Writing Accessible Link Labels
Writing Accessible Link Labels records a distinct W3C-supported interface-content task while keeping implementation mechanics outside the writing guidance.
Write link text that communicates the link’s purpose on its own when practical, or ensure its programmatically determined context makes the purpose clear.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
This page covers link-purpose wording under WCAG 2.4.4; it does not require every link to satisfy the stronger out-of-context wording test of WCAG 2.4.9.
Further guidance
Content
Use destination- or action-specific wording that helps users decide whether to follow the link; avoid relying on a bare URL as the description when it does not communicate purpose.
Practical Application
Write link text that states the destination or action clearly enough on its own when practical; when context is necessary, ensure that context is programmatically available rather than relying only on visual proximity.
Purpose
Clear wording helps assistive-technology users understand the component or content in context without relying on implementation details.
Reader Check
If a user reviewed a list of links, would repeated text such as “Learn more” or “Click here” hide what each link does?
Worked Example
Example: Prefer “View refund policy” to “Learn more” when the link opens the refund policy.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- How to Meet WCAG 2.2 — Link Purpose (In Context) (opens in a new tab)World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) · WCAG 2.2 guidance that link purpose must be understandable from the link text or its programmatically determined context.