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How to add anchor links to Confluence Cloud pages
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How to add anchor links to Confluence Cloud pages

A headshot of Simon Kirrane
Simon Kirrane
15th April, 2024
3 min read
A large anchor on a stylised background
A headshot of Simon Kirrane
Simon Kirrane
15th April, 2024
3 min read
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What are Confluence anchor links?
How to add anchors to a page in Confluence Cloud
Best practices for Confluence anchor links

Finding the information you need on long pages can be a chore. Here’s how you can make page navigation easier, for both you and other users.

When it comes to creating guides or informative posts, you want to make sure that you don’t leave out any helpful information. But long posts can be hard for users to navigate, especially if they’re coming back to check one specific thing.

Fear not! Confluence Cloud has just the thing: Confluence anchor links.


What are Confluence anchor links?

Anchors are markers within a page that allow users to navigate directly to specific sections or content. They help users find relevant information quickly, especially in lengthy documents or knowledge bases.
A GIF of a user clicking an anchor link to take them to a particular section of a Confluence page
Anchors are useful for creating a table of contents, linking to specific sections within a page, or referencing content from other pages.


How to add anchors to a page in Confluence Cloud

1. Navigate to your Confluence page and press e on your keyboard to enter Edit mode.

2. Place your cursor at the location where you want to insert the anchor. Then, start typing the anchor shortcut (/anchor) and click on the macro.
A screenshot of the Anchor macro in Confluence
3. A sidebar will appear prompting you to enter a name for the anchor. Type a descriptive name and press X to close the sidebar. This name will be used to reference the anchor later.
A screenshot of the Anchor macro in Confluence, with a box for the user to input an anchor name
4. Go to where you want to link the section to and highlight the text. Then click the hyperlink button in the toolbar and type a hash key (#) followed immediately by your Anchor Name. For example, ours would be #introduction.
A GIF of a user linking an anchor in Confluence
Note: Hyperlinks are case sensitive, so remember to type your anchor name exactly as you originally wrote it.

5. Press Publish or Update in the top-right corner to try the anchor out on your Confluence page. That’s it!

Best practices for Confluence anchor links

To make the most out of anchors and ensure they effectively improve usability, consider implementing the following best practices:

  • Establish a consistent naming convention for anchors across your Confluence Cloud spaces. Clear and descriptive names not only facilitate easier identification but also contribute to a more organised and intuitive navigation experience for users.

  • Carefully consider the placement of anchors within your pages to optimise user engagement and accessibility. Strategically placing anchors at the beginning of key sections or headings allows users to navigate directly to relevant content with ease.

  • Regularly test anchors within your Confluence Cloud pages to ensure they function as intended across different browsers and devices. Conduct thorough validation checks to verify that anchor links accurately direct users to the specified content without any disruptions.

  • Prioritise accessibility by ensuring that anchor links are easily identifiable and navigable for all users, including those utilising assistive technologies. Incorporate descriptive text to boost accessibility.

Anchors give users a simple yet effective way to improve navigation and user experience. By harnessing the full potential of anchors in Confluence Cloud, organisations can help foster productivity and collaboration across teams.

Improve your Confluence page structure

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Written by
A headshot of Simon Kirrane
Simon Kirrane
Senior Content Marketing Manager
With a 20-year career in content marketing, Simon has represented a range of international brands. His current specialism is the future of work and work management. Simon is skilled at launching content pipelines, establishing powerful brands, and crafting innovative content strategies.

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