Writing & StyleStyle guide

Writing Meaningful Link Text for Accessibility

Writing Meaningful Link Text for Accessibility records accessibility-focused writing guidance from the named standards body while keeping implementation and wording advice separate from unrelated general style rules.

Quick answer

Write link text that describes the destination or purpose instead of relying on ambiguous wording such as “click here” or “read more.”

Key details

Core IssueW3C WAI recommends meaningful link text that communicates the link target and relevant target information.
Registerweb accessibility and technical content

Important caveats

Scope Boundary

The surrounding context can contribute to meaning under WCAG, but standalone descriptive wording generally improves scanning and navigation.

Further guidance

Content

Write link text that describes the destination or purpose instead of relying on ambiguous wording such as “click here” or “read more.”

Purpose

W3C WAI recommends meaningful link text that communicates the link target and relevant target information.

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.

  1. Writing for Web Accessibility — W3C WAI (opens in a new tab)W3C Web Accessibility Initiative · W3C WAI guidance for accessible page titles, headings, meaningful link text, text alternatives, transcripts/captions, clear instructions, and clear concise content.

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