Technical Tip: Adding hyperlinks to FortiClient EMS Web Filter custom messages

Description

This article explains how to add clickable hyperlinks to Web Filter custom messages in FortiClient EMS.

Scope

FortiClient EMS v7.2 and v7.4 onwards.

Solution

FortiClient EMS supports Markdown formatting in Web Filter custom messages. This allows administrators to add clickable hyperlinks that redirect users to internal portals or external websites, such as an IT Service Desk or ServiceNow page.

To customize the Web Filter custom message, navigate to:
FortiClient EMS Console -> System Settings -> Custom Messages -> Web Filter Custom Messages.

HTML tags are not supported in the Web Filter custom message field.
Instead, hyperlinks must be created using Markdown syntax.

Use the following format: '[Custom Text](URL)'.

The text enclosed in square brackets '[]' is displayed as the hyperlink, while the URL enclosed in parentheses '()' is the destination.

Note:
There must be no space between the closing square bracket ( ] ) and the opening parenthesis ( ( ). Otherwise, the hyperlink will not be rendered correctly.

Example:

The following example displays 'Test Custom URL' and 'Request Form' as a clickable hyperlink that redirects end-users to the information portal and request page accordingly.

Note:
Markdown support is limited to supported markdown syntax.
HTML tags, such as <a href="">, are not rendered in the custom messages.