Links to CDC Non-HTML Files

Non-HTML files include PDFs, Word documents, and PowerPoint presentations – anything that is not a “standard” web page and may require users to have additional plug-ins to access the content in the file. The use of non-HTML files to provide CDC content should be avoided. In most instances, the content contained within these files could and should be integrated into the WCMS to be managed and displayed as “standard” web content. This approach best supports accessibility, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and usability as well as consistent web management practices.

Style

If links to non-HTML Files are used, they must comply with the HHS Web Standard: Provide File Type and Size with Downloadable Files. This standard says that all links to files such as PDFs must have an indicator of the file type and one file detail such as file size, number of pages, or number of minutes. CDC also standardizes the display of icons to represent the file type so that users have an additional cue they are opening a file. Non-HTML links should allow wrapping within the text and between the file icon and detail so that these are always displayed together. The link color and underlining rules are the same as standard web content links within the content area and containers.

WCMS Support

If you are working in the WYSIWYG editor and you insert a hyperlink to a non-HTML file, the WCMS automatically includes the file type and size in the file properties, which are displayed per the HHS standard on the published page. In the hyperlink settings form, you may override this information as long as you adhere to the HHS Web standard (for example, to add a detail, such as the number of pages).

 

File Icons

File icons should be displayed with each non-HTML file link. This table shows the icons associated with each icon and the abbreviation that can be used in the text following the icon. These file icons automatically display for links in the RD Templates based on the file extension used in the link.

 

File Details

One File Detail such as file size, number of pages, or number of minutes must be added by content owners – the details are not automatically displayed. This text should be displayed in dark gray (404040) and contained in brackets as shown. This table shows the standard formats for each detail option.

 

Exceptions to Style

Some sites may need to display a long list of link to non-HTML files (20 or more) as in a table of many PDF documents. In these rare instances, you can set the Settings for each hyperlink to hide the file icon in order to avoid displaying so many redundant icons. This can be done using the noLinking class.

 

Behavior

Links to non-HTML files should open content in a new browser window to help prevent users from inadvertently closing the entire CDC site when they are finished using a document. This behavior should be the same for the link label and the file icon – both open the same target file in a new browser window. Non-HTML file links in the RD Templates automatically open in a new window.

 

Placement

If access to non-HTML files must be provided, links to these files should only be placed in the content area or in designed modules. They should not be placed in the Left Navigation, Navigation Buttons, Feature Players, Navigation Maps, or other features that support site navigation or promote specific content. If used in these areas, the link style may break the layout of the container or surrounding features. Navigation Maps will not automatically display the file icons due to design and layout limitations.

File Format Help

If links to non-HTML Files are used, they must comply with the HHS Web Standard: Plug-Ins for non-HTML Files. This standard says CDC must provide links to any readers or plug-ins necessary to access the content in non-HTML files.

CDC has a standard “File Formats Help” section to provide access to this information. This section should be displayed on every page containing a link to a non-HTML file. This section is automatically displayed in the RD Templates for non-HTML file link detected for each page.

The icons in this section will only display if the corresponding file type is linked on the page. For example, if the page only contained a link to a Word document, only the Word icon would be displayed in the section. The link in the File Formats Help section opens the “File Format used on CDC.gov” web page.