Component Library

New Window

Issue Description

Displaying new windows without warning can be confusing to non-sighted, mobile, and screen reader users. Mobile devices give little indication a new tab or window has opened. Opening a new window or new tab can cause confusion for users who may not notice that this has happened.

Recommendation

Notify the user when links will open new windows or tabs

  • Avoid specifying a new window as the target of a link with target="_blank".
  • If you cannot avoid displaying a new window, insert a warning into the link text like the following: "opens in a new window".

https://accessibility.oit.ncsu.edu/it-accessibility-at-nc-state/developers/accessibility-handbook/mouse-and-keyboard-events/links/links-and-new-windows/