Web Links
Custom links in Salesforce (also called custom buttons and links) that navigate users to external URLs, execute JavaScript (Classic only), or invoke Visualforce pages, configured on object page layouts for custom actions.
Definition
Custom links in Salesforce (also called custom buttons and links) that navigate users to external URLs, execute JavaScript (Classic only), or invoke Visualforce pages, configured on object page layouts for custom actions.
In plain English
“Web Links (also called custom buttons and links) in Salesforce navigate users to external URLs, execute JavaScript (Classic only), or invoke Visualforce pages. They're configured on page layouts to provide quick access to external resources or custom functionality.”
Worked example
The admin at Underbridge Realty creates a Web Link on the Account page layout called Open in MLS - a custom button that constructs a URL to the company's MLS system using the Account's MLS ID field and opens it in a new tab. A second Web Link, Generate Listing Sheet, invokes a Visualforce page that renders a print-ready PDF for the property. A third (Classic-only, since they still use Classic for some users) executes JavaScript to confirm an action before submitting. Web Links extend the Salesforce UI with custom buttons that connect to external systems or invoke custom logic without writing a full app - the lightweight option for record-context actions.
Why Web Links matters
Web Links are custom links in Salesforce (also called custom buttons and links) that navigate users to external URLs, execute JavaScript (Classic only), or invoke Visualforce pages, configured on page layouts for quick access to external resources or custom functionality.
JavaScript-based web links only work in Classic and are not supported in Lightning Experience. Lightning uses Lightning actions, Lightning Web Components, and Flow for similar interactive functionality. Organizations migrating to Lightning need to replace JavaScript-based web links with modern alternatives.
How organizations use Web Links
Migrated JavaScript web links to Lightning actions during Lightning migration.
Uses URL-based web links for external resource access from record pages.
Replaces Classic JavaScript links with LWC during migrations.
Trust & references
Straight from the source - Salesforce's reference material on Web Links.
- Custom Buttons and LinksSalesforce Help
Test your knowledge
Q1. What are Web Links?
Q2. Do JavaScript links work in Lightning?
Q3. What replaces JavaScript links in Lightning?
Discussion
Loading discussion…