HTML Anchor Tag

What is an HTML Anchor Tag?

The <a> tag (anchor tag) is used to create hyperlinks that link one page to another, go to external websites, jump to sections, or even send emails.


Syntax of Anchor Tag

<a href="URL">Link Text</a>

The href attribute defines the link destination.


HTML Anchor Tag Examples


External Link

<a href="https://www.google.com">Visit Google</a>

Internal Link (Another Page on Same Website)

<a href="about.html">Go to About Page</a>

Open Link in New Tab

<a href="https://www.wikipedia.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Open Wikipedia in New Tab</a>

Link to Email

<a href="mailto:example@example.com">Send Email</a>

Phone Call Link

<a href="tel:+1234567890">Call Us</a>

Anchor Link to Section (Jump Link)

First, you need a target with an id:

<h2 id="contact">Contact Section</h2>

Then link to it:

<a href="#contact">Jump to Contact Section</a>

Download a File

<a href="file.pdf" download>Download PDF</a>

Best Practices for <a> Tags

  • Always include title for accessibility
  • Use target="_blank" with rel="noopener noreferrer" for security
  • Make link text meaningful — avoid "Click Here"
  • Use descriptive text that indicates where the link goes
  • Ensure links have good color contrast for visibility
  • Consider adding visual indicators for external links