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Links: Use descriptive link text
Links: Use descriptive link text
Make the link text specific so it tells students where the link will take them—without needing surrounding context.
💬 Accessibility Tip: A good link should make sense even when it’s the only thing read aloud.
Why this matters
Why this matters
Examples
Examples
Before
Before
The link in the image above lacks context and is inaccessible.
After
After
The link that appears in the image above is clear and accessible to all users.
Checklist
Checklist
Each link text is **specific** and **unique** on the page.
No “click here,” “read more,” or bare URLs in the body text.
Include the **file type** when linking to downloads (PDF, PPTX).
Don’t use color alone to indicate links; ensure they are visible with underlines.
Keep the surrounding text readable even if the URL is removed.
Time-saver: Use the AI Prompt to suggest link text, then review for accuracy.
WCAG 2.1 AA Guidance
WCAG 2.1 AA Guidance
Success Criterion 2.4.4 – Link Purpose: The link text alone or its surrounding context must make its purpose clear. Avoid vague text like “Click here” or “More info.”
Fix It! (choose your tool)
Fix It! (choose your tool)
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word
Right-click the vague hyperlink (e.g., “Click here”).
Select Edit Hyperlink.
Change the text to something meaningful, like “Download the Fall 2025 Syllabus (PDF).”
Confirm with OK and test with a screen reader if possible.
Google Docs
Google Docs
Select the link text.
Press Ctrl/Cmd+K (or Insert → Link).
Edit the Text field to describe destination (e.g., “Syllabus (PDF)”).
Apply and verify keyboard focus order still reads logically.
PowerPoint / Google Slides
PowerPoint / Google Slides
On the slide, select the linked text or object.
Insert → Link (or right-click → Link) and change the **displayed text** to be descriptive.
Make sure the **reading order** places the link after the heading/body text.
Canvas LMS
Canvas LMS
Highlight the link text in the rich content editor.
Click the Link icon and set the **Text** to describe the destination.
Avoid pasting raw URLs; use descriptive text instead.
Gmail / Outlook
Gmail / Outlook
Highlight the link.
Insert Link and set the **Display text** (e.g., “Join Zoom office hours”).
Ensure the surrounding sentence still reads naturally without the URL.
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