The <a> Element

Inline Text Semantics

The <a> element, with an "href" attribute, represents a hyperlink labeled by its contents.

Attributes for <a>

Type	Attribute List
'Standard' Attributes	"href", "hreflang", "name", "rel", "target", "type", "download", and "paint-order"
New HTML5 Attributes	"data-title", "ping", "referrerpolicy", and "writingsuggestions"
Obsolete Attributes	"charset", "coords", "methods", "rev", "shape", and "urn"

Recommended Links

• CanIUse.com: Search <a> (browser compatibility information)
• CanIEmail.com: Search <a> (email client compatibility information)
• HTML 4.01: A element
• HTML5 (WHATWG): a element
• MDN: <a>
• SVG 1.1: <a>
• SVG 2: <a>
• MDN: <a> (SVG)
• Quackit: HTML <a> tag

Accessibility Information & Tips

• Use the "title" attribute with <a> elements to further describe or clarify the purpose of the link and/or to provide mouse-over tooltips. Tooltips build user trust by telling visitors where links will take them. However, important information that the user should know before selecting the link, like warnings, should be described in the link text, and if a link will open in a new window or tab, a visual indicator of this should be provided. Visit https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20-TECHS/H33 for more information.
• Use these techniques to identify the purpose of a link using link text combined with its enclosing list item: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20-TECHS/H77, or combined with its enclosing paragraph: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20-TECHS/H78, or combined with its enclosing table cell and associated table headings: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20-TECHS/H79, or combined with the preceding heading element: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20-TECHS/H80, or combined with the parent list item: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20-TECHS/H81. Note: Whenever possible, provide link text that does not need additional context.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

• Many elements support the "title" attribute that is used for annotation (do not confuse the <title> element with the "title" attribute). Consider annotating tags like <a> with something like title="Read about <keywords>". Annotate with keywords and search terms. Some browsers, like Firefox, will also display the value of the "title" attribute when the user hovers the mouse over content with a "title" attribute.
• Following accessibility standards may improve search engine rankings. Use "alt", "title", and table "summary" attributes whenever relevant and possible. Use keywords and search terms in them but keep them accurate. Using CSS HTML Validator's optional accessibility checking can help.
• Consider linking to one or more high ranking sites that are related to the site you're promoting. Use your site's keywords in the link text if you can.

Search Engine Links (for more information)

• Bing "a element"
• Google "a element"