Why Descriptive Links Matter
Links are one of the most common ways students move through a course. When they are clear and descriptive, links make a course easier to navigate for everyone.
Students using screen readers can tab through links to get a quick overview of what is available. Sighted students often scan a page by looking only at the links. If a link is left as a raw URL or labeled vaguely as “click here,” it slows students down and creates frustration. Well-written links give all students the same opportunity to understand what they are selecting and where it will take them.
Non-descriptive link:
Click here.
"Raw” link:
https://www.unomaha.edu/student-life/student-conduct-and-community-standards/policies/code-of-conduct.php
Descriptive link:
Review the Student Code of Conduct for more information.
How to Write Descriptive Links
A descriptive link tells students exactly what to expect when they select it. Good descriptive links improve usability, reduce confusion, and make content more engaging.
Create a descriptive external link:
- Open the Rich Content Editor in the desired Canvas page or assignment and type the text you want to become the link (choose a title descriptive enough to stand on its own rather than just “here”).
- Highlight the text you just typed.
- Select the Link icon in the toolbar, which looks like a chain link.
- Select External Links from the menu that appears.
- Paste the URL in the "Link" field.
- Select Done to finish. The text will now appear as a clickable, descriptive hyperlink.
Please watch this short video to learn how to properly use descriptive links in your course.
General Tips for Writing Descriptive Links
- Make the linked text short, clear, and meaningful.
- Match the link text to the name of the reading, website, or document whenever possible.
- Use Canvas’s built-in link tools (Canvas Checker and Panorama) to rename documents and URLs with descriptive text
- Rename files before uploading them to Canvas so the title is clear.
- Remove unnecessary abbreviations, numbers, or file extensions from link text.
Need Help?
- Stop by our Virtual Support Drop-In Zoom Room, which is open Monday – Friday, 9-4.
- Book a time to meet with a team member through our Digital Learning Bookings page!
- Email us at its.digitallearning@unomaha.edu.