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How to Create an Anchor Link in WordPress

Learn how to create anchor links in WordPress using Gutenberg or Classic Editor, plus tips for buttons, images, downloads, phones, and social links.

Editorial Team 7 min read
How to Create an Anchor Link in WordPress

An anchor link sends visitors to a set spot on the same page. It is also called a jump link. This guide shows how to create an anchor link in WordPress.

The process has two parts. First, add a unique ID to the target block. Next, link to that ID with a hashtag.

For example, an ID named pricing uses the link #pricing. The browser then moves to the matching section.

You can build anchor links in Gutenberg or the Classic Editor. Basic links need no extra plugin. The WordPress page jump guide explains this core feature.

Anchor links shorten the path to useful content. Readers can skip long openings and reach the right section.

They work well on long guides, sales pages, help posts, and legal pages. They also support a clear table of contents.

A back to top link helps readers return to the page start. Clear labels also help keyboard users understand each target.

  • Reduce scrolling on long pages
  • Help readers scan key sections
  • Make contents lists more useful
  • Give calls to action a clear target
White and graphite steps with a crimson accent showing smooth page navigation
Clear path for smoother page navigation

The steps differ slightly between WordPress editors. Both methods create the same HTML anchor tag.

Add an Anchor in Gutenberg

Open the page in the WordPress block editor. Select the heading or block that should receive the link.

Open the block settings panel. Find the Advanced section and locate HTML anchor.

Enter a short ID, such as contact-details. Do not add the opening hashtag in this field.

WordPress adds the ID to that block. Save the page before you test the link.

Add an Anchor in the Classic Editor

Open the page in the Classic Editor. Switch from the Visual tab to the Text tab.

Find the target heading or element. Add an ID inside its opening tag.

For example, use <h2 id="contact-details">Contact details</h2>. Use a new ID for every target.

Return to the Visual tab and update the page. Test the link in a separate browser tab.

  1. Choose the section that needs a direct link
  2. Add a unique ID to the target block
  3. Create a link with the matching hashtag
  4. Open the link and check its landing point
Organized white blocks with crimson divider showing a step-by-step link setup
Step-by-step anchor link setup

Select the words that should become the link. Click the link button in the block toolbar.

Enter the hashtag and exact ID. For contact-details, enter #contact-details.

Apply the link and save the page. Then test it on both desktop and mobile screens.

To link from another page, use the full page address and hashtag. For example, use https://example.com/guide/#contact-details.

If you need to learn how to insert a link in WordPress, select content first. Then paste the target address into the link field.

This is also how to make a link in WordPress for another page. Choose a page from the link search box, or paste its URL.

Crimson pathway linking graphite platforms in a clean white architectural scene
Direct path between linked sections

Buttons, Images, and Downloads

To learn how to link a button to a page in WordPress, add a Buttons block. Paste the page address into its link field.

To learn how to link images in WordPress, select the image block. Choose the link option and add the target address.

This also explains how to make an image a link in WordPress. Use a clear image purpose and a useful link target.

For a file, upload it to the Media Library and copy its file address. Paste that address into linked words or a button.

That is how to create a download link in WordPress. It is also how to make a download link in WordPress.

To learn how to link a phone number in WordPress, use the format tel:+15551234567. Test it on a mobile device.

A custom link is a URL that you enter yourself. So, what is a custom link in WordPress? It is useful for outside pages, files, and special URL schemes.

If you wonder how to embed a link in WordPress, add the address to linked text. WordPress then turns the selected words into a link.

A nofollow link asks search crawlers not to pass ranking credit through that link. To learn how to create a nofollow link in WordPress, open the link settings.

Some themes show a field for link relations. If not, use the HTML editor and add rel="nofollow" to the link.

What is link rel in WordPress? The rel value describes the link's relationship with the current page.

To learn how to make a redirect link in WordPress, use a trusted redirect tool. Point the old address to the new address, then test both URLs.

Crimson cable connecting white and graphite blocks for social link planning
Connected links for social and email tools

Social links use the same WordPress link tool. Add the full address to your profile or campaign page.

For example, how to link Facebook to WordPress is simple. Add your Facebook profile address to text, an icon, or a button.

The same steps explain how to link Facebook to a WordPress website. You can also link WordPress to Facebook by sharing a post address.

To link WordPress to Instagram, add your Instagram profile address. This creates a profile link, not a full social feed.

Mailchimp links work in the same way. To learn how to link Mailchimp to WordPress, add a signup form address or campaign URL.

These links do not connect two systems by themselves. Forms and feeds need a plugin or an official service embed.

Give every target a unique ID. Duplicate IDs can send visitors to the wrong section.

Use lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens. Avoid spaces, punctuation, and special marks.

Choose IDs that describe the target. Names like shipping-info are easier to manage than random strings.

Write link text that explains the destination. “View shipping details” works better than “click here.”

PracticeGood exampleAvoid
Use a clear IDshipping-infosection7
Match the ID#shipping-info#shipping
Use clear textView shipping detailsClick here
Test each linkDesktop and mobileUntested links

Sticky headers can hide the first line after a jump. Add space above targets when your theme allows it.

Check links after moving sections or changing slugs. A small test prevents a poor visitor experience.

A contents list can point to each major section. Product pages can link visitors to reviews, shipping, and return details.

Support pages can send readers straight to setup steps. A pricing page can use a button that jumps to a plan comparison.

Anchor links can also support internal linking. Link to a specific section when another page mentions one narrow topic.

  • Long tutorials and setup guides
  • Product and service landing pages
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Support and help pages
  • Back to top controls

Keep each jump useful. Too many links can make a page harder to scan.

No. Gutenberg and the Classic Editor can create basic anchor links without a plugin.

Check that the ID and hashtag match exactly. Also check for spaces, duplicate IDs, or unsaved page changes.

Yes. Use the full page URL, then add the hashtag and target ID.

Yes. Add the hashtag link to a Button block, or use a full URL with the hashtag.

They can help users reach content faster. Use clear link labels and test keyboard focus after each jump.

Step-by-step

  1. 01
    Choose the target section

    Select the heading, paragraph, image, or block that should receive the jump.

  2. 02
    Add a unique HTML anchor

    Open Advanced settings in Gutenberg, or edit the opening tag in the Classic Editor. Enter a short ID without the hashtag.

  3. 03
    Create the link

    Select link text, a button, or an image. Add the hashtag followed by the exact ID.

  4. 04
    Save and test

    Update the page and open the link on desktop and mobile. Check that the target stays visible.

Frequently asked questions

How do I create an anchor link in WordPress?
Add a unique ID in the block's Advanced settings. Then link to that ID with a hashtag.
How do I create a jump link in WordPress?
Add an HTML anchor to the target block. Link to it with a matching hashtag, such as #pricing.
Can I create anchor links without a plugin?
Yes. Gutenberg and the Classic Editor support basic anchor links without extra tools.
How do I link a button to a page in WordPress?
Add a Buttons block and paste the page URL into its link field. Save and test the button.
How do I create a download link in WordPress?
Upload the file to the Media Library. Copy its address and add it to linked text or a button.
How do I link a phone number in WordPress?
Use a link with the tel: format, such as tel:+15551234567. Test it on a mobile device.
anchor links in WordPressWordPress jump linkshow to insert a linkcustom WordPress linksdownload links WordPressnofollow link settingslink images in WordPressWordPress link best practices

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