Make links distinguishable without colour (WCAG 1.4.1)

A link inside a block of text must be told apart from surrounding text by more than colour alone (e.g. an underline) unless its contrast with that text is at least 3:1.

Why it matters

Users who can't perceive the colour difference — colour-blind or low-vision — can't tell there's a link there at all if colour is the only cue.

How to fix it

Underline inline links, or ensure a 3:1 contrast between link and body text plus a non-colour cue on hover/focus.

/* Passes */
p a { color: #2470b4; text-decoration: underline; }

Related guides

• Fix low colour contrast (WCAG 1.4.3) 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)
• Add text alternatives to images (WCAG 1.1.1) 1.1.1 Non-text Content
• Give links a discernible name (WCAG 2.4.4) 2.4.4 Link Purpose / 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value
• Give buttons a discernible name (WCAG 4.1.2) 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value

These guides cover automated checks (~30–40% of WCAG criteria). A full audit also needs manual review.