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5. Links

Content: Hyperlinks, Links to Programs.

5.1 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.

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.

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 presentation and access to the linked website may be significantly impaired.

How can you implement/check this?
To convert a URL into a hyperlink in PowerPoint, proceed as follows depending on your operating system, see also section 5.2:

Mac

  1. Select the text or object that is to contain the hyperlink.
  2. Right-click, or click Insert Link on the Insert tab.
  3. Enter the URL in the Address field, or select the file to which the hyperlink should point.
  4. Click OK to insert the hyperlink. The selected text or object will now appear as a hyperlink.

Windows

  1. Select the text or object that is to contain the hyperlink.
  2. Click the Insert tab in the menu bar, or right-click the selected item.
  3. Click the Link button in the Links group.
  4. In the window that opens, either enter a website URL or insert a link to a file on your computer. Enter the URL in the Address field, or select the file to which the hyperlink should point.
  5. Click OK to insert the hyperlink. The selected text or object will now appear as a hyperlink.

 

5.2 Links to Programs

Further information

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

It is important that the link text describes the destination of the link clearly so that users know where they will be taken when they activate 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, users can recognise more easily that activating 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 activating it and checking whether the intended action is carried out. If there are any issues, the link should be updated or repaired to ensure that it works properly.

 

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