Key Takeaways
- Understanding the difference between a button and a link is essential for building accessible and usable websites.
- Links are meant for navigation, while buttons are designed for actions.
- Misusing elements breaks keyboard navigation and confuses screen readers.
- Native HTML elements should always be preferred over custom clickable components.
- Fixing these issues improves usability, accessibility, and WCAG compliance.
What Is a Button?
What Is a Link?
Button vs. Link: When to Use What
- Use a button when something happens on the same page.
- Use a link when the user is taken somewhere else.
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Aspect
- Button()
- Link ( <a>)
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Primary Purpose
Link - Used for navigation to another page, section, or downloadable resource.
Button - Used for actions like submitting forms, opening dialogs, toggling elements, or triggering interactions.
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Keyboard Behavior
Links activate only with Enter key.
Buttons activate with Enter key and Space bar.
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Typical Use Case
Buttons appear in forms, pop-ups, and interactive components.
Links appear in navigation menus and breadcrumbs.
Common Accessibility Problems to Avoid
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Using Links for Actions
- Do not use <a href="#"> for actions like submitting, saving, or expanding.
- Users expect links to navigate, not trigger behavior.
- Always use a form for actions.
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Using Buttons for Navigation
- Do not use <button> to move users to another page.
- Users expect buttons to act within the current page and not to change between pages.
- Always use a proper <a> element for navigation and style it if needed.
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Using <div> it <span> as a fake control
- Avoid making clickable <div> elements with JavaScript.
- These are not keyboard-friendly and are not recognized properly by screen readers.
- Always use semantic elements like <button> or <a>.
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Misusing ARIA to Fix Wrong Elements
- Do not rely on role="button" or role="link" to fix incorrect HTML.
- ARIA does not automatically provide correct behavior or keyboard support.
- Using the correct native element is always the better approach.
How Continual Engine’s Website Accessibility Services Can Help
- Audit websites to detect incorrect usage, such as links used for actions or buttons used for navigation.
- Replace improper elements with semantic HTML like <button> `<b>` and `<i>`.
- Ensure keyboard accessibility, focus visibility, and screen reader compatibility.
- Align websites with WCAG 2.2 compliance standards.
Make Your Website Accessible Today
Conclusion
FAQs
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What is the main difference between a button and a link?
A button performs an action on the current page, while a link is used for navigation. Assistive technologies treat them differently, and users expect different behaviors from each.
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When should I use a button instead of a link?
You should use a button instead of a link when the user’s location does not change, such as submitting a form, opening a modal, or toggling content.
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Is styling a link to look like a button accessible?
es, as long as the element remains a proper one <a> with a valid href. Only the visual styling can change, not the semantics.
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How do buttons and links behave differently for keyboard users?
Buttons activate using both Enter key and Space bar, while links activate using the Enter key. Additionally, buttons also integrate into form workflows.
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How do buttons and links behave differently for screen readers?
Screen readers identify them as different control types. Links appear in a “links list,” while buttons appear in a “buttons list,” helping users navigate efficiently.
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What WCAG criteria relate to buttons and links?
The key WCAG 2.2 compliance criteria for links and buttons include 2.1.1 Keyboard (everything operable via keyboard), 2.4.3 Focus Order and 2.4.7 Focus Visible, 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context), 2.5.3 Label in Name, 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value, plus 1.4.1/1.4.3/1.4.11 and 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum).
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How do I handle multiple “read more” links accessibly?
Each link should be distinguishable. You can either make the visible text unique or use accessible labels to provide context.
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Should links open in a new tab for accessibility?
Opening links in new tabs should be avoided unless necessary. If used, it should be clearly communicated to users.
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How can I quickly test if my buttons and links are accessible?
You can perform a simple check by navigating with a keyboard, verifying semantic HTML usage, and testing with a screen reader to confirm correct behavior.
