This knowledge base article explains how to create hyperlinks that are understandable for all users, including people with disabilities. When we follow good practice for writing links, we help to make a more inclusive and fair experience.

Hyperlinks can be created in documents, emails and websites.

To improve accessibility, hyperlinks should:

• use descriptive text.
• use specific and meaningful language.
• provide context.
• be located toward the start or end of a sentence.
• use expected formatting.

About accessible hyperlinks

Descriptive text

When creating a hyperlink, the descriptive text (also known as Text to Display) should provide a clear and concise description of the linked content.

Present links as descriptive text. Only present URLs (Uniform Resource Locator also known as web addresses) as display text when it is a requirement for the context of your publication (for example: thesis, published materials etc).

• Write in the descriptive text, "Your accommodation options at Southampton" where the hyperlink takes the reader to https://www.southampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/your-options. 
• Do not write, "Your accommodation options at Southampton: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/your-options".

Specific and meaningful

Use specific and meaningful descriptive text that indicates the destination or purpose of the hyperlink.

• Write, Read the user manual for detailed instructions.
• Do not write, "click here" or "read more information".

When a document has multiple hyperlinks going to the same destination, the descriptive text should always be the same. This gives readers a consistent understanding of the intended destination.

• Write, Southampton website and Southampton website.
• Do not write, Southampton website and University webpage.

Provide Context

Ensure that the descriptive text provides enough context on its own, without relying on surrounding text. Users who navigate using assistive technologies often rely on the descriptive text alone to understand the purpose of the hyperlink.

• Write "learn more about accessibility in Microsoft Word."
• Do not write, "learn more about accessibility in Microsoft Word".

Where it is helpful to your audience, include in the descriptive text aspects such as file type and size, or if it is an external site. For example:

• Breaking Accessibility Out of the Silo (1.27 MB PowerPoint)
• Mystery of how diamonds are formed is SOLVED (Daily Mail)

Adding file size and file type helps inform readers who may be on a metered (pay as you go) internet connection or who may not have a tool to open that file type on the device they are using currently.

When we link to external web sites, particularly those that bombard users with content they may prefer not to read, it can be respectful to add context of where the link will take the reader.

Hyperlink location

The hyperlink location can also affect accessibility.

Consider placing hyperlinks at the start or end of a sentence or paragraph where it flows naturally.

• Write "come along and find out how student services supports your study".
• Do not write, "come along to student services and find out how we support your study".

Avoid placing hyperlinks in the middle of a sentence or paragraph, as it can be disruptive to users who are reading or listening to the content.

Use Expected Formatting

Format hyperlinks in a way that sets them apart from regular text, this is often done automatically.

Hyperlink text should be underlined and in a different colour.  

We recommend keeping the default colour for links.

These practices help users to identify the links and separate them from the surrounding body text.

• Write, University of Southampton website.
• Do not write, University of Southampton website.

About the "title" field

Some applications provide a "title" field to add further information about the link. This applies the text to what is known as the "title attribute". If available, leave this field blank:

• Assistive technologies are inconsistent in how they use the title field. Some do, some do not. Some require extra configuration to use it.
• Touch based devices like tablets and phones do not show content placed in a title field.
• When we use a title field, no mechanism is available to dismiss the content without moving the mouse pointer or changing keyboard focus. This presents a challenge for users in certain circumstances. For example, those who use screen magnification, increase the size of their mouse pointer or the size of text content may find that the title obscures or hides important content.

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Creating accessible hyperlinks in practice

These guides ensure that your hyperlinks are accessible to everyone. Creating clear, descriptive, and properly formatted hyperlinks contributes to an inclusive and user-friendly online experience.

Creating accessible hyperlinks in Microsoft Office

1. Highlight the words or phrase you want to use as the descriptive text.

2. Right-click or navigate to the insert tab, select the hyperlink option.

3. Alternatively press Ctrl + K on windows, Command (⌘) + K on MacOS.

4. Type or paste your web hyperlink into the address field.

5. Select OK.

Creating accessible hyperlinks in Microsoft Teams

1. Highlight the words or phrase you want to use as the descriptive text.

2. Select the Format button from the messaging options tool bar.

3. Select the Insert Hyperlink button.

4. Alternatively press Ctrl + K on windows, Command (⌘) + K on MacOS.

5. Type or paste your web hyperlink into the address field.

6. Select Insert.

7. Re-highlight the words or phrase you want to use as the descriptive text.

8. Select the Underline text option or press Ctrl + U on windows, Command (⌘) + U on MacOS.

Creating accessible hyperlinks in Blackboard Learn

1. Highlight the words or phrase you want to use as the descriptive text.

2. Right-click or select the Insert/Edit Hyperlink button from the content item editor toolbar, or press Ctrl + K on windows, Command (⌘) + K on MacOS.

3. Type or paste your web hyperlink into the URL field.

4. Ensure the option "Open hyperlink in current window" is selected.

5. Select Save.

Creating links in other formats

Below are examples of how to form links when writing in HTML, Markdown or LaTex.

HTML

<a href="https://www.https://www.southampton.ac.uk/">University of Southampton website</a>

Markdown

[University of Southampton website](https://www.southampton.ac.uk/)

LaTeX

\href{ https://www.southampton.ac.uk/}{University of Southampton website}

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Related content

Descriptive links section within the Introduction to Digital Accessibility Course in Blackboard

Digital UX Team’s section on links in their article Write web content that's accessible to everyone

Creating valid and accessible links by the Accessibility Project

Text Links: Best Practices for Screen Readers by Deque