Links
Links are interactive elements in interfaces that connect users to other pages, sections, or resources, enabling navigation and access to related content.
TL;DR
- Connect users to pages, resources, or sections.
- Fundamental for navigation and information flow.
- Must be clear, descriptive, and accessible.
- Critical for usability, trust, and SEO.
Definition
Links are clickable elements, usually text or icons, that direct users to other destinations within or outside a digital product, enabling navigation and access to additional content.
Detailed Overview
Links are one of the most basic yet powerful building blocks of digital experiences. They form the backbone of navigation, allowing users to move between content, features, and resources. Whether in websites, applications, or documents, links create pathways that connect pieces of information into meaningful journeys.
A frequent question is about link design. Links must be identifiable, typically styled with underlines, color changes, or hover states. If links are not visually distinct, users may not realize they are interactive, which reduces discoverability. Consistent styling across a product ensures users can predict and rely on interactions.
Another recurring query is about link wording. Effective links use descriptive, action-oriented text rather than vague prompts. For example, “View Pricing Plans” is clearer than “Click Here.” Descriptive links improve usability by setting expectations about what the user will see, while also improving accessibility for screen readers and supporting SEO.
Accessibility raises important considerations. Screen readers often allow users to skim through links out of context. If links are labeled vaguely, such as “Learn More,” the context is lost. Designers should ensure that links make sense when read independently. Keyboard navigation is equally important, as many users rely on tabbing through links to move efficiently across a page.
Another common discussion involves external versus internal links. Internal links guide users to content within the same product, while external links connect to outside resources. Both serve important roles but should be clearly differentiated. Indicating that a link will open a new tab or leave the product helps avoid confusion.
Finally, teams often ask about the role of links in trust and credibility. Broken or misleading links frustrate users and harm confidence in a product. Regular testing ensures that links remain functional, while transparent practices, such as marking affiliate or sponsored links, reinforce integrity. Links may appear simple, but they directly affect the credibility of the experience.
Learn more about this in the HTML Links Lesson, a part of the HTML Foundations Course.
Recommended resources
Courses
UX Design Foundations
Design Terminology
UI Components I
Lessons
Common UI Components
Links Accessibility
HTML Links
FAQs
Good link labels are descriptive and specific, setting accurate expectations for users. For instance, “Download Annual Report” communicates the destination clearly, while “Click Here” does not. Descriptive labels also improve accessibility for screen readers and help with search indexing.
Clear labeling reduces uncertainty, guiding users toward confident interactions.
Links should look distinct from surrounding text. Common styling includes underlines, color differentiation, and hover states. Without clear styling, users may not recognize links at all.
Consistency across an interface builds predictability, ensuring users don’t have to relearn what is clickable on each page.
Screen readers often read links in isolation, so vague labels like “Read More” create confusion. Keyboard accessibility is equally vital, as many users navigate links without a mouse. Focus states, ARIA attributes, and descriptive labeling ensure links are inclusive.
Accessible links make products more usable for everyone, not just those with disabilities.
Internal links connect users to content within the same product or site, guiding exploration. External links lead to outside resources. Both are useful but should be managed differently.
Signaling external links, especially those that open new tabs, helps prevent confusion and maintains user trust.
Broken or misleading links create frustration and erode credibility. They interrupt the user journey, reducing trust in the product. Regular link audits and clear error handling ensure users don’t encounter dead ends.
Maintaining functional links is not just a technical task but a key factor in building user confidence.