How to fix nested link warnings

In this guide, we explain what nested links are, why they cause issues, and how to resolve the warnings they generate in Framer.

What are nested links?

A nested link occurs when one link is placed inside another. Since browsers don’t support this, Framer displays warnings when nested links are detected.

Examples of warnings:

  • This layer’s parent already contains a layer with a link. Unset it to fix this issue.

  • Nested link detected on layer About due to layer Header

How do nested links happen?

Common causes of nested links include:

  • Adding a link to a layer and then inserting text with additional links.

  • Adding a link to a layer and then embedding a smart component that contains its own links.

how to fix nested link warnings

When you see a warning, it will highlight both the inner and outer links:

  • The warning panel indicates the inner link, and the “See layer” option directs you to the outer link.

  • “On layer” refers to the inner link, while “Parent layer” denotes the outer link.

Steps to fix nested link warnings

  1. Identify the links: Use the warning to locate the problematic links.

  2. Remove one of the links: Usually, it’s better to remove the outer link.

  3. Restructure your design: Ensure links are no longer nested.

The Optimization Error in the Settings.

Immediate editor warning

In simple cases, Framer detects nested links immediately and prevents you from publishing until the issue is fixed:

  • This layer’s parent already contains a layer with a link. Unset it to fix this issue.

Post-publishing optimization warning

In more complex cases (e.g., CMS content with links, components with fixed links, or overrides introducing links), Framer may detect nested links only after publishing:

/page

  • [warning] Nested link detected on layer About due to layer Header

What happens:

  • Framer automatically removes the nested link and replaces it with a placeholder.

  • Limitations of the placeholder:

    • Not recognized by search engines.

    • Doesn’t support long-press (on phones) or right-click (on computers).

    • Reduced accessibility.

Recommendation: Fix the nested link manually to improve user experience and SEO.

Older warnings

In projects edited before November 2024, you might see older-style optimization warnings:

The old “nested links” warnings in the Settings.

How to resolve:

  1. Locate the referenced page or component.

  2. Edit the page/component and republish the site.

  3. This won’t eliminate the warning but will update it to the newer format, making it easier to address.

Still experiencing the issue after following the steps above? Create a support ticket in the Community.