Skip Link
A skip link is a link that lets users bypass repeated content and move directly to an important area of the page, usually the main content.
It commonly appears at or near the beginning of the page's keyboard focus order.
What It Means in Practice
Without a skip link, someone using keyboard navigation may need to tab through the entire site header and navigation every time they open a new page.
A Skip to main content link lets them bypass those repeated controls.
It may remain visually hidden until it receives keyboard focus.
How It Works
A skip link points to a target elsewhere on the page, commonly the main content region.
When activated, it moves navigation to that destination so the user can continue from there.
Skip links work alongside good semantic HTML and landmarks rather than replacing them.
Why It Matters
Repeated navigation that takes one glance or mouse movement for one person may require dozens of keyboard actions for someone else.
Bypassing that repeated content makes navigation faster and less physically demanding.
Common Problems
Common issues include:
- No way to bypass a large navigation block
- Skip links that are permanently hidden visually
- Links whose target does not receive focus correctly
- Targets that no longer exist after template changes
- Multiple skip mechanisms that create unnecessary complexity
How to Improve
Place a clear skip link early in the page.
Make sure it becomes visible when focused, points to the correct destination, and works during real keyboard navigation.