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Home > What Is MLA Style? > MLA Handbook FAQ > My word processor omits angle brackets and turns URLs into links in my works-cited list. Is that OK?

My word processor omits angle brackets and turns URLs into links in my works-cited list. Is that OK?

Some word processors automatically turn network and e-mail addresses into hyperlinks. Hyperlinks may be useful for documents that are read on-screen. When a document is printed, however, the linking has no purpose. A research paper that will be printed should be free of the irrelevant effects of hyperlinks. Below are methods for removing and preventing hyperlinking in Microsoft Word.

Remove hyperlinking from a URL right after you type it.
Type Ctrl-z (in Windows) or Command-z (on Macintosh) as soon as the hyperlinking effect appears.

Remove hyperlinking from an existing URL in Windows.
Right-click on the URL to bring up the shortcut menu. From this menu, choose the appropriate option below:
  • Word 2002, 2003, and 2007: Choose "Remove Hyperlink."
  • Word 2000: Choose "Hyperlink" and then "Remove Hyperlink."
  • Word 97: Choose "Hyperlink" and then "Edit Hyperlink," and click on the button "Remove Link."
Remove hyperlinking from an existing URL on Macintosh.
Right-click (or hold down Control and click) on the URL to bring up the shortcut menu. From this menu, choose "Hyperlink" and then "Edit Hyperlink," and click on the button "Remove Link." (This technique applies to all versions from Word 98 to Word 2008.)

Turn off automatic hyperlinking for future URLs.
  • Word 2007 for Windows: Click on the Microsoft Office button, on "Word Options," on "Proofing," and on "AutoCorrect Options." Then click on the tab "AutoFormat As You Type," and remove the check mark next to "Internet and network paths with hyperlinks."
  • All other versions, for Windows and Macintosh: Go to the menu "Tools" and choose "AutoCorrect" (or "AutoCorrect Options"). On the two tabs "AutoFormat As You Type" and "AutoFormat," look for "Internet paths with hyperlinks" or "Internet and network paths with hyperlinks," and remove the check mark next to it (this setting may appear on one tab or on both).

 
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