# `<linktext>`

The `<linktext>` element provides the literal label or line of text for a link. For links to local DITA topics, the text of a link can typically be resolved during processing. Use the `<linktext>` element only when the target cannot be reached, such as when it is a peer or external link, or when the target is local but not in DITA format. When used inside a topic, `<linktext>` is used as the text for the specified link; when used within a map, `<linktext>` is used as the text for generated links that point to the specified topic.

Category: Related links elements