When making hyperlinks:
- Use concise, descriptive text in the link
- Do not use the raw link
- Do not use generic words or phrases (such as “Here,” “Link,” “Click here,” or “This document”)
This is the best way to make links anywhere, whether you are writing Pressbooks, Powerpoint, or a website.
Why?
It is cumbersome and difficult to navigate links using a screen reader when the links are raw or generic. The viewer basically must open each link individually to know what it is. See examples and more detail in this 4-minute video: Why use descriptive links?
| Inaccessible Link Example | Inaccessible Because… | Accessible Link Example | Accessible Because… |
| Optional reading: https://accessmedicine-mhmedical-com.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/content.aspx?bookid=2747§ionid=230250283#1167756982 | This is a raw link; it does not tell the viewer what it links to.
A screen reader will read the whole URL out loud. |
Optional reading: Unhealthy alcohol & other substance use | Link is descriptive and short. |
| Read this document for good tips on taking an inclusive sexual health history | The link’s text is too generic.
Information is siloed in the text around the link but not in the link itself. Someone using a screen reader cannot easily navigate to this link without having to read all the text around it. |
Read the following for good tips on taking an inclusive sexual health history | Link text itself is descriptive.
Someone using a screen reader can easily understand the link separate from the surrounding sentence. |
Do links open in the same window or in a new tab?
By default, links will automatically open in the current browser tab. There is an option to open in a new tab. How to make links open in a new tab
If you have already created a link,
- Click within the link to see the Edit button
- Click the Pencil icon/ Edit button
- Click the Gear icon/ Link Options button
Check the “Open link in a new tab” box, then click Update
Work with the curriculum team to post links to your Pressbook (and any passwords) on Canvas.
Note that you can link directly to chapters in Pressbooks and specific sections of a chapter by using Anchors (more details in Internal and External links in Pressbook guide). Make sure you are clear if you are linking to a whole Pressbook or to a particular location using an anchor.