Force Hyperlinks to not be Underlined

[matthewamzn]

Is there any way to force a hyperlink not to be underlined, on a webpage where all links are underlined.

[DrDoc]

In your stylesheet, do this:

a {
text-decoration: none;
}

Not that you should, since this is extremely poor usability. Links should be underlined. Period.

[Robin_reala]

To a certain extent I agree with DrDoc, but if they‘re an extremely different background-color / color then that (I think) will also do.

[tedster]

I'm with you, Robin. I work with one client who absolutely REQUIRES that the provided content include lots of underlined words, in order to reproduce type-setting used in their books. They have a number of other not-so-webbie requirements, too.

OK, so that means I cannot underline links or else we create a major game of "confuse the visitor." What we've done, which seem to work pretty well, is make links bold and in an accent color, with a hover behavior that reverses the background/foreground colors.

That creates several areas of redundant clues that scream out "this is link" and the underlined words no longer look like they are links. At worst, one or to tries nd the visitor gets the idea, I think. At least there have not been any complaints, and the site stts look good.

[Robin_reala]

There’s a rather understated blog I read occasionally that has big very dark grey text on a white background. Links aren’t underlined, they’re given a hot pink background colour, which works really well.

[DrDoc]

"should", not "must" ;)

As long as the non-underlined link meets this criteria, you are fine: [w3.org...]

This may mean using bold or italicized text, a border, different font, or perhaps (if using only color) a background/font color which is contrasting enough. If the color difference is there when viewed in 16 colors, you should be fairly safe.

[DrDoc]

Oh, and one more thing ... However your links are marked up and styled, ensure that all links follow a common theme. Avoid styling certain links one way, and other links another.