Digital Accessibility Spotlight #3: What are Links and Buttons?

What are Links and Buttons?

Links and buttons help people navigate and interact with digital content, but they serve different purposes. A link takes users somewhere, while a button makes something happen.

1. Links direct users to new content, such as webpages, documents, forms or different sections within a webpage. Using unique, descriptive text clearly tells users where the link will take them.
   1. Example:
      • If you are linking to an external website about the basics of digital accessibility, your descriptive link might be “Digital Accessibility Fundamentals Guide” instead of “Read more.”
      • Do not display the URL as the link. A screen reader will read each letter in the link. 
2. Buttons perform actions, such as submitting a form, downloading a file, opening a menu or starting a process. You should use concise text that describes the action being performed.
   1. Examples:
      • Instead of broad statements like “Click here to submit,” use descriptive words that explain the action to the user, such as “Submit application,” “Begin training” or “Search courses.”
      • Instead of “Start,” use “Begin accessibility training.”
      • Instead of “Go,” use “Search courses.”
      • Instead of “Send,” use “Submit feedback.”
      • Instead of “Download,” use “Download annual report (PDF).”
      • Instead of “Continue,” use “Continue to payment.”

Tip: Read each link or button independently from the surrounding content. If you cannot tell where it goes or what it does, revise the text to be more descriptive.

For Instructors

Links play an important role in helping students find and access course content. Use descriptive links in:

• Canvas pages
• Syllabi
• Course documents
• Assignment instructions
• Learning materials

For Communicators and Content Editors

Use meaningful links and buttons to:

• Improve website usability
• Make newsletters easier to scan
• Help users find information faster
• Create more accessible digital communications
• Clearly communicate link destinations and button actions

When publishing web content, ensure links are visually distinguishable by using a different color and style, such as underlining. Provide advance notice when a link opens a file (like a PDF), starts a download or opens in a new browser tab. 

For Each of Us

Whenever you use links and buttons, ask yourself:

• Does the link clearly describe where it goes?
• Would the link make sense if read on its own?
• Am I avoiding phrases such as “click here,” “read more” and “learn more”?
• Am I using descriptive text instead of displaying a URL?
• Does the button clearly describe the action it performs?
• Are links visually distinguishable from surrounding text?
• Have I informed users if a link opens a PDF or new browser tab?

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