Links

Best Practices

• When writing links, users should be able to clearly understand the destination of the link.
• Assistive technology also uses the text in the link to describe the link to users.
• The text in the link should communicate the link’s destination.
• Refrain from generic link text such as “click here”.

Underlines in Paragraphs

• Links should contain underlines when they are in paragraph text.
• The underlines help to designate the clickable link text because it doesn’t rely on color alone.
• Don’t use underlines for emphasis. Underlines are reserved for links in paragraph text.

Links with Button Appreance

• Links may take the appearance of Buttons. Read about Buttons to learn about them.
• Use more than just a color change to indicate a button’s hover.

Opening Links in a New Window

Avoid avoid opening links in a new window. It’s best to allow the user to make that decision. Forcing links to open in a new window can also disorient people who use screen readers. If you must force the user to open links in a new window, tell them ahead of time.