, or a chain link symbol.

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When you click a share button, the website typically offers several options for where you want to send the link. You might see choices like "Share via Email," "Share on Facebook," "Share on Twitter," or "Copy Link." Each option works differently. "Copy Link" functions like manual copying — it places the URL in your clipboard so you can paste it elsewhere. "Share via Email" usually opens your email program with the link already inserted in a message draft. Social media options will post the link directly to your chosen platform.

Share buttons are valuable because they often include additional features. Some automatically create preview text that shows what the link contains — a headline, description, or image from the webpage. This preview helps the recipient understand what they're clicking before they open it. Share buttons can also track how many people shared a particular link, which helps content creators understand what people find interesting.

Different platforms handle sharing differently. YouTube videos have a Share button below the video player that lets you share to various social networks or copy the video's unique URL. News websites often have share buttons at the top or bottom of articles. LinkedIn allows you to share articles with your professional network along with your own commentary. Facebook lets you share posts from other people to your own timeline.

On smartphones and tablets, built-in share features often appear when you look for a Share or Send option in an app's menu. Most mobile apps have a Share button (often represented by three dots or lines) that connects to your phone's sharing system, allowing you to send links through text messages, email, messaging apps, or social media.

Practical Takeaway: Before sharing, preview how your link will appear to others. If the preview text is inaccurate or missing important information, add a brief note explaining what the link contains. This context helps recipients understand why you're sharing it.

Shortening URLs for Easier Sharing

Long URLs can be difficult to read, remember, and share, especially in situations where character count matters. URL shortening services solve this problem by converting long web addresses into short, simple versions that still work perfectly.

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Bitly and TinyURL are two popular URL shortening services. They work by creating a short code that redirects to your original long URL. For example, a URL like "https://www.example.com/articles/2024/comprehensive-guide-to-digital-marketing-strategies-for-small-businesses" might become "https://bit.ly/3xK9mL2" when shortened. Both versions work identically — they take you to the same webpage.

To use a URL shortening service, you typically visit the service's website, paste your long URL into their text box, and click a button to generate the shortened version. The service creates the short URL and displays it for you to copy. Some services require creating a free account if you want to track statistics about how many people clicked your shortened link, but basic shortening is usually available without an account.

Shortened URLs are particularly useful in certain situations. On social media platforms like Twitter where older versions limited post length to 140 characters, shortened URLs make it possible to share links with commentary. In text messages, short URLs are easier to share and look cleaner. When printing URLs on physical materials like flyers or business cards, shorter versions take up less space and are easier to type.

However, shortened URLs do have a consideration: they hide the actual destination address. Someone might not know where a shortened URL leads before clicking it. This is why it's good practice to include context when you share a shortened URL. Include a brief note explaining what the link contains, so recipients know what they're about to click.

Many URL shorteners let you customize the short code to something memorable. Instead of a random string of letters and numbers, you might create something like "bit.ly/learn-urls" if your shortening service allows custom codes. This makes your links easier to remember and more professional-looking.

Practical Takeaway: When sharing shortened URLs, especially with people you don't know well or in professional settings, always include a brief description of what the link contains. This transparency builds trust and helps recipients decide whether they want to click.

Sharing Links Through Email and Messaging Apps

Email and messaging applications are among the most common ways people share links. These platforms work well because they create a record of the shared link and allow you to add context around why you're sharing it.

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When sharing a link through email, paste the URL directly into the message body or use your email program's built-in options. Most modern email services recognize URLs automatically — when