We are often asked whether we can program a list of documents on our website, e.g. forms or similar, so that they open in the same or in a new window or tab.
The implementation itself is super simple, just give the corresponding <a>-tag, simply add the attribute target="_blank" (see e.g. MDN). But the real question is: Does it make sense to open a new window/tab every time?
The short answer
In the same tab is usually better! Why? Here are the most important points:
1. the golden rule for links on the website
- External links (e.g. to other websites): Can be opened in a new tab.
- Internal links (these are links that remain on the same website): Please leave them in the same tab - it's clearer and better for humans and machines. Why?
- As always, there are exceptions...
2. why PDFs in new tabs are not a good idea in most cases
🛑 Pop-up alarm! Some browsers are set up in such a way that they think: "Attention, advertising!" when PDFs appear in new windows and simply block them - without warning. Too bad for your form if the user then thinks: "Not working, broken page" 😤. According to WebAIM block 37% the user pop-ups by default - and often don't even realize it.
📑 Tab chaos: You have a whole list of PDFs to view. If you now want to read several PDFs, you suddenly have ten open tabs - and can no longer find anything.
♿ 3. accessibility is not a nice-to-have. New windows (tabs) without warning are like an unannounced room change for blind users. "Where am I? How do I get back?
🔎 4. google hates it! SEO fact: Google prefers pages that don't send users into tab hell. The recipe: Simpler navigation = better rankings, see Google's Developer Guide
5. are there any exceptions?
As always, there are exceptions. This is always the case when you have several PDFs for which it makes sense to compare them openly. Example: You offer a property on a website and have 10 different floor plans. In this case, it makes sense to open this PDF on the desktop PC in several tabs, then it is easier to jump back and forth between the floor plans (tabs) and compare the rooms.
Conclusion: Keep it simple!
➡️ Link your PDF in the same tab - then there will be no pop-up problems, no tab flood and most users will thank you for it.
Pro Tip: If you really need several PDFs, you can open them in new tabs yourself (right-click → "Open in new tab"). 🚀
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