Use Descriptive Hyperlinks
Applies to the following areas:
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Overview
Make link texts meaningful and understandable on their own.
Assistive technologies can gather hyperlinks from a webpage and display them as a list for users. However, if links are labeled ambiguously with terms like "Click Here," "Read More," or long URLs (e.g., the full “https://www . . .” address), the user may lack clarity about the link's purpose or destination. Links should clearly indicate where they will lead when clicked, even when removed from surrounding text. Descriptive links are essential; without them, understanding a link’s destination becomes challenging and confusing.
Descriptive Link Examples
| Common Problem | Example | Suggested Solution |
|---|---|---|
| One of the most common problems is the use of the phrase “click here” as a link to more information. | Click here to go to the UAGC news. | Get the latest UAGC News. |
| Links are given as format names only when documents are provided in multiple formats. | Homework Assignment #1: PDF Word HTML Homework Assignment #2: PDF Word HTML | Homework: Assignment #1 (PDF) Assignment #1 (Word) Assignment #1 (HTML) |
| Introductory sentences are provided with links to “more” at the end of it. | UAGC announces new scholarship program. More… | UAGC announces new scholarship program. |
| A similar format to the above is often seen following a longer introductory paragraph. | The University of Arizona Global Campus has launched a new initiative to support adult learners in achieving their educational goals. Details... | The University of Arizona Global Campus has launched a new initiative to support adult learners in achieving their educational goals. Full article: UAGC launches support program for adult learners. |
| Using the full website link-long URL. | https://www.uagc.edu | For more information, visit the UAGC website. |
How to Create a Descriptive Link
Good links are descriptive and unique and start with keywords. Imagine the link on its own, with no text before or after it. Choose words that describe the destination and include the user's action, such as download or visit.
Steps to create a hyperlink in Word or Outlook
Steps to create a hyperlink in Google Docs or Gmail
Tips
- Do not use words such as “website” or “link” for a link. Screen readers announce the presence of a link. This provides unnecessary duplicate information.
- It is OK to link a full sentence but avoid longer.
- Underline all active links.
- Use good color contrast for colored links.
- Do not capitalize all letters.
- Remember to use descriptive links in emails, spreadsheets, and presentation slides.
WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria
The issues described on this page map to the following success criteria in the W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1:
- 2.4.4 Link Purpose (Level A)
- 2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only)