Links in New Windows or Your Current Window?
In another internal office debate at Imulus we are debating whether or not most users like external content links to open in an "New Browser Window" or the "Same Window"?
Most of our clients would prefer we design our sites to pop-up new windows for external links. We know advanced users will often select to open external links in "New Browser Windows" but we are wondering what everyone else prefers?
Clarification added February 18, 2009:
Specifically, I'm looking for your personal like or dislike when browsing sites, not so much from a development perspective. I say this because I think there is a discrepancy between what is advised for clients and what is 'good user-experience'
Good Answers (1)
Alex J.
Database and Web Developer at Center for International Development and Conflict Management (CIDCM)
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Usability testing shows that most users expect links to open in the same window (and same tab). This is related to people's use of the back button, which remains the "go to" control for most users. By throwing users into a new window -- or even a new tab -- you break their expectations. See particularly usability expert Jakob Nielsen on this point (it's number 9 on his list of Top Ten Mistakes in Web Design).
Links:
More Answers (22)
Jamie F.
Junior Content Creator (Junior Marketing Assistant) at Interactive Marketing and Consulting Services (IM@CS)
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New Browser Window. It makes life easier.
How about a compromise. Open the link in a new tab in the same window.
Mick
Philip C.
Instructor at Tacoma Community College
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I always have links open in a new window. Tabs would work but could be easily missed, user might think its opening in the same window. A new window allows the user to close the window when they're done and easily go back to your site... unless you don't want them to return, in which case you can open the link in the same window.
Blake I.
Business Web Strategist at LimeCuda
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I used to think that opening in a new window/tab was the way to go as the user will still have your site open and can easily come back to it.
However, the main argument against that is, it does something the user is not expecting. You are in effect trying to hold the user captive to your site and not trusting that they will come back (through the back button or otherwise).
Many users now middle click or ctrl click to open links in new windows anyways.
I now usually let the user decide and just let clicked links open naturally. People don't like surprises when browsing.
Most usability experts agree (see first link).
Links:
I read somewhere, and I'm sorry I don't remember where, that good web etiquette is to have external links open in the same window unless you've stated the link will open in a new window.
I'm guessing that your clients wish to have external links open in a new window is to up the time spent on their site and it's still up in the background waiting to be browsed again. I believe the time spent on a particular web page increased page rank in the search engines... but I could be wrong.
On an aside, I agree with Mike, but I'm a tabs browser. The tabs feature will grow in popularity as its a relatively new technology.
I definitely prefer to have external links open in a new window or tab. This allows the main site to stay open for as long as the user wants and then they can explore the external site at will.
I try to base this on how I use the internet. If I find a link I like, I might not stay on it long if I go to another site in the same window. Then I have to search through my history to try to find that site I liked...if I can remember enough details to find it.
Just adds a little "sitcky-ness" to the original site, in my opinion.
Ochre M.
Media Solutions in B2B arena with products in Print, Web, includes Automotive, Plastics, Defence, Healthcare, Pharma
Yeah, opening a external links in a new window or a new tab , because it will be easy to the user to check the things and completes the tasks easily and technically also worth, provides huge advantages.
have a look on this site. http://sites.ochre-media.com, for more information
Links:
Clarification added February 17, 2009:
see other websites also
I actually agree with Blake and Nicholas in that letting the visitor decide whether or not to open a new window is the way to go. If you don't have this option (i.e. when a client insists on opening links in a new window), at least let the visitor know this is going to happen in some way.
Andrew W M.
Founder, Digital Tsunami "Communications Evolution"
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For 12 years, we have always generated a new window for external sites and PDFs, and opened internal pages within the same window.
The alternative is to 'send the visitor away' from the site, and we do not believe this is respectful to the brand.
Dave S.
Freelance software developer specializing in Perl/C/Linux development
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Same window is the default behaviour and what users will typically expect, so I'd say that's the best general practice.
Your clients are, of course, worried about "sending traffic away", but there seems to be a growing consensus in the design community that this doesn't matter. If your site provides value to visitors (and one of the ways to provide value is by helping them find additional resources!), then they'll come back on their own whether you "trap" them or not. If it doesn't, then they'll just close the window anyhow.
Personally, I really don't care which way you do it, just so long as you use proper HTML links instead of wrapping them in JavaScript. Using regular links (regardless of their target) allows users to control how they open - I always ctrl-click and have Firefox set to treat "open in new window" as "open in new tab", so I get all regular links in new tabs - but JavaScript-based links rob users of that control.
Irune I.
PHP Developer (Contract) at RUSH Hair Ltd
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For me it depends on the type of link... As a general rule of thumb:
If it's an internal page, then same window.
If it's an external resource in the middle of an article (for example, a reference in the middle of a blog post) in a new window (as I expect the user to keep on reading the article and the reference in paralel).
If it's a location I'd expect the user would want to go since he's done with the contents on my page then on the same page again. For example, the blogroll links or related posts from other sources at the bottom of an article.
Hope this helps :)
James G.
Head of Web Technology at IPC Media
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i agree with the previous post - internal links, same window; external in new window
Commercially speaking, opening external links in a new window will ensure that your site is getting the maximum "time on site" per visitor, as well as easing navigation back the source site.
If the new site opens in the same window, it may be difficult to the visitor to return to you and you may lose some valuable PIs
Gideon R.
Non-executive Director at Always on Message
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Hi George
New tab would be my choice.
I agree with Andrew W M.
I also think that Irune Itoiz gave an excellent answer.
Karen E. L.
Currently temping as Administrative Assistant - seeking permanent position.
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I've been a Firefox user since version 0.something and it is so natural for me to right click and choose New Tab that I forget it could be otherwise.
I like links to open in new tabs
In a new window if it is taking the user to a different URL. Always.
Susan W.
Director of Campaign Management & Creative at Goodway Group
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Hi George,
I always prefer a pop-up window. It's taking me on a different path, and if I get into it, then want to go back to where I originally came from I'd have to hit "back" way too many times. :)
I prefer that the external content links open in new browser windows/tab
Here is a situation:
Daily I go through many blogs/news sites that contain articles with external content links.
I'm a student, so I live at a dorm, which has "blessed" me with a "fast" internet connection.(a really, really slow one)
If the external content links open in the same window - first i have to wait for the external link to load and usually after i have visited that link i want to return to the original page, so after i click back the browser has to load that again. For me it takes time to load.
I would say external links should be opened in a new browser window/tab.
External link in a new tab is the best invention since sliced bread! :)
