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Success Criterion · WCAG 2.4.9

Link Purpose (Link Only)

A mechanism is available to allow the purpose of each link to be identified from link text alone, except where the purpose of the link would be ambiguous to users in general.

Level AAAWCAG 2.0Operable2.4 · Navigable

Success criterion

What WCAG 2.4.9 requires

Summarized directly from the official Understanding document so teams can quote the requirement accurately.

All non-text content that is presented to users must expose an equivalent text-based alternative unless a documented exception applies.

View Understanding 2.4.9 Open QuickRef techniques

Overview

Use this space to describe how your product interprets this success criterion, list ownership, and capture implementation decisions for future audits.

Reference: All summaries and highlights originate from Understanding WCAG 2.4.9 and the W3C quick reference.

Read the Understanding doc View sufficient techniques

Fast facts

Conformance level: Level AAA
WCAG version introduced: WCAG 2.0
Principle: Operable
Guideline: 2.4 · Navigable

Implementation checklist

Capture progress and blockers

Document how this criterion impacts your product and note any exceptions.
Describe the user experience goal in plain language for designers and engineers.
List the components, templates, or workflows that must meet this requirement.
Capture manual and automated testing steps for future audits.

Testing ideas

Prove conformance with evidence

Pair automated linting with human review to verify visual, auditory, or temporal aspects.
Use assistive technology walkthroughs (screen reader, keyboard, switch, voice) to validate behavior.
Capture screenshots or recordings that demonstrate pass/fail conditions.

Related success criteria

More from Navigable (2.4)

View all criteria

WCAG 2.4.1Bypass BlocksLevel A WCAG 2.4.2Page TitledLevel A WCAG 2.4.3Focus OrderLevel A WCAG 2.4.4Link Purpose (In Context)Level A WCAG 2.4.5Multiple WaysLevel AA WCAG 2.4.6Headings and LabelsLevel AA WCAG 2.4.7Focus VisibleLevel AA WCAG 2.4.8LocationLevel AAA WCAG 2.4.10Section HeadingsLevel AAA WCAG 2.4.11Focus Not Obscured (Minimum)Level AA WCAG 2.4.12Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced)Level AAA WCAG 2.4.13Focus AppearanceLevel AAA

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