nolink

Nolink is a term used in digital publishing to indicate that a particular term, phrase, or item should be rendered without a hyperlink. It is not a formal standard, but a convention used across various platforms to control when linking occurs and to avoid overlinking or link noise.

In wikis, content management systems, and text editors, nolink annotations help writers decide which terms should remain plain text. Some platforms implement nolink as an inline directive attached to the text; others rely on styling that prevents clicks or hides the link. The concept is often used to preserve readability, avoid linking to unhelpful or irrelevant pages, or maintain consistent presentation for proper nouns, brand names, or glossary terms.

Implementation varies by system. In HTML, a term can be shown with a span element bearing a class nolink and a corresponding CSS rule that disables linking or clickable behavior. If a term is originally an anchor tag, CSS or scripting may be used to disable pointer events or remove the link styling. In Markdown, writers may avoid converting the term into a link entirely or wrap it in code formatting. Some content management systems offer a nolink parameter in their link or template syntax to suppress automatic linking.

Effectiveness and accessibility considerations: nolink can reduce link fatigue and improve readability when used consistently, but it can also hinder navigation for users who rely on hyperlinks. Careful application and clear editorial guidelines help maintain both usability and accessibility.

See also: nofollow, overlinking, linkless, hyperlink, accessibility.