Using a bookmark in Word is one of the easiest ways to keep track of important places in a document. Whether you’re working on a long report, a manuscript, or a user manual, bookmarks help you jump quickly to any section without scrolling endlessly.
In this article, you’ll learn how to insert, view, and manage bookmarks in Microsoft Word, no matter whether you use Windows, macOS, or Word Online.
What Is a Bookmark in Word?
A bookmark in Word works like a placeholder or shortcut to a specific location in your document. Think of it like marking a favorite page in a book, except digital 📘
You can use bookmarks to:
- Navigate long documents
- Reference key terms or sections
- Create internal links (hyperlinks)
- Support navigation in interactive PDFs
- Assist with automated form controls
Perfect for both casual writers and professional editors!
How to Insert a Bookmark in Word
🧭 Step-by-step guide (Windows & macOS)
- Select the word or position where you want the bookmark
- Go to the Insert tab
- Click Bookmark
- Enter a unique name (no spaces allowed)
- Click Add
✨ Done! You’ve now inserted a bookmark in Word.
How to Navigate Using a Bookmark
To jump to a bookmark:
- Go to the Insert tab
- Click Bookmark
- Select the desired bookmark name
- Click Go To
📍 This is super helpful for navigating long documents or jumping between chapters.
How to Link to a Bookmark (Hyperlink Method)
You can turn any text into a clickable link that jumps to a bookmark:
- Select the text you want to use as a link
- Right-click and choose Link or press
Ctrl + K - Choose Place in This Document
- Select the bookmark you want to link to
- Click OK
🔗 Perfect for creating a clickable table of contents or internal references.
How to Delete a Bookmark
- Go to Insert > Bookmark
- Select the bookmark
- Click Delete
🗑️ Note: This only removes the bookmark, not the content it marks.
Can You Use Bookmarks in Word Online?
Unfortunately, Word Online does not currently support creating or editing bookmarks. You’ll need to use the desktop version on Windows or macOS for full bookmark functionality.
Best Practices for Using Bookmarks
- ✅ Use descriptive names (e.g., Chapter1, TableResults)
- 🚫 Avoid using spaces, use underscores or CamelCase
- 🧭 Combine bookmarks with hyperlinks for best navigation
- 📤 Useful in documents exported to PDF with internal navigation
- 🧩 Great for forms and conditional logic (advanced users)
FAQs: Bookmark in Word
What is a bookmark in Word?
A bookmark in Word is a marker or shortcut that lets you jump to a specific location in a document.
Can I use spaces in a bookmark name?
No. Bookmark names must not contain spaces. Use underscores or combine words (e.g., Section1_Intro).
Can I see all my bookmarks at once?
Yes. Go to Insert > Bookmark to see the full list and navigate or manage them.
Do bookmarks appear in the document?
No, they are invisible. However, you can enable them via File > Options > Advanced > Show bookmarks.
Can I link to a bookmark from other places in the document?
Absolutely. Use hyperlinks to link to bookmarks for internal navigation.
Are bookmarks included when exporting to PDF?
Yes! If you save as a PDF, bookmarks can function as clickable links if used with hyperlinks.
Conclusion: Use Bookmarks in Word for Fast Navigation
Now that you know how to use a bookmark in Word, you can manage long documents more effectively and create interactive, easy-to-navigate files. Whether you’re working on a thesis, a user manual, or just organizing notes, bookmarks make your work smoother and more professional.
Give bookmarks a try today!
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
Advertisment