Why Are Hyperlinks Blue? (2021)
3 days ago
- #web-design
- #history
- #usability
- Hyperlinks are traditionally blue due to early web browser design choices, particularly by Mosaic in 1993.
- Mosaic's version 0.13 introduced blue hyperlinks for unvisited links and dark purple for visited links, setting a precedent.
- Before color monitors, hyperlinks were indicated with underlines or borders, not color.
- Windows 3.1 in 1992 used blue for interactive elements, influencing the adoption of blue for hyperlinks.
- Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer adopted blue hyperlinks, cementing the standard due to Mosaic's popularity.
- Blue was likely chosen not for accessibility reasons but due to trends in UI design and the increasing availability of color monitors.
- Modern web design considers accessibility, interactive states, and usability when choosing link colors, not just tradition.
- The blue hyperlink has become a cultural and functional standard, but alternatives are possible if they meet accessibility and usability standards.