Opening Links: New Tab vs Same Tab

When adding links to your website, you can choose whether they open in a new browser tab or in the same tab. Both options are valid, but each creates a different user experience. Understanding when to use each setting can help ensure your website is easy to navigate and optimised for user engagement.

You can find guidance on how to apply the correct link type to your content within Showoff in this article: Controlling Link Behavior in the CMS.

🆕 Opening Links in a New Tab

Opening a link in a new tab means the user keeps their original page open while the new content loads separately.

Benefits

• Keeps users on your site: Ideal for external links, downloads, or anything that takes users away from your main content.

• Reduces navigation friction: Users can return to the original page without needing to press “Back”.

• Helpful for long forms or in-depth content: Prevents users losing their place if they need to check information elsewhere.

Cons

• Can clutter the browser: Too many tabs may confuse some users.

• Removes user choice: Some users prefer deciding for themselves whether a link opens in a new tab.

• Slight accessibility concerns: Screen readers may not always announce new tabs clearly unless configured well.

Best used for:

• External websites

• Document downloads

• Offsite resources

• Long processes where the user shouldn’t lose progress (e.g., forms)

📄 Opening Links in the Same Tab

Opening a link in the same tab means the user navigates away from the current page and loads new content in place of it.

Benefits

• Keeps navigation simple: Users stay within the same browsing flow.

• Reduces tab overload: Keeps the user’s browser tidy.

• More accessible by default: Works more predictably across assistive technologies.

Cons

• User may lose their place: Especially on long pages or forms if they navigate away accidentally.

• Not ideal for external resources: Encourages users to leave your website entirely.

Best used for:

• Internal links within your own website

• Navigation menus

• Links that are part of a natural browsing journey (e.g., “Next page”, “Read more”)

💡 Choosing the Right Option

Here’s a quick guideline to help you decide:

📝 Summary

Both opening in a new tab and the same tab are correct depending on the context. The key is to consider user behaviour, accessibility, and the desired journey.
Used thoughtfully, this small choice can greatly improve the user experience and keep visitors engaged with your site.