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External links | Open in a new window vs. same window

Is a good practice for web designers and bloggers to force users to open external links in a new, blank, window?

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1 reason for

Web designers can decide whether or not force to open external in new windows

  1. martinwaiss [2] opinó:
    # 13 Oct 2008

    There are many reasons pro & contra.

    I normally use to open all Links – external either – in the same window, trusting in surfers being able to use the Browser-Back-Button to return to the page they came from…

    I do normally open any links with the right-mouse button to get the choice opening the link in a new tab or window, depends on, what it is, how am I going to interact with this page and on how many tabs there are already open in that window.

    Anyway, if there is a clear, obvious identification / labeling of external links opening in a new window, I have no problem with that.

    I think the main reason of this discussion is to prevent the surfers from unexpected surprises and possible security issues, when every page opens new tabs, pages, pop ups, pop downs, etc.

    So I think, both ways are OK, but I’d open links automated in a new window only if they are accordingly identified, so the reader / guest won’t be surprised, about what’s happening with his browser…

    Greetings from Vienna,
    Martin

1 reason for

Web designers should never force to open external in new windows

  1. Anonymous opinó:
    # 28 Apr 2009

    I like external links to open in a new page because I don’t think a lot of users understand web navigation. And I want my page in front of their face as long as possible.