4. Links

Content: Hyperlinks, Links to Programs.

4.1 Hyperlinks

URLs do not appear as plain text in the body text. Instead, hyperlinks are inserted, clearly labelled, and easy to understand.

Further information

What does this mean?
A URL, commonly referred to as an internet address or web address, should not simply be copied into body text. Instead, the URL should be embedded as a hyperlink. The hyperlink should be given a meaningful and easy-to-understand title.

Hyperlinks are clickable links within a document or to other documents, web pages, or files. In Word, a hyperlink can be created in various ways, for example by adding a link to a specific section of the document, inserting a link to an email address, or linking text or an image to a website. Hyperlinks are a useful feature in Word because they allow users to navigate quickly and easily between different sections of a document or between different documents and resources.

It is also important that such links are not labelled here, this link, or more information. Such labels do not indicate what information is being referred to or where it can be found, see section 4.2.

Why is this important?
Clear and precise labelling of hyperlinks is very important for accessibility. If a URL is not replaced by a hyperlink, screen readers and text-to-speech software will read out the entire URL, beginning with http. This can be very frustrating for screen reader users if the purpose of the link is unclear and the full URL is read aloud instead. As a result, both the use of the document and access to the linked web page may be significantly impaired.

How can you implement/check this?
There are different ways to convert URLs into hyperlinks, depending on whether you are using Mac or Windows:

Mac

1. Click the link.
2. Select the Link option from the context menu. A dialogue box will open.
3. Under Display text, enter a clear and easy-to-understand label for the URL, for example Consulate homepage.
4. Enter the link under Address.
5. Click OK to confirm the action.

Windows

1. Select the entire URL and click the Insert tab.
2. Select the Link button in the Links group.
3. A dialogue box will open. Under Display text, enter a clear and easy-to-understand label for the URL, for example Consulate homepage.
4. Enter the link under Address and click OK to save the changes.
5. You can check the hyperlink by holding down Ctrl while clicking the link and ensuring that it leads to the intended destination.

4.2 Links to Programs

If a link opens another program, for example a web browser or an email program, this is indicated in the link text. Example: Contact address (opens email program).

Further information

What does this mean?
In Word, hyperlinks can point to different types of content, including programs installed on the computer. If a hyperlink in Word points to another program, that program will open when the user clicks the link.

It is important that the link text accurately describes the destination of the link so that users know where they will be taken when they click it. If the link points to another program, such as an email program or a file, this should be stated clearly in the link text.

Why is this important?
Stating the format or program in the link text can help users better understand the destination of the link and decide whether they want to activate it.

For users of screen readers and text-to-speech software, it is especially important to understand both the purpose of the link and its context. By stating the format or program in the link text, screen reader users can recognise more easily that clicking the link may open another program and therefore a new window. This allows them to prepare for that change.

How can you implement/check this?
To ensure that the link text is clear and unambiguous, check whether it is immediately obvious where the link leads and what action will be performed. If not, revise the link text so that it is more precise.

You can also test whether the link works as expected by clicking it. If there are any issues, the link should be updated or repaired to ensure that it works properly.