{"id":250,"date":"2026-06-22T11:32:05","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T15:32:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.web.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/?page_id=250"},"modified":"2026-07-06T16:07:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T20:07:28","slug":"descriptive-links","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/guides\/descriptive-links\/","title":{"rendered":"Writing Descriptive Links"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover fb-cover-text-box wp-duotone-black-and-white\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0;min-height:100%;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-content\/themes\/flintblock\/assets\/images\/sidewalk-art.jpg\" style=\"object-position:50% 95%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"50% 95%\"\/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-90 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient has-blue-gradient-gradient-background\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-15d3db16 wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-xx-large-font-size wp-elements-10d95412ce79a2ec80f6c9024a5c26b6\">Writing Descriptive Links<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><nav class=\"is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-bd946717 wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Sidebar Navigation\" \n\t\t data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-context='{\"overlayOpenedBy\":{\"click\":false,\"hover\":false,\"focus\":false},\"type\":\"overlay\",\"roleAttribute\":\"\",\"ariaLabel\":\"Menu\"}'><button aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Open menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-open\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.openMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 7.5h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><path d=\"M4 15h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container\"  id=\"modal-2\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--has-modal-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--is-menu-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\"\n\t\t\t\ttabindex=\"-1\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-close\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-dialog\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"state.ariaModal\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.ariaLabel\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--role=\"state.roleAttribute\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button aria-label=\"Close menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-close\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.closeMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"m13.06 12 6.47-6.47-1.06-1.06L12 10.94 5.53 4.47 4.47 5.53 10.94 12l-6.47 6.47 1.06 1.06L12 13.06l6.47 6.47 1.06-1.06L13.06 12Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-content\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.focusFirstElement\"\n\t\t\t id=\"modal-2-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Home<\/span><\/a><\/li><li data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;submenuOpenedBy&quot;: { &quot;click&quot;: false, &quot;hover&quot;: false, &quot;focus&quot;: false }, &quot;type&quot;: &quot;submenu&quot;, &quot;modal&quot;: null, &quot;previousFocus&quot;: null }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/resources\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Campus Resources<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isMenuOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"Campus Resources submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/resources\/grackle\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Grackle<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/resources\/panorama\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Panorama<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/resources\/syllabus-template\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Syllabus Template<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/meeting-minutes-templates\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Meeting Minutes Templates<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/guides\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Best Practices Guides<\/span><\/a><\/li><li data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;submenuOpenedBy&quot;: { &quot;click&quot;: false, &quot;hover&quot;: false, &quot;focus&quot;: false }, &quot;type&quot;: &quot;submenu&quot;, &quot;modal&quot;: null, &quot;previousFocus&quot;: null }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/rethinking-pdfs\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Rethinking PDFs<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isMenuOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"Rethinking PDFs submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/rethinking-pdfs\/shortcomings-and-frustrations-of-pdfs\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Shortcomings and Frustrations of PDFs<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/rethinking-pdfs\/myths-and-paths-forward\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Myths and Paths Forward<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/rethinking-pdfs\/sharing-read-only-files\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Sharing Read-Only Files<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/rethinking-pdfs\/converting-a-pdf-to-word\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Converting a PDF to Word<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/rethinking-pdfs\/pdf-alternatives\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">PDF Alternatives<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/email-archive\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Email Communications<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/spg.umich.edu\/policy\/601.20\" target=\"_blank\"  ><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Accessibility Standard Practice Guide (SPG)<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Why Use Descriptive Links?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Descriptive links help all people, especially those using screen readers, understand where a link will take them without needing extra context. Instead of generic phrases like \u201cclick here,\u201d descriptive links provide clear information that benefits all students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">What Makes a Good Descriptive Link?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Contextual Clarity<\/strong>: A good link tells the user what to expect. It should summarize the target content in a way that\u2019s meaningful on its own.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid Vague Phrases<\/strong>: Phrases like \u201cclick here\u201d or \u201cmore info\u201d are ambiguous and should be avoided.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">How to Create Descriptive Links<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Use Specific Descriptions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Describe the content or action associated with the link.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Example<\/strong>: Instead of \u201cClick here for syllabus,\u201d use \u201cDownload the course syllabus.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Be Concise, but Informative<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Include enough detail to make the purpose clear, but avoid overly long link text.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Example<\/strong>: \u201cRead the Accessibility Guidelines for Canvas\u201d is better than \u201cClick here to read about the guidelines for making content accessible in Canvas.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Integrate Links Naturally in Text<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Example<\/strong>: \u201cFor more information, refer to our online learning accessibility guide.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Links should flow naturally in sentences. This helps users understand the context of the link.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-text-alternate-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Examples of Non-descriptive vs. Descriptive Links<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ddbf6ee2 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Non-descriptive<\/strong>: Click here to access the report.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Descriptive<\/strong>: Access the 2026 Annual Report.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Non-descriptive<\/strong>: For more details, click here.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Descriptive<\/strong>: Learn more about how to make your course accessible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Tips for Faculty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Review Existing Links<\/strong>: Go through your Canvas courses and other materials, and replace vague links with descriptive ones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consider the User Experience<\/strong>: Think about what students will know if they encounter the link without any surrounding text. A descriptive link should always make sense in isolation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-brand-maize-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--0)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-b8ec1b10074bbbc3b4c437e809f94129\">What Can I Do Now?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52ea73018905b89d5deb892165d69398 wp-block-paragraph\">Ensuring that links are descriptive is crucial for preventing confusion and frustration for people using assistive technologies. Before adding a link, consider what it conveys and whether someone will understand its purpose without additional context. Creating specific, meaningful links helps everyone navigate content more smoothly. To verify that your links are descriptive, use tools like the <a href=\"https:\/\/community.instructure.com\/en\/kb\/articles\/664351-how-do-i-use-the-accessibility-checker-in-canvas\">Canvas Accessibility Checker<\/a>, when creating course content. Regularly reviewing your links ensures they convey their purpose, making your materials more accessible and user-friendly for all learners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why Use Descriptive Links? Descriptive links help all people, especially those using screen readers, understand where a link will take them without needing extra context. Instead of generic phrases like \u201cclick here,\u201d descriptive links provide clear information that benefits all students. What Makes a Good Descriptive Link? How to Create Descriptive Links Use Specific Descriptions [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"parent":23,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-250","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/250","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=250"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/250\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":957,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/250\/revisions\/957"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=250"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}