Objectives: In this module the student will

1. create text links
2. create e-mail links
3. set anchors and create links to anchors
4. create graphic links (buttons) and navigation bars
5. check web pages for broken or missing links
6. update changed links.

Dw offers its users multiple and varied ways to accomplish the same tasks. Creating links is a prime example of this. Although it is possible to key in the URL for links in your site, it is also possible -- and faster -- simply to drag them from your folder to the document. That's just one method of linking we'll practice in this module. Which one is best? The one that's easiest for you to use and understand, of course.

link

Also called hyperlink, a link may be text or graphic. Text links traditionally appear as a blue, underlined phrase, though there are many variations in style. A graphic link may or may not have a blue border around it. The cursor turns into a pointing hand when it passes over a link. The HTML that creates a link is <A HREF="document.html">Clickable text</A>.

relative link

When a link goes to a document in the same site or folder, it doesn't require the full address. It can usually be done with the file name, such as "index.html," or a folder and file name, such as "two/read2.html." It's called "relative" because the address is given as the document relates to the current page. The links at the top and bottom of this page are all written as relative links.

URL

Also called Web address, URL stands for uniform resource locator. The URL for this page is http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/advwebdesign/two/. When entering a URL, use Copy & Paste whenever possible.

absolute link

When a link goes to a document outside the server, the complete URL of the new document must be included, like the example in the definition for URL above. This is called an absolute link.

internal link/external link

An internal link leads from one part of a page or document to another part of the same page. A common application of this is "Return to top." Long pages benefit from a page index that allows the reader to select a specific portion of the page from its contents. An external link leads to another document, either on the same site (a relative link) or to another site on another server (an absolute link).

anchor

An anchor is used to create an internal link. The anchor is invisible to the reader, but it allows you to link to a specific area of a page -- the point where you place the anchor. An anchor looks like this in HTML: <A NAME="text_name"> </A>.

image map

A graphic that has more than one link assigned to it is called an image map. Areas of the map are given coordinates which correspond with links.

rollover

Also called mouseover, rollover occurs when you place the cursor over a link or interactive page element of any kind. The link can be coded to respond to the rollover by changing color, showing a new graphic, or even playing a sound file. Look at this site, http://ferryhalim.com/orisinal/, for a very artistic use of rollover. Move your cursor over the images for the full effect.

When you have finished your work on this page, continue to Readings.