Creating Clickable Text in ReactJS with React Router: A Complete Guide (2026)

ReactJS provides a powerful way to build dynamic web applications. A common requirement is making text clickable so that it redirects users to different parts of your app. This is particularly important for creating intuitive navigation in SPA (Single Page Applications). In this guide, we'll learn how to make text clickable using React Router, a popular library for routing in React applications.

Key Takeaways

• Learn to integrate React Router into a ReactJS project.
• Create clickable text that navigates to specific components.
• Understand the use of Link and NavLink for navigation.
• Explore common errors and troubleshooting tips.
• Utilize version-specific features of React Router (v6, 2026).

In this comprehensive tutorial, you will discover how to implement clickable text using React Router, guiding you through setting up routes and linking components. This technique improves user experience by enabling seamless navigation between different sections of your application. Whether you're directing users to a dashboard or an about page, clickable text is a vital element of modern web apps.

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of ReactJS (version 18.0 or later)
• Node.js and npm installed on your machine
• Familiarity with JavaScript ES6 syntax

Step 1: Set Up React Router

To begin, ensure that your React project is set up. If not, create a new project using Create React App:

npx create-react-app my-app

Navigate to the project directory:

cd my-app

Next, install React Router:

npm install react-router-dom@6

This command installs React Router version 6, which includes several new features and improvements from previous versions.

Step 2: Configure the Router

With React Router installed, you need to set it up in your App.js file. Import the necessary components and wrap your application with BrowserRouter:

import React from 'react';
import { BrowserRouter as Router, Routes, Route } from 'react-router-dom';
import Home from './components/Home';
import About from './components/About';
import Dashboard from './components/Dashboard';

function App() {
  return (
    
      
        
          } />
          } />
          } />
        
      
    
  );
}

export default App;

In this setup, we define routes for the home, about, and dashboard pages. Each route specifies a path and the component that should render when that path is accessed.

Step 3: Create Clickable Text Using Link

To make text clickable, use the Link component from React Router. This component replaces traditional anchor tags and allows navigation without reloading the page:

import { Link } from 'react-router-dom';

function Navigation() {
  return (
    
      
        
          Home
        
        
          About
        
        
          Dashboard
        
      
    
  );
}

export default Navigation;

The Link component ensures smooth navigation by leveraging the SPA architecture, preventing full-page reloads and optimizing performance.

Step 4: Use NavLink for Active Links

NavLink is similar to Link but provides additional styling options for the active state. This is useful for highlighting the current page:

import { NavLink } from 'react-router-dom';

function Navigation() {
  return (
    
      
        
          Home
        
        
          About
        
        
          Dashboard
        
      
    
  );
}

export default Navigation;

In React Router v6, the activeClassName has been replaced with className as a function that determines the active state.

Common Errors/Troubleshooting

• Error: Cannot find module 'react-router-dom': Make sure you installed the correct version with npm install react-router-dom@6.
• Page not found error: Verify that the paths in your routes and Link/NavLink components match.
• Active link styling not working: Ensure that your CSS correctly targets the class added by NavLink.

By following these steps, you can effectively create clickable text that enhances navigation within your React application. This approach leverages the power of React Router to maintain a dynamic, responsive user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I install React Router in my project?

Use the command npm install react-router-dom@6 to install React Router v6.

Why use Link instead of a regular anchor tag?

The Link component prevents a full-page reload, optimizing SPA performance.

What is the difference between Link and NavLink?

NavLink provides additional styling capabilities for active links, unlike Link.