Opening a new tab when clicking a link in Google Chrome is a handy trick that can save you time and keep your browsing organized. It’s as simple as holding down a key on your keyboard while you click, or changing a setting in Chrome to make this happen automatically. Let’s dive into how to do this.
Step by Step Tutorial: Open a New Tab When Clicking a Link in Google Chrome
Before we get into the step-by-step process, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve. By following these steps, you’ll be able to click on any link and have it open in a new tab, rather than navigating away from the page you’re currently on.
Step 1: Use a Keyboard Modifier
Press and hold the ‘Ctrl’ key (Command key on a Mac) while clicking on a link.
When you press and hold the ‘Ctrl’ key while clicking a link, Google Chrome will automatically open the link in a new tab. This is a manual method and must be done each time you want a link to open in a new tab.
Step 2: Change Chrome’s Settings
Navigate to Chrome’s settings menu.
By changing a setting in Chrome, you can make all links open in a new tab by default. To get to Chrome’s settings, click on the three dots in the upper-right corner of the browser, then click on ‘Settings’.
Step 3: Click on ‘Advanced’
Scroll down and click on ‘Advanced’ at the bottom of the settings page.
The ‘Advanced’ section of Chrome’s settings contains additional options for customizing how Chrome behaves, including how links open.
Step 4: Find the ‘Privacy and Security’ Section
Locate the ‘Privacy and Security’ section and click on ‘Site Settings’.
Under ‘Site Settings’, you’ll find various settings related to content and permissions for websites.
Step 5: Adjust the ‘Pop-ups and Redirects’ Setting
Find and click on ‘Pop-ups and Redirects’ and toggle the setting to ‘Allowed’.
By allowing ‘Pop-ups and Redirects’, you’re telling Chrome to open any link you click on in a new tab automatically.
Once you complete these steps, every time you click on a link, it will open in a new tab. This can be incredibly useful if you’re doing research or if you want to keep your current page open while looking at something else.
Tips: Open a New Tab When Clicking a Link in Google Chrome
- To quickly open a link in a new background tab, use the ‘Ctrl’ + click (or ‘Command’ + click on a Mac).
- If you have a mouse with a scroll wheel, you can click on a link with the middle mouse button to open it in a new tab.
- You can also right-click on a link and select ‘Open link in new tab’ from the menu.
- To open a link in a new window instead of a tab, use ‘Shift’ + click.
- If you change your mind about having all links open in new tabs, you can always go back to Chrome’s settings and adjust the ‘Pop-ups and Redirects’ setting back to ‘Blocked’.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to open a link in a new tab without changing Chrome’s settings?
You can hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key while clicking on a link to open it in a new tab without having to change any settings.
Can I open a link in a new window instead of a tab?
Yes, by holding down the ‘Shift’ key while clicking a link, it will open in a new window.
Is there a way to open a link in a new tab automatically without pressing any keys?
Yes, by adjusting the ‘Pop-ups and Redirects’ setting in Chrome to ‘Allowed’, all links will open in new tabs automatically.
Will these steps work on all versions of Google Chrome?
These steps should work on the most recent versions of Google Chrome. If you’re using an older version, some steps may differ slightly.
Can I set specific sites to always open in a new tab?
Chrome does not currently offer the ability to set specific sites to always open in a new tab, but you can use extensions from the Chrome Web Store that provide this functionality.
Summary
- Use a keyboard modifier (Ctrl or Command key) while clicking a link.
- Change Chrome’s settings by navigating to the settings menu.
- Click on ‘Advanced’ in the settings menu.
- Find the ‘Privacy and Security’ section and click on ‘Site Settings’.
- Adjust the ‘Pop-ups and Redirects’ setting to ‘Allowed’.
Conclusion
Navigating the web efficiently is crucial in this age of information overload, and knowing how to open a new tab when clicking a link in Google Chrome can significantly improve your browsing experience. Not only does it save you time by keeping your current page intact, but it also helps keep your work organized. Whether you’re an avid researcher, a casual browser, or someone who likes to keep multiple tabs open for comparison, this simple trick is a game-changer.
With the step-by-step tutorial, tips, and frequently asked questions we’ve covered, you can now effortlessly manage your tabs in Google Chrome. And remember, the internet is vast, and there’s always more to learn. So why not take this opportunity to explore other Chrome tips and tricks? Happy browsing, and may your tabs always open just the way you like!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.