Why Links Are Not Clickable in the Exported Print PDF

This is intentional. Amazon's KDP print system rejects files with clickable links, so the print PDF turns them into plain text.

This is intentional, not a bug. Amazon's KDP print system rejects interior files containing any interactive or clickable element, so links are automatically converted to plain, non-clickable text in the print PDF specifically.

The Insert Link window in the Writing Studio.

Why does KDP reject clickable links?

Amazon's KDP print system rejects interior files containing any interactive or clickable element. So the Writing Studio converts links to plain, non-clickable text in the print PDF. For Amazon's official rules, see our KDP manuscript file guide and the Amazon KDP publishing guidelines.

Where do my links still work?

In the ePub export. The same links stay clickable.
Inside the Writing Studio editor. Links show up gold and underlined, so they are easy to spot at a glance.

Only the print and PDF path removes them.

What do readers see in the print book?

In the printed book, a link's text prints as plain text, with no underline or color. The QR code is what readers of the printed book scan. The ebook (ePub) keeps the real clickable link. See How do I add a QR code to my book?

In the QR Library tab you can paste any URL (a website, lead magnet, Amazon Author page or course) and a label to generate a print-resolution QR code that goes inside the printed book. It is fully manual: nothing is pulled in automatically, and you paste each URL yourself. See How do I use the QR Library to make and download QR codes?

Does this also happen to links I imported?

Yes. Real hyperlinks from an imported Word or ePub file are preserved in your chapters. They work normally in the ePub export and in the Writing Studio editor, and they are removed from the print and PDF version only. See What happens to my copyright page and images when I import?

Does it happen automatically?

Yes. Links are automatically converted on export.

How do I add a link in the first place?

Click the Link button in the formatting toolbar. Type or paste the web address, and give it display text if wanted. The "https://" is added automatically if you do not type it yourself, so you never have to remember it.

What if I still see a problem with my PDF at KDP?

See Why is the KDP Previewer stuck after I upload my PDF?

Not sure where to start? The Course Coach inside the app guides you through each step, so you are never stuck on a button.

How to Add a QR Code to Your BookClick the QR button in the Visual Editor toolbar and type a web address. The QR code goes straight into your text, ready to align and resize.How to Use the QR Library to Make and Download QR CodesOpen the QR Library tab, paste a web address and a label, and add the code to create a print-resolution QR code for your book.How to Export Your Book as an ePub or PDF and Choose a SizeClick Export at the top right, confirm the format and size, then click Export PDF or Export ePub. The file downloads directly.What Happens to Your Copyright Page, Images and Links on ImportYour copyright page is not lost. Import fills in the Front End tab for you, brings in your images and keeps your links.

Last checked in the app: October 14, 2026.

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