An external link can point to another website, but opening it in a new tab is a separate decision. If you force a new tab, tell the visitor. The important question is always where the link leads and whether the person reading the page can predict it.
What You Need to Know
Use natural visible labels and not only icons or hover messages. Let readers know what resource they will get when they activate the link.
Links are the pathways through a website. The words on a link should help someone choose where to go before clicking it.
Example: See It in Action
Try this markup in a fresh practice file. The next section explains the parts worth paying attention to.
This is a short HTML fragment. To try it as a webpage, put it inside the body element of a complete HTML document.
<a href="https://example.test/info" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
More information (opens in a new tab)
</a>
<p>Let people know when their browsing context will change.</p>Let’s Understand the Example
- An a element becomes a working link when it has an href. Its visible text should tell readers where they will go.
- A p groups a paragraph of related text. Start another paragraph for a new thought.
- Href contains the destination of a link. A value starting with # points to an id on the same page.
- Target chooses the browsing context where a link opens. Blank usually opens a new tab.
- Rel describes a relationship to the linked page or resource, including security and search hints.
The first example link points to https://example.test/info. Check whether that destination exists relative to the document. A link changes where readers go; it does not perform an action such as saving a form.
What Should You See?
You should see a link named “More information (opens in a new tab)”. Selecting it leads to https://example.test/info when that destination exists. Try it with the mouse and the keyboard.
Imagine this link is read out of context. Would its text still explain the destination? Rename unclear links before trying to make them look nicer with CSS.
Try It Yourself
- Add readable new-tab wording to a link label.
- Save your changes, open or refresh the page, and compare the result with the original example.
- Tell a friend what your change did. If you are not sure, undo it, refresh the page, and compare.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Relying on a title tooltip as the only warning that a new tab will open.
- Avoid dead links, empty href values and clickable-looking text without a real destination.
Key Takeaways
- An external link can point to another website, but opening it in a new tab is a separate decision.
- An a element becomes a working link when it has an href. Its visible text should tell readers where they will go.
- Use natural visible labels and not only icons or hover messages. Let readers know what resource they will get when they activate the link.