What is link accessibility?
Link accessibility ensures that links clearly communicate their destination or purpose.
Accessible links:
- Tell learners where the link goes or what it does
Are understandable without relying on surrounding text - Support navigation using screen readers or keyboards
When links are unclear, learners may not know whether a link is relevant or where it will take them.
Who benefits from accessible links?
Accessible links support many learners, including:
- Learners using screen readers
Learners with low vision
Learners with cognitive or processing disabilities - Learners using keyboard navigation
- All learners
Clear links improve usability, reduce confusion, and support independent navigation.
What do Screen Readers do with links?
Screen reader users often navigate by pulling up a list of links on a page rather than reading everything in order.
This list includes only the link text, not the surrounding context.
If links say:
- “Click here”
- “Read more”
“Learn more”
The learner cannot tell where each link leads.
With meaningful link text, the same list might say:
- “Download course syllabus (PDF)”
- “Watch Week 3 lecture recording”
- “Read assignment submission guidelines”
Descriptive links allow learners to navigate quickly and confidently.
How do I write meaningful link text?
Link text should:
- Clearly describe the destination or action
- Make sense on its own
- Be concise but specific
Avoid generic phrases such as:
- Click here
- Read more
- Learn more
- This link
Avoid using full URLs as link text. Long URLs are difficult to read and frustrating when read aloud by screen readers.
How can I make links accessible for keyboard users?
Some learners navigate using only a keyboard.
Accessible links must:
- Be reachable using standard keyboard navigation
- Be clearly identifiable as interactive elements
If link text is unclear, keyboard users may need to open links one at a time to determine their purpose, making navigation slow and frustrating.
What happens when links open in a new window or tab?
Opening a link in a new window or tab without warning can be disorienting.
Learners may not realize a new context has opened, making it difficult to return to the original page.
If a link opens in a new window or tab, clearly indicate this in the link text (for example: “Download syllabus (PDF, opens in new tab)”).
How should links be visually identifiable?
Links should:
- Be underlined or otherwise clearly identifiable
- Not rely on color alone to indicate interactivity
- Be visually distinguishable from surrounding text
Learners with color vision deficiencies may not perceive color differences alone. Clear styling helps all users recognize links quickly.
Best Practice
- Use meaningful, descriptive link text.
- Avoid generic phrases like “click here.”
- Do not use full URLs as link text.
- Ensure links are keyboard accessible.
Indicate when links open in a new window or tab. - Make links visually distinguishable without relying only on color.