Using hyperlinks

Print information

As with phone numbers, make hyperlinks bold.

You can often shorten a URL by leaving out www. or https://.

Example: settlement.org rather than https://settlement.org

Example: lso.ca rather than https://lso.ca/

Not all links work this way so be sure to check.

Make sure that a link goes to an exact location when possible. Otherwise, give concise instructions about how to reach the correct page.

Example: Visit the Law Society website at lso.ca and click on “Public Resources”.

For French content, make sure to give a French web address whenever there is one.

Example: cleo.on.ca/fr

We can create short URLs in place of full hyperlinks for websites we own the domain for. This includes CLEO, Steps to Justice, and CLEO Connect.

Use a shortened URL whenever you can in print material.

Use: stepstojustice.ca/emp-ins

Not: https://stepstojustice.ca/legal-topic/employment-and-work/employment-insurance/

You should also use short URLs if you need to spell out a hyperlink in online information, such as an email announcement or social media post.

Check the list of existing short urls first. You’ll find that document here: Short_URLs.xlsx

If you need a new one, there are instructions in that document.

Select a short phrase as your anchor text with up to 5 words. Do not include punctuation, like a period or comma, with the text.

When possible, start with a verb.

If possible, put the anchor text at the end of a sentence so the user reads the context before clicking on the link.

Example: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has information about when foreign workers need a work permit.

Identify a link so it flows as part of the text. Do not use phrases like:

These phrases do not tell the user where the link is going.

They’re also not accessible for users of many assistive technologies and do not work with screen readers.

Use: Watch the webinar.

Not: Click here to watch the webinar.

There’s more information in: