Accessible Links in Word Documents
Accessible links have descriptive and meaningful link text that tells users where the link will take them without having to click it. This is important because people using screen readers rely on this clear text to navigate a document by scanning a list of links.
This resource provides an overview of the basic requirements to ensure that use of links complies with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.1.
Use descriptive text
Screen readers read link text aloud. Generic phrases like "click here" or “link to” provide no information about the link’s destination. Instead of saying "click here,” use text that describes the destination, such as “Download the holiday schedule.” Be sure that descriptive text is unique for each link to allow all readers to navigate through a document to locate links.
Avoid using URLs as link text
URLs can be difficult for screen readers to read aloud and are not user-friendly in a list of links. If the URL is needed for a printed document, place the full, unlinked URL in parentheses immediately after the linked text.
Make links distinguishable
Links should be visually distinct from other text to ensure that all readers can identify them. Use a different color text (adhering to color contrast guidelines) and underline. Word will automatically add this styling when you add links to a document.
How to create an accessible link in Word
- Type out text that describes the link destination.
- Select the text, right click and choose Link from the drop-down menu.
- The Insert Link window will open.
- Type or paste the URL of the webpage in the Address field.
- Click OK to save the link.
- Review the document to ensure that the link is visually distinct from the other text
Additional Resources
Microsoft. (n.d.). Video: Create accessible links in word.
WebAIM. (2021). Links and Hypertext.
World Wide Web Consortium. (2025). Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.