Adrian Roselli, pH0Mar 19, 2023

When linking to files include the file type and size in the text of the link.

Not as an icon, not as CSS generated content.

https://adrianroselli.com/2019/12/showing-file-types-in-links.html

On the socials, *always* announce if linking to a file.

https://adrianroselli.com/2019/12/showing-file-types-in-links.html

Showing File Types in Links

Links to files can be a surprise for users, especially those who cannot use, do not notice, or do not have the status bar to show a link destination. Some users may appreciate knowing a link points to a file, sometimes even a particular file. For links with the download…

Adrian Roselli
Show threadJed Miller
@aardrian I love this but have had many youngz say not to bother. Have others heard same? #usability #ux #bandwidth #pdf #webstandards
Mar 21, 2023 at 9:39pmWeb
Show threadAdrian Roselli, pH0Mar 21, 2023

@jedm Not to bother noting the document type and/or size?

My statements are a function of years of testing with (clients’) users, so I am not using anecdata — even if I cannot link to or reference specific studies (NDAs and the like).

Show threadJed MillerMar 21, 2023
@aardrian I am totally with you and appreciate that it's not anecdotal. And, no the people who have said unnecessary have said even the notice it's a PDF is unnecessary ... which is especially terrible UX for anyone on a slow connection.