Creating links to a web page
May 24 2005 06:48:31 AM
Add/Read Comments [15]
Back in February I posted a series of tips
about creating links to other content. The tips provided an overview
of links, as well as details about document
links and linking to multiple
documents in a view via Copy
Selected As Table.
I just noticed, I left out a link type that I use several times a day...
links to web sites, or URL Hotspots.
When surfing web sites, you often see underlined text that provides a link to another page. Using these "hotspots" instead of showing the full web address results in the page being more readable.
You can do the same thing when using Lotus Notes. If I want to link someone to the IBM home page, rather than typing something such as:
You could create a link hotspot that contains the link you want to user to click on.
To begin, select the text you wish to turn into a hotspot.
Next choose Create - Hotspot - Link Hotspot.
This brings up the Properties Box, where you can enter the web address, or URL.
If you would like a larger dialog box to enter the information into, you can click on the formula icon
and
a dialog box will pop-up. This dialog box allows for some very advanced
features such as adding Fields or @Functions, but I think most users will
not need to use these.
The Hotspot Resource Link dialog box also provides you a "paste" icon
,
so if you already have the URL on your clipboard you can just click on
this icon.
If you would like you can also choose to "Show Border around hotspot", this places a green box around the text where the hotspot exists. This border is only available to Lotus Notes users.
Instead of using the borders, I like to underline my hotspots so they appear similar to links found on web pages. To do this, place your cursor anywhere in the hotspot text (you don't have to highlight the whole thing) and press CTRL+U to underline. (or use the toolbar icon)
If you prefer to use your keyboard as opposed to menus, after selecting the text you want to turn into a hotspot, press ALT+C+H+L. I find this very easy to do, as I just think to myself "Create - Hotspot - Link".
I use HotSpot links several times a day... in emails, in calendar entries, in TeamRoom documents, and more. I hope this tip helps you, especially with really long URLs that you don't want users to have to read!
When surfing web sites, you often see underlined text that provides a link to another page. Using these "hotspots" instead of showing the full web address results in the page being more readable.
You can do the same thing when using Lotus Notes. If I want to link someone to the IBM home page, rather than typing something such as:
You could create a link hotspot that contains the link you want to user to click on.
To begin, select the text you wish to turn into a hotspot.
Next choose Create - Hotspot - Link Hotspot.
This brings up the Properties Box, where you can enter the web address, or URL.
If you would like a larger dialog box to enter the information into, you can click on the formula icon
The Hotspot Resource Link dialog box also provides you a "paste" icon
If you would like you can also choose to "Show Border around hotspot", this places a green box around the text where the hotspot exists. This border is only available to Lotus Notes users.
Instead of using the borders, I like to underline my hotspots so they appear similar to links found on web pages. To do this, place your cursor anywhere in the hotspot text (you don't have to highlight the whole thing) and press CTRL+U to underline. (or use the toolbar icon)
If you prefer to use your keyboard as opposed to menus, after selecting the text you want to turn into a hotspot, press ALT+C+H+L. I find this very easy to do, as I just think to myself "Create - Hotspot - Link".
I use HotSpot links several times a day... in emails, in calendar entries, in TeamRoom documents, and more. I hope this tip helps you, especially with really long URLs that you don't want users to have to read!
...but I wish there was an easier way to do it.
Would be nice if you could higlight the text and right click on it and select Create Hotspot, and have Notes automatically paste the link from the clipboard to create the link. If there was no link in the clipboard, it would allow you to type in the link details!
Much nicer!
I use this so much; here are the keystrokes I use:
In browser
Alt D (selects the URL)
Ctrl C (copies)
Alt Tab back to Notes
In Notes client, in body of message
Ctrl V (pastes the URL)
Shift Home (selects it)
Alt C H L (creates a link out of the selected text)
Tab (jumps to the address box)
Ctrl V (pastes it in)
Tab (exits the address box)
@2 Thank you, I did not know about ALT+D, that will save me some steps.
@1 I think this is one of those areas where Notes is "too powerful" for it's own good. I'd like to see something as simple as an "Add Web Link" icon, then a dialog box with two fields, one for the text, one for the link.
@2 F4 Esc selects the URL too ;-)
Well,
it would be great if we could create those links in richtext fields programmatically with Lotuscript. AFAIK it is not possible unless DXL is used (which I did not have time to learn yet).
It does not work for me. Any idea?
What exactly does not work?
I am creating a new email programmatically using a Java agent. Is it possible to create a url link in the body of the email programmatically?
Gwyn, please ask that questions in the Notes forum on developerWorks. I am sure a developer (which I am not) will be able to help you.
Thank you so much for your pointers on this. I am new to Lotus and so far I've had nothing but trouble. You are much more helpful than the Lotus help program.
thanks a lot
just realised lotus really works a lot different than Outlook with different terminologies to boot (hotspot vs hyperlinks...)
Hi, yes Lotus Notes is different than Outlook. Each product has it's strengths and weaknesses.
It's totally ridiculous that "hotspots" are usable only in lotus notes. Send one to internet email and it's not hyperlinked. What a joke.
Bob, any hotspot I send from Notes is fine in other clients, gmail, apple mail, outlook, etc. Are you only sending plain text emails, or are you sending html? (in your mail preferences)