Term
Anchor Link
Definition
An anchor link is a type of hyperlink that takes you to a specific part of the same webpage when clicked. It's useful for organizing large pages into digestible sections, making navigation quicker and more intuitive.
Where you’ll find it
Anchor links can be found throughout web design in various settings, particularly in the content or HTML editor of a web design platform. They are commonly used across all types of templates and are supported by virtually all web design platforms.
Common use cases
- Creating a table of contents on pages with extensive content, allowing users to click and jump straight to the section they are interested in.
- Enabling quick navigation in one-page websites, where different sections of the site like About, Contact, and Services can be reached without scrolling.
- Improving user experience by providing direct links to important parts of long blog posts or articles.
Things to watch out for
- Ensuring that the anchor points are set correctly in the HTML code to correspond with the specific sections intended for quick access.
- Avoiding overuse on short pages where it isn't necessary, as it can complicate navigation.
- Remembering to update or reconfigure anchor links if the structure of the webpage changes, as old links may not point to the correct section anymore.
Related Terms
- Hyperlink
- Table of Contents (TOC)
- URL
- Navigation
- One-page Website