Pagination links let readers visit earlier, later, or numbered pages in a collection. They are navigation, so group them in a nav region. The important question is always where the link leads and whether the person reading the page can predict it.
What You Need to Know
The current page should be indicated with aria-current="page". Disabled or missing previous/next links need thoughtful handling at the ends of a collection.
Example: See It in Action
This example keeps the idea small. Copy it carefully, then follow the explanation instead of guessing what the browser will do.
This is a short HTML fragment. To try it as a webpage, put it inside the body element of a complete HTML document.
<nav aria-label="Pages">
<a href="articles-1.html">Previous</a>
<a href="articles-2.html" aria-current="page">2</a>
<a href="articles-3.html">Next</a>
</nav>Let’s Understand the Example
- An a element becomes a working link when it has an href. Its visible text should tell readers where they will go.
- Nav identifies a major collection of navigation links.
- Aria-label supplies an accessible name when a visible label is unavailable or inadequate.
- Href contains the destination of a link. A value starting with # points to an id on the same page.
- Aria-current identifies the current item in a set, such as the current page in navigation.
The first example link points to articles-1.html. Check whether that destination exists relative to the document. A link changes where readers go; it does not perform an action such as saving a form.
What Should You See?
You should see a link named “Previous”. Selecting it leads to articles-1.html when that destination exists. Try it with the mouse and the keyboard.
Imagine this link is read out of context. Would its text still explain the destination? Rename unclear links before trying to make them look nicer with CSS.
Try It Yourself
- Build a first-page version with no Previous link.
- Save your changes, open or refresh the page, and compare the result with the original example.
- Tell a friend what your change did. If you are not sure, undo it, refresh the page, and compare.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Using a disabled-looking link that still takes visitors to an invalid page.
- Avoid dead links, empty href values and clickable-looking text without a real destination.
Key Takeaways
- Pagination links let readers visit earlier, later, or numbered pages in a collection.
- An a element becomes a working link when it has an href. Its visible text should tell readers where they will go.
- The current page should be indicated with aria-current="page". Disabled or missing previous/next links need thoughtful handling at the ends of a collection.