5 Ways Open Link New Tab

When navigating through the internet, it's common to come across links that you want to open in a new tab. This can be useful for comparing information, keeping a page open for later reference, or simply for multitasking. There are several ways to open a link in a new tab, and the method you choose often depends on your personal preference, the device you're using, and the browser you have installed. Here are five ways to open a link in a new tab across different devices and browsers.

Using Mouse or Trackpad

One of the most straightforward ways to open a link in a new tab is by using your mouse or trackpad. Most browsers support this feature, making it universally applicable across different devices. To do this, simply click on the link with your mouse while holding down the right button (for right-handed mice) or the control key (on Macs), or use the trackpad to right-click on the link. A context menu will appear, giving you the option to “Open link in new tab” or something similarly worded. Alternatively, you can also use the middle mouse button to click on the link, which directly opens the link in a new tab in many browsers.

Keyboard Shortcuts

For those who prefer keyboard shortcuts or find themselves working extensively on a laptop, using keyboard shortcuts can be more efficient. To open a link in a new tab using the keyboard, you can press the Ctrl key (on Windows) or the Command key (on Macs) while clicking on the link. This will automatically open the link in a new tab without needing to right-click. Another useful shortcut is pressing Ctrl + Shift + Click (Windows) or Command + Shift + Click (Mac), which opens the link in a new window instead of a tab.

Browser Settings

Some browsers allow you to set your preferences so that links open in new tabs by default. While this feature is not universally available across all browsers, checking your browser’s settings can reveal options related to how links are handled. For instance, in some browsers, you can find these settings under “Preferences” or “Settings” in sections related to tabs or browsing behavior. However, this method is less common and more dependent on the specific browser you’re using.

Using Browser Extensions

For users who frequently need to open multiple links at once or desire more control over how links are handled, browser extensions can provide a solution. There are several extensions available for popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge that can automatically open links in new tabs or provide customizable link-handling options. These extensions can be particularly useful for researchers, developers, or anyone who needs to multitask extensively while browsing the internet.

Mobile Devices

On mobile devices, the process of opening a link in a new tab is slightly different due to the touchscreen interface. Typically, you can long press on a link, and a menu will pop up giving you the option to open the link in a new tab. The exact steps can vary depending on the browser app you’re using and the device’s operating system. For example, in Safari on iOS, long pressing a link will show a preview of the link’s content, and from there, you can choose to open it in a new tab. On Android devices, the process is similar, with long pressing a link in browsers like Chrome or Firefox providing options to open the link in a new tab or window.

In conclusion, opening links in new tabs is a fundamental aspect of internet browsing that can significantly enhance your productivity and multitasking capabilities. Whether you prefer using your mouse, keyboard shortcuts, browser settings, browser extensions, or the long press method on mobile devices, there's a method suited to your browsing habits and preferences. By mastering these techniques, you can navigate the web more efficiently and make the most out of your browsing experience.