Color · WCAG 2.0 Level A
Links must be distinguishable without relying on color
Ensure links are distinguished from surrounding text in a way that does not rely on color.
What it means
The link-in-text-block rule flags elements that fail this check. It maps to WCAG success criterion 1.4.1.
Who it affects
People with low vision or color vision deficiencies, and anyone reading in bright light.
How to fix it
Links inside text must be distinguishable without color: underline them, or give them 3:1 contrast with surrounding text plus a non-color cue on hover and focus.
p a { text-decoration: underline; }Check it on your site
Run a free scan. If this rule fails, the results list the affected elements. Deque, which maintains axe-core, also documents this rule in detail: Deque University: link-in-text-block.
Quick answers
What does the axe rule "link-in-text-block" check?
Ensure links are distinguished from surrounding text in a way that does not rely on color.
How do I fix "Links must be distinguishable without relying on color"?
Links inside text must be distinguishable without color: underline them, or give them 3:1 contrast with surrounding text plus a non-color cue on hover and focus.
Who is affected by link-in-text-block failures?
People with low vision or color vision deficiencies, and anyone reading in bright light.
Automated accessibility scan. Results are informational and may not identify every accessibility issue. This service is not legal advice, a compliance certification, or a substitute for comprehensive manual accessibility testing.