Site Usability nitpick -- Hyperlinks should be underlined

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Hyperlinks should always be underlined to enhance usability and accessibility, as relying solely on color can make them difficult to identify, especially for users with visual impairments. Hover actions, which only reveal links when the mouse is over them, are not effective for mobile users and can lead to poor design experiences. While some users feel that the current color differentiation is sufficient, many argue that adhering to established standards—such as underlining links—would improve navigation for all users. The discussion emphasizes that accessibility should be a default consideration in web design, particularly as the population ages. Overall, there is a strong consensus that making hyperlinks more visible is essential for a better user experience.
  • #61
Dale said:
It requires some non-color difference. This could be underlining, but it could also be bold, luminosity, or anything else.
DaveC426913 said:
OK, let's do that, then
 
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  • #63
Dale said:
I think we already do
Links in body text are currently distinguished by colour alone.
 
  • #64
DaveC426913 said:
Links in body text are currently distinguished by colour alone.
It appears to me that they are currently distinguished by both color and brightness, as per G183.

@Greg Bernhardt can you tell us what color values are used for background, text, and hyperlinks (without the focus)? In light and dark mode?
 
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  • #65
Dale said:
It appears to me that they are currently distinguished by both color and brightness, as per G183.
Contrast between body and link text would pass against a white background but it fails against PF's light grey background.

1756410126933.webp



https://webaim.org/resources/linkcontrastchecker/
 
  • #66
@Greg Bernhardt I agree with @DaveC426913 that your color scheme should be made accessible, if it is not already. I am not sure the values he has posted are correct, but if they are then PF is sitting at just slightly less than the minimum contrast between links and body text.
 
  • #67
Dale said:
I am not sure the values he has posted are correct,
Some links, such as visited links, might be a slightly different colour, so you have to be careful what you're choosing.

This is how to check the colours:
1756413412209.webp



I seem to be having a bit of trouble duplicating my findings. PF is trying to make liar out of me... :sorry:

For the above example rgb(69,97,135) converts to #456187, which passes:
https://webaim.org/resources/linkcontrastchecker/?fcolor=000000&bcolor=EBEBEB&lcolor=456187

I fear I may have submitted my results in post 65 without double-checking them, and I didn't record from where I took my sample.
 
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  • #68
DaveC426913 said:
I seem to be having a bit of trouble duplicating my findings.
No worries, Greg should weigh in because he is the one who can fix it if needed.
 
  • #69
Dale said:
@Greg Bernhardt I agree with @DaveC426913 that your color scheme should be made accessible, if it is not already. I am not sure the values he has posted are correct, but if they are then PF is sitting at just slightly less than the minimum contrast between links and body text.
I have no argument against this. I'll schedule some time to look at this.
 
  • #70
Guys. Here is a solution to this long going debate. Just put a toggle button in user settings to allow users to toggle underlines on or off.

Mic drop.
 
  • #71
AlexB23 said:
Guys. Here is a solution to this long going debate. Just put a toggle button in user settings to allow users to toggle underlines on or off.
Don't need to. Individual customization is already available. Users have control over their own browsers if they want to change their own settings. (A couple of members have made this point.)

The point is: when a site sets their default state, do they cater to those who already have excellent vision and ideal viewing conditions, or do they cater to them and a wider audience?

It's a little like ramps into street front stores. Steps are usable only by those who can step. Ramps can be used by everyone. Do you cater to the mobile, and tell those who are less mobile to just carry their own ramps around with them?
 
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  • #72
I am slightly color blind, to the point where I can just barely pass an FAA 2nd class flight physical. That vision deficiency has been constant since my first flight physical over 50 years ago. I can only see PF hyperlinks when I have previous knowledge of their existence, and know exactly where to look. I vote for underlining.
 
  • #73
I've aligned post link color with the rest of UI link color. I think it helps. Any thoughts?
 
  • #74
Greg Bernhardt said:
I've aligned post link color with the rest of UI link color. I think it helps. Any thoughts?
It looks the same to me, but I use dark mode. As long as it passes the criteria it should be fine
 
  • #75
Dale said:
It looks the same to me, but I use dark mode. As long as it passes the criteria it should be fine
ah yes, this was for light mode
 
  • #76
Greg Bernhardt said:
I've aligned post link color with the rest of UI link color. I think it helps. Any thoughts?
That does look a little better, yes.
 
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  • #77
DaveC426913 said:
That does look a little better, yes.
Does it meet the AA level requirement?
 
  • #78
DaveC426913 said:
Don't need to. Individual customization is already available. Users have control over their own browsers if they want to change their own settings. (A couple of members have made this point.)

The point is: when a site sets their default state, do they cater to those who already have excellent vision and ideal viewing conditions, or do they cater to them and a wider audience?

It's a little like ramps into street front stores. Steps are usable only by those who can step. Ramps can be used by everyone. Do you cater to the mobile, and tell those who are less mobile to just carry their own ramps around with them?
Agreed 100%. The default state should be underlined. If people do not want underlined, they can go into the settings.

Plus, if a person decides to use blue text, how can one know if a hyperlink is inserted? Actually, if you want to mess with the forums, set your text color as blue.
 
  • #79
AlexB23 said:
Actually, if you want to mess with the forums, set your text color as blue.
Most likely the helpful Mentors would notice and reset the font color to default. (And they would maybe send a friendly DM asking the user not to do that...) :smile:
 
  • #80
AlexB23 said:
The default state should be underlined.
That is a fine personal opinion to have. My personal opinion is the opposite.
 
  • #81
berkeman said:
Most likely the helpful Mentors would notice and reset the font color to default. (And they would maybe send a friendly DM asking the user not to do that...) :smile:
Haha, true. Thank you for keeping our site running smoothly.

Dale said:
That is a fine personal opinion to have. My personal opinion is the opposite.
Hey, that is the beauty of life. We all have different opinions. I respect yours.
 
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  • #82
Dale said:
Does it meet the AA level requirement?
It meets A level. Just.

1756489193108.webp



I have not actually found any guidelines about body text v. link text contrast for AA level.

I find guidelines about body text v. link text contrast for A level (3.0:1).
I find guidelines about background v. link text contrast for AA level (4.5:1).
But not both simultaneously.
 
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  • #83
Are you sure you want to open the accessibility can of worms?

Because it's a pretty big can...

1756491986300.webp
 
  • #84
DaveC426913 said:
Are you sure you want to open the accessibility can of worms?
Greg will have to make that choice. I was just asking.

As far as I can tell, government sites in the US will be required to implement AA standards by 24 April 2026. Private sites are already required to be accessible, but no specific standard is mandated.