In normal browsing behavior, people expect to be able to use the back button in their browser to return to the previous page. If a link opens a new tab or window without warning, people who are blind or visually impaired and use a screen reader to navigate will likely not realize that a new window or tab has opened and, as a result, will not know where they are and how to get back to the previous page. When a link automatically opens a new window or tab, it can be disorienting, especially for people who have difficulty visually perceiving content and for users with certain cognitive disabilities. Impact on Accessibility Why are links that open a new window or tab less accessible?
The Accessibility Checker warning is intended to remind you to either change your links to not open new tabs or to ensure that a visible and auditory warning is present for any links that do open new tabs. If links do open new tabs or windows, there must be a warning announcing that the link will open a new window or tab so that users will expect that behavior and know how to go back after clicking the link. Why does Accessibility Checker warn about links opening new tabs?Īccessibility Checker warns about the presence of links that open new windows or tabs because it is considered best practice to not open new tabs or windows with links. While auditing your page or post content, Accessibility Checker looks for all links that contain t arget="_blank" and flags a warning anytime one of these links are found. How does Accessibility Checker test for links that open in new tabs? If a post or page on your WordPress site has a Link Opens New Window or Tab warning, that means that there is a link on your website that has been set to open in a new tab or window when clicked or opened. Here is what the HTML looks like for a link that opens in a new tab: Equalize Digital What does the Link Opens New Window or Tab warning mean? Links that open new windows or tabs include target="_blank" in the tag, which is what tells the browser to open the new window or tab rather than following the link in the current tab. How to warn people that a link will open a new window or tabĪbout the Link Opens New Window or Tab Warning What is a link that opens are new window or tab?Ī link that opens a new window or tab is one that, when clicked opens a new tab in your browser or a pop-up window.How to find links that open new tabs or windows on your WordPress post or page.How to Resolve a Link Opens New Window or Tab Warning.Examples of when usability is improved by links that open new tabs or windows.Is it possible to have an accessible website with links that open in new tabs or windows?.Why are links that open a new window or tab less accessible?.Why does Accessibility Checker warn about links opening new tabs?.How does Accessibility Checker test for links that open in new tabs?.What does the Link Opens New Window or Tab warning mean?.What is a link that opens are new window or tab?.About the Link Opens New Window or Tab Warning.
That’s it! Your menu link will now open in a new tab. Enable this and click the ‘Save Menu’ button. Within the menu options you should see a new ‘Open link in a new tab’ option. Step 3: Enable the ‘Open link in a new tab’ option for a menu itemĮxpand the options for a menu item (click the small down arrow to the right of the menu item).
Enable this option and close the screen options. Within the Screen Options page you will see a ‘Link Target’ checkbox. On your Appearance > Menus page, click the ‘Screen Options’ link in the top right corner. The ability to open menu links in a new tab is part of the core WordPress menu functionality, but you need to know where to look to enable it.