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Want to open links in a new tab not a new window.

  • 4 replies
  • 14 have this problem
  • 22 views
  • Last reply by Blinkyman

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When using a mouse I know I can middle click (wheel) and the web-link I am clicking will open in a new tab. I also know I can drag that link to the + sign on the tab bar and it will open. But while using the Keyboard only, when I want to open a webpage link in a new tab, it always opens in a new window, why?

I noticed while searching in Mozilla Support that hitting any box opens in a new tab ( this is the effect I want) why does this not happen on other webpages?

I may be answering my own question here but could it be the one 'NewsNow' website that is causing my problem?

When using a mouse I know I can middle click (wheel) and the web-link I am clicking will open in a new tab. I also know I can drag that link to the + sign on the tab bar and it will open. But while using the Keyboard only, when I want to open a webpage link in a new tab, it always opens in a new window, why? I noticed while searching in Mozilla Support that hitting any box opens in a new tab ( this is the effect I want) why does this not happen on other webpages? I may be answering my own question here but could it be the one 'NewsNow' website that is causing my problem?

Chosen solution

As I wrote above, that Tabs setting only applies to links that have a target window specified. You can right-click the link and check the code in the Inspector.

If there is an 'ev' button appended then this means that JavaScript events are tied to the link.

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The setting in Tools > Options > Tabs: "New pages should be opened in": "a new tab/window" is for links that specify a target window for opening a link. The browser.link.open_newwindow pref only affects links that specify a target window. You can use the browser.link.open_newwindow pref to divert links that specify a target to the current tab or a new tab. The browser.link.open_newwindow.restriction pref allows to divert (onclick) JavaScript window.open() links. Links that do not specify a target always open in the current tab unless you override that with a middle-click or Ctrl (Mac: Cmd) left-click (new tab) or Shift left-click (new window).

There are also extensions that have options how a link is opened, so you can check out the Add-ons website.

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Menu> Option> General> Tabs item 1 checked - Open new windows in a new tab instead

- doesn't seem to work for me :o ??

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Chosen Solution

As I wrote above, that Tabs setting only applies to links that have a target window specified. You can right-click the link and check the code in the Inspector.

If there is an 'ev' button appended then this means that JavaScript events are tied to the link.

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I'm a 2 month newbie to Firefox and loving it, but my mouse died while on holiday so exploring into corners of my keyboard never seen before :o

Thanks for the assistance, much appreciated.

Retired & still learning everyday :-))