Operable · Level A · Introduced in WCAG 2.0
WCAG 2.4.4: Link Purpose (In Context)
Published by whatisADA / Grow Wild Agency · Updated
What this criterion means
A link's purpose must be understandable from its text or from text plus programmatically determined context, except where its purpose is ambiguous to everyone. Nearby visual layout alone may not provide that context.
A practical example
An article list repeats “Read more.” Including the article title in each link is clear and robust; another supported approach associates the link with suitable context in the same meaningful structure.
How to check it
- Read each link with the context available programmatically, including relevant paragraph, list or table relationships.
- Compare the resulting meaning with the actual destination or action.
- Revise ambiguous links and inspect icon-only links, document downloads and repeated card actions.
What can be missed
A tooltip title is not a dependable substitute for useful link text. Do not assume any nearby heading supplies programmatic context simply because it appears close on screen.
Record your test
Use this worksheet to record what you actually checked. Notes stay on this device when you choose Save; they are not sent to us. Avoid personal or confidential information on shared devices.
These are your observations, not automated results or a conformance certificate. A complete evaluation needs appropriate scope, supported technologies, all applicable criteria and relevant page states.
Primary sources and scope
This is independent implementation guidance with original examples. The linked standard contains the full definitions, exceptions and conformance requirements. A criterion or checklist alone does not establish legal applicability or whole-site conformance.