The LabArchives Linking Tool allows you to connect entries to other internal notebook sections such as pages or entries within the same notebook, or to external sources outside of the notebook such as web pages and even external files stored locally or in the cloud. Use of the linking tool helps to create a notebook that is well organized, easy to navigate, and efficiently points to supporting and relevant materials (such as protocols and other data sets) while helping to enhance reproducibility.
You can also add links directly within a Rich Text Entry, which is perfect for embedding references inline with your notes or descriptions.
To add a link from a notebook entry, hover over the entry to display the entry toolbar, click the triple-dot menu and select Links.
Link within your Notebook
Use this to cross-reference experiment steps, link to previously recorded protocols or methods, or create a logical flow across experiments or entries.
From the Edit Links Menu, select Page or entry in this notebook and then click Browse to open your notebook's structure and select the page or entry you would like to link to. After making your selection, click Link to.
From the Edit Links Menu choose a versioning option:
- Most current version – when linking to the item, any future edits are reflected and you are taken to the most current version of the item
- Version when this link was created – when linking to the item, you are taken to the version at the time in which you selected to link to it and therefore do not see any future edits that may have occurred
You can optionally add a description and then click Add Link. Once a link is added, it will be visible and accessible to notebook members from the Page view just below the entry timestamp.
To remove a link, reopen the Edit Links menu and click the "×” next to the link.
Link to an External URL
Use this option to reference published journal articles, link protocols hosted on websites, direct members to raw datasets on cloud platforms, or cite tools or software documentation.
From the Edit Links Menu, select Web address/URL and then enter the full URL you would like to link to. You can optionally add a description and then click Add Link. Once a link is added, it will be visible and accessible to notebook members from the Page view just below the entry timestamp. making your selection, click Link to.
To remove a link, reopen the Edit Links menu and click the "×” next to the link.
Link to a Local File
Use this option as a reference to files stored locally or on an internal network.
From the Edit Links Menu, select Web address/URL and then enter the full file path you would like to link to:
- Windows:
file:///c:/directory/subdirectory/file.extension - Mac:
file:///Users/YourName/Desktop/file.extension
You can optionally add a description and then click Add Link. Once a link is added, it will be visible and accessible to notebook members from the Page view just below the entry timestamp. making your selection, click Link to.
To remove a link, reopen the Edit Links menu and click the "×” next to the link.