Descriptive Links in Canvas

Descriptive links tell students exactly where a link will take them, using clear, meaningful text instead of full URLs or vague phrases like “click here” and "read more." This helps all students and those using screen readers to navigate your course and content more easily. This guide explains how to create links with descriptive words in the Canvas Rich Content Editor (RCE).

Step 1: Type Descriptive Words

Anywhere you find the Canvas Rich Content Editor (RCE), type three to eight meaningful words people will click. Be specific describing the link's destination. Avoid adding links to an entire sentence. For this guide, we use "web accessibility guidelines" as the example. After typing, select the text you just typed with your cursor to highlight it.

Step 2: Choose a Link Type

Locate the Link icon in the toolbar that looks like a chain linked together. Alternatively, you can click the Insert option to select Link, then External Link or Course Link.

External Link is used for content outside your Canvas course - this guide demonstrates adding an external URL.
Course Link is used for any area within your Canvas course.

Step 3: Add the URL

In the Link field, paste the full URL of the destination webpage. Make sure the address starts with "http://" or "https://". You can also edit the Text the link is attached to if needed. Then, click Done to save the link details.

Step 4: Save Your Changes

After having the URL address added, the linked text changes colors and appears underlined. Finish any other edits you need to make, then save the area of Canvas you are working in.

Step 5: Check the Link

Review your descriptive text link to ensure it looks and functions as intended. As web content frequently changes, there is also a validate links in content tool in your course Settings to help you ensure links are still working correctly each term.