There’s a common debate among web developers and UX designers: when is it appropriate for links to open in a new window or tab? Some argue it enhances user experience by preventing them from losing their place. Others say it’s intrusive, forcing behavior that should remain under the user’s control. Personally, I believe links should only open in a new window in rare, specific cases, adhering to the latest accessibility standards outlined by the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
Let’s dive into why letting users control their browsing experience should be the priority and debunk some myths about forcing links to open in new tabs.
The Case for Letting Users Decide
When users browse the web, they expect to be in control. They know how to right-click on a link or use keyboard shortcuts like “Command + Click” or “Ctrl + Click” to open a link in a new tab if they choose. Forcing a link to open in a new window removes this sense of control, and it’s one of those decisions that feels unnecessary.
From a usability perspective, there’s strong evidence that users prefer to make this choice themselves. Research from usability expert Jakob Nielsen indicates that unexpected behavior (like a new tab opening) breaks the user’s mental model of how the web works. If users want a new tab, they’ll open it. Forcing them into one can be disorienting.
WCAG Guidelines: Accessibility Comes First
The WCAG 2.1 standards, specifically 3.2.5 (Change on Request), address the issue of context changes that occur without user initiation. Opening a link in a new tab or window qualifies as a context change because it shifts the user’s focus, often unexpectedly. For people who use screen readers or keyboard navigation, this disruption can be especially confusing. A screen reader user might not even realize that a new window has opened, leading to frustration as they try to orient themselves within an unfamiliar browsing environment.
The most recent WCAG 2.2 specifications continue to prioritize user control. They reinforce the principle that changes in context—like automatically opening a new window—should only happen when it’s clear and communicated to the user. Otherwise, it should be avoided.
In an inclusive web experience, every user interaction should be predictable. By adhering to the latest WCAG guidelines, we ensure that our websites are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
Common Myths About Forcing Links to Open in a New Tab
There are several myths floating around about why links should open in a new window or tab. Let’s dispel some of the most common misconceptions.
Myth 1: Opening a Link in a New Window Keeps Users on Your Site
This is a myth driven by fear that users won’t come back if they navigate away. But forcing links to open in new tabs doesn’t keep users engaged—it can actually frustrate them. Users will decide for themselves whether or not they want to return to your site. Making navigation more difficult for them won’t change that.
When users are ready to return to your site, they know how to hit the back button or open a new tab. Trust them to manage their experience.
Myth 2: It Improves User Experience by Preventing Users From Losing Their Place
This myth suggests that opening a new tab is doing users a favor by saving their spot. The reality is, it often disorients them. Some users will get lost when tabs proliferate, especially those who aren’t power users accustomed to navigating across multiple tabs. Instead of making assumptions, let them decide how they want to manage their browsing.
Myth 3: Opening External Links in a New Tab Is Necessary for SEO
Some people believe that forcing external links to open in a new tab somehow benefits SEO or keeps users from leaving the site. This simply isn’t true. Opening links in new tabs has no impact on SEO, and in fact, may have the opposite effect on user experience. Offering an intuitive, accessible browsing experience should always be prioritized over outdated ideas about SEO.
Myth 4: Opening Forms or Downloads in New Tabs Is Good UX
While there are cases where it’s useful to keep a form or download open in the background, this doesn’t apply across the board. In fact, opening forms in new windows can disrupt the natural flow of a user’s journey. If a form submission leads to an entirely new page, that’s expected. But when you force users into a new tab mid-task, it interrupts their focus and can be jarring.
Again, it comes back to user control. Let users decide if they want to keep the form open in another tab. If they do, they’ll make that choice.
When Is It Acceptable to Open a Link in a New Window?
There are only a few situations where opening links in a new window makes sense:
- Forms in Progress: If a user is filling out a form, and they click on a link that takes them to a different page, it might make sense to open that link in a new tab. This ensures they don’t lose their form data or progress, which would otherwise lead to frustration.
- Non-Web Content (e.g., PDFs or Large Files): When a link opens a non-web document, like a PDF, some users might find it helpful for this to open in a new tab. This way, they can view the file while continuing their browsing session on the main site.
Even in these cases, best practices must be followed. Always provide a clear indication that a new tab will open. Use text like “opens in a new tab” next to the link or include an icon that visually indicates this behavior.
Communicating Clearly with Users
The key to providing a positive experience, even in cases where a new tab is appropriate, is transparency. Don’t assume users will just know or that they’ll be fine with a new window popping up. Always give them a heads-up.
For example, a well-crafted link label could look like this:<a href="URL" target="_blank" aria-label="This link opens in a new tab">Download the PDF (opens in a new tab)</a>
This way, both sighted users and those using screen readers will be informed of the behavior before they click. It’s a simple adjustment that enhances the overall accessibility of your site.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision to open links in a new window should be rare. Letting users manage their own browsing experience aligns with the most up-to-date WCAG accessibility standards and promotes a more user-friendly web. Trust users to navigate the web on their terms. You’ll build a more honest, respectful relationship with them as a result.
Avoid falling for the myths surrounding new window behavior, and remember: if you must open a link in a new window, be transparent and communicate clearly.
By prioritizing accessibility, user control, and transparency, we create a better internet—one that’s easier to navigate and more respectful of users’ autonomy.