diff --git a/docs/sources/panels-visualizations/configure-data-links/index.md b/docs/sources/panels-visualizations/configure-data-links/index.md
index 78f3af85ea2..d1aaedaba99 100644
--- a/docs/sources/panels-visualizations/configure-data-links/index.md
+++ b/docs/sources/panels-visualizations/configure-data-links/index.md
@@ -48,6 +48,8 @@ These variables allow you to include the current time range in the data link URL
 - `__url_time_range` - current dashboard's time range (i.e. `?from=now-6h&to=now`)
 - `$__from and $__to` - For more information, refer to [Global variables][].
 
+When you create data links using time range variables like `__url_time_range` in the URL, you have to form the query parameter syntax yourself; that is, you must format the URL by appending query parameters using the question mark (`?`) and ampersand (`&`) syntax. These characters aren't automatically generated.
+
 ## Series variables
 
 Series-specific variables are available under `__series` namespace:
@@ -73,6 +75,8 @@ Value-specific variables are available under `__value` namespace:
 
 Using value-specific variables in data links can show different results depending on the set option of Tooltip mode.
 
+When you create data links using time range variables like `__value.time` in the URL, you have to form the query parameter syntax yourself; that is, you must add the question mark (`?`) and ampersand (`&`). These characters aren't automatically generated.
+
 ## Data variables
 
 To access values and labels from other fields use: