How do I add (Insert) a HTTP link to a web page in a document?

StephenG

In my Documents I typically create a folder to gather up pertinent information and requirement documents. I want to include a HTTP link to a web page but I do not see how I can accomplish it.

I thought I could trick Onshape by creating a Windows OS "Shortcut" file that contained the HTTP address and add that file to the Document. I was successful adding the file but Onshape is not smart enough to know what to do with it. 

NeilCooke

Hi @stephen_gertsch - everything in Onshape is operating system neutral - would Mac/Linux/Chromebook/iOS/Android know what to do with a Windows shortcut? 

If you create a text document in MS Word or Google Docs (or make it fancy with images using PowerPoint or Google Slides) and add links, you can export those docs as PDF and import it into Onshape. Any embedded URLs can be clicked and will work as you expect (and look nicer too). Hope this helps.

NeilCooke

Hi @stephen_gertsch - everything in Onshape is operating system neutral - would Mac/Linux/Chromebook/iOS/Android know what to do with a Windows shortcut? 

If you create a text document in MS Word or Google Docs (or make it fancy with images using PowerPoint or Google Slides) and add links, you can export those docs as PDF and import it into Onshape. Any embedded URLs can be clicked and will work as you expect (and look nicer too). Hope this helps.

StephenG

Your are absolutely right about keeping Onshape OS agnostic a priority, however, my point is a hyper link to a web page is something that should be supported. I understand that Onshape cannot be held responsible if the link breaks, but a lot of reference information critical to documenting "why a design is the way it is" should be captured, exists on some external website.

Your suggested workaround  to create a PDF with embedded links does technical "work" but operationally it is cumbersome. One would have to import the native document along with the PDF equivalent. Making a change to the PDF content (links) would require exporting the native doc, updating it, recreating the PDF and then importing them both back in.

I still think adding external HTTP link support in Onshape is worthy of consideration.    

3dcad

if you import spreadsheet with link, does that work for you?

NeilCooke

stephen_gertsch said:

I still think adding external HTTP link support in Onshape is worthy of consideration.    

The question is, where would you put it? Currently if you put a URL in the Document description or Workspace Properties you can highlight it, right click then select "Go to..." (or even better put the URL in the comments). I guess it wouldn't hurt to recognize URL syntax and allow hyperlinks, however it could be another avenue to introduce viruses onto a recipient's computer whether intentional or not.

Please create an improvement request on the right --->

Thanks.

StephenG

Hey, I learned something new: highlight a URL text, RMB -> "Go to ..." (Chrome), or "Open URL" (Safari). Didn't know about that one, thanks.

That is a workaround I can live with.  Thanks again.

Steve_Eis

I think this might help...
In a BOM list, it would be great if you could insert a link on the text that, when clicked on, would call up the item in the BOM list. This feature would be great for linking to external citations such as ASTM or ANSI documents that are kept in shared locations. This feature is ubiquitous in any MS Office document, google doc, etc. This seems like low hanging fruit for Onshape.