When viewing documents in Presentation Mode—either in .pdf or .pptx format—you may notice that some links are not clickable. This article explains the reasoning behind this behavior and clarifies which types of links are supported.
Use Case
You are giving a presentation using a .pdf or .pptx file and notice that external hyperlinks do not work when switching to Presentation Mode.
Explanation
This behavior is expected and is by design. While links that point to destinations within the same PDF document (e.g., internal bookmarks or navigation between pages) remain functional, external links are intentionally disabled when in fullscreen (Presentation) mode.
Why External Links Are Disabled
Disabling external hyperlinks in Presentation Mode is intended to enhance the user experience by minimizing the risk of accidental interruptions. For instance, if a presenter unintentionally clicks on an external link during a presentation, it could lead to exiting fullscreen mode or opening a web browser, potentially disrupting the session.
By restricting external link access in this context, the focus remains on the presentation content, supporting a more seamless and controlled experience for both the presenter and the audience.