Descriptive links tell people where a link will take them or what they'll find when they select it. Instead of using generic language like "click here" or "read more," descriptive links use meaningful words that explain the link's destination. This helps everyone navigate easily, especially people using assistive technologies like screen readers and when we are quickly scanning through content. 

Descriptive Links: Best Practices 

• Use a Meaningful Description:  
  • Do not use a verb as the text for the hyperlink (e.g., click here, download, go). 
  • Use a noun or noun phrase (e.g., checklist of chemical reactions) or a call to action (e.g., how to crop an image).   
  • If linking to a file, put file type and size (if known) in parentheses after the text.
  • Avoid pasting the URL text into your document. 
• Style Text Appropriately:  
  • Avoid underlining text that is not a link.   
  • If using bold for links, be consistent with all links. 
  • Check color contrast if links are displayed in color. 

Descriptive Links: Examples 

Poor examples of Descriptive Links, lacking meaningful text or simply pasting a link:  

• Click here for more info 
• Visit https://preview.library.virginia.edu/academic-captioning-service 

Good examples of Descriptive Links, with meaningful text, embedded link, file type named: 

• “Download the Guide to Accessible Academic Content (PDF)” 
• “Visit UVA’s Academic Captioning Project to learn more.” 

How to Apply Descriptive Links 

• In Microsoft Word and PowerPoint: Create Accessible Links (read) 
• In UVA Canvas: 
  • How to Create Descriptive Hyperlinks in Canvas (read/watch) 
  • UVA LTS: How can I make links accessible in Canvas? (read) 
• Remember: Check Accessibility of Course Content 

Specialized How-To's 

• If linking to an image or icon, use Alt Text to describe where the link leads, rather than the image or icon. For example, if clicking on an icon of a journal will take the user to the Library database, write alt text such as: “Find journal articles in the library databases”.  

Where can I get support or further training? 

Faculty Learning and Support Opportunities

For faculty designing or managing website content, please review Web Accessibility Tutorials  

References 

W3C. (2024). How to Meet WCAG-Quick Reference.