3.1. Distinguish links from the surrounding text
When links are included in content, they must be distinguished from the text surrounding them:
- Ideally, by not relying solely on color (by underlining them, for example).
- Otherwise, as a last resort, by ensuring that the contrast ratio between the color of the links and the color of the surrounding text is at least of 3.
In addition to this rule, the appearance of links on hovering and keyboard focus must be provided in the graphic models.
Note that this change in appearance at hover and keyboard focus should not be just a color change. For example, in parallel:
- Remove the underline effect.
- Apply a different font weight.
- Add a pictogram.
- Etc.
Note
This rule does not apply to links included in link groups (menu items, for example), because their function is obvious.
Warning
You are strongly advised not to apply underlining to other elements than links.
