Descriptive Links
Note that the “text to display” is filled out and clearly indicates where the link will send the reader. Avoid using the raw URL or “click here”.
Overview
When designing websites or web content, creating descriptive links is essential for making the content accessible to all users, especially those using screen readers or other assistive technologies. Descriptive links ensure that users can understand where the link will take them without needing additional context. Screen readers read the text of the link out loud, so the link text should provide enough information to understand the purpose without needing to see the page.
How to Create Accessible Links
To create an accessible link, match the link to the title of the landing page or document. When the name of the link and the landing page do not match, it can be unclear if the link is correct or directed to the wrong site.
Do not use a raw universal resource locator (URL) as the link name. A screen reader will read each letter and number individually which makes it difficult for the student to understand.
The exception to this is if you are providing students a printed handout with the website address included, in which case the full and correct link must be provided. You can use a service like Bitly or TinyURL to shorten lengthy website addresses for use in print materials.
Summary & Key Takeaways
Screen readers can scan for links and create a list of links, so informative link text is helpful. Links in digital documents/pages should convey clear and accurate information about the destination.
- Do NOT link pages with text such as “Click here”.
- Good practice: UCLA Disabilities and Computing Program
- Bad practice: https://dcp.ucla.edu/
- Bad practice: Click here
- Use unique link text for unique links. If you want to link out the same page more than once, use the same hyperlink text.
If intending to print a document or PDF, then it is better to have the full hyperlink in printed versions of a document. You can use a service like Bitly or TinyURL to shorten lengthy website addresses for use in print materials.