Clear Destinations
- What: Accessible links are descriptive phrases that tell the reader exactly where they are going before they click.
- Why: Screen reader users often pull up a “Links List” to navigate a page. If every link in that list says “Click Here” or “Read More,” they have no way of knowing which link is which.
- When: Every time you include a URL or a cross-reference in your document.
- Check: Use the tab key on your keyboard to jump from link to link in your document. Read your link text out of context (without the surrounding sentences). Do you know exactly what page or file it opens? If not, it needs to be more descriptive.
Accessible Writing Tip: Rules for Great Link Text
Accessible Writing Tip: Rules of Link Text
Avoid “Click Here”
Generic phrases like “Read More,” “Go,” or “Link” provide zero information to assistive technology.
- Bad: [Click here] to see the 2026 Roadmap.
- Good: View the [Roadmap for Digital Accessibility].
No URLs
Avoid pasting long web addresses directly into the text. Screen readers have to read every single character (h-t-t-p-s-colon-slash-slash-w-w-w…).
- Bad: Visit https://www.boisestate.edu/accessibility/home/take-action/
- Good: Learn how to [Take Action for Accessibility].
Include File Types
If a link opens a download (like a PDF or Excel sheet), let the user know in the link text.
- Bad: [PDF]
- Good: [Download Roadmap to Digital Accessibility Checklist Packet (PDF)]
Don’t Underline Regular Text
On the web, users expect underlined text to be a link. If you underline text for emphasis, it creates confusion. Use Bold or Italics instead, or add a short descriptive sub-heading.
Treat QR Codes as Images
While QR codes are a convenient shortcut for mobile users, they can be a “dead end” for anyone using a screen reader or someone without a smartphone. For maximum accessibility, follow the Link and Label approach:
- Add Alt Text: Because a QR code is an image, it must have Alt Text so a screen reader knows it exists.
- Provide a Link Alternative: A screen reader user cannot “scan” a code on their own screen. Always provide a text link immediately next to or after the code.
Mastering Web Accessibility: Generic Links
The following video has some tips you can use to write clear, more descriptive links.
Add Accessible Link Descriptions
Microsoft Word
The following support page from Microsoft details how to add accessible links to your Word documents. You can also review the following support page for additional details Accessibility Resources and Tutorials: Microsoft Office.
Google Docs
In Google Docs, use the Insert > Link option to add descriptive links directly to your documents. Highlight your descriptive text, select Insert > Link or use the keyboard shortcut CRTL+K. Paste your URL into the URL field and select Apply.
You can also review the following support page for additional details Accessibility Resources and Tutorials: Google Docs.
Canva
In Canva, select the text box, click the Link icon in the floating toolbar (or press Ctrl+K) to add your descriptive link text.
You can also review the following support page for additional details Accessibility Resources and Tutorials: Canva.
Adobe Acrobat
- Note: Editing links directly in a PDF is complex and prone to errors.
- The Golden Rule: Always fix accessibility in the source file (Word or Google Docs) before exporting to PDF.
If you must edit a PDF without the source file, we recommend exporting it back to Word first:
To export PDFs to Microsoft Office:
- Open a PDF file
- Choose the Export PDF tool
- Choose format and select Export
- Save your file
Resolving Link Errors in PDF
In a PDF, a link is referred to as an “annotation.” If you have accessibility errors with your annotations you can find and mark these annotations using the Find Element tool.
From the Content pane, select Find, Unmarked Links. When an unmarked link is found, select Tag Element and select Link from the list of options. Repeat as needed.
The "Big Five"
In documents, the following areas are often the biggest challenges for accessibility. As a bonus, if your document has tables, be sure to pay extra attention to them. Learn more about these five areas and how you can build from accessibility from the beginning.