How to convert a plain URL to a rich link preview in Apple Notes

Kelvin Graddick · 1 minute read ·

If you use Apple Notes, you’ve probably noticed that when you paste a link, sometimes it appears as a plain URL, and other times it shows up as a rich link preview with a thumbnail and title:

For the longest time, I didn’t know how to convert a plain URL into a rich link preview. Fortunately, I finally figured it out.

Steps

Here's the step-by-step guide for how to convert a plain URL into a rich link preview in Apple Notes:

1. Long-press the link (on iOS) or right-click the link (on macOS)

2. Select “Edit Link”

3. In the Name field, delete any text so that it’s completely empty

4. Tap Done (iOS) or OK (macOS).

.. in the top left or bottom left corner respectively.

5. Now, long-press the link (on iOS) or right-click the link (on macOS) again

6. Select “Show Link Preview”

7. The plain URL should now load to convert into a rich link preview

Why use rich link previews?

Rich link previews in Apple Notes give your notes a cleaner and more visual look. Instead of messy text-only URLs, you’ll see a thumbnail, the page title, and sometimes even metadata. This makes it easier to quickly recognize the content without having to click through.

For example:

Plain URL: https://www.kg.codes
Rich Preview: A thumbnail card with the KG.codes icon, title, and site.

Video

Here is a video of all the steps.

Final Thoughts

This little trick can save you from cluttered notes full of raw URLs. By converting them into rich previews, you’ll have a more organized, visually appealing, and easier-to-navigate notes.

Have you been using rich link previews in your Apple Notes? Let me know in the comments below!

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