Descriptive Links
This help article outlines why descriptive links are critical to accessibility and usability, how to ensure links are accessible, and where links may be most relevant.
A link (also referred to as a “hyperlink”) is an interactive feature within a digital resource that, when selected and activated, will redirect the user to a new section within the resource or a new digital resource entirely.
Why are Descriptive Links So Important?
To ensure that your digital resources are accessible, navigable, and usable for everyone, it’s critical that you use functional, descriptive links that convey meaning even out of context.
Well-crafted and strategically placed links serve as essential tools for content creators, enabling users to effectively engage with digital resources. Accessible, descriptive, functional links are also critical to your site’s navigability and usability, particularly for those who use adaptive technology like screen reading software.
How Do I Create Accessible, Descriptive Links?
Use descriptive, contextually relevant, and unambiguous link text (avoid phrases like "Click here" or "Learn more”). Link text should indicate the link’s destination. This means users listening to or navigating via a list of links can differentiate between each link and its destination.
Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) should not be used as link text unless a URL is relevant content. In a document meant for digital and physical distribution, you might say, "Please visit Portland State University’s Office of Information Technology website (pdx.edu/technology)."
Ensure that links are visually distinct from surrounding text. Links should be underlined and include a 3:1 contrast ratio with surrounding text.
For additional information regarding properly formatted links, please refer to the Web Accessibility in Mind's article on Links and Hypertext.
Where Will Descriptive Links Be Most Relevant?
Please reference the following resources to learn how to create links within your content:
HTML Content
Non-HTML Content
Adobe Acrobat
Foxit PhantomPDF
Microsoft Office
Google Workspace
University Policy Connection
Using properly formatted heading structure to organize content is a critical step in complying with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2 per Portland State University’s Digital Accessibility Policy. Please reference the following World Wide Web Consortium help articles for more information:
If you have any additional questions regarding digital accessibility for public-facing digital resources at PSU, please email help-accessibility@pdx.edu or submit a Digital Accessibility Support ticket.