target=”_blank” vs. target=”_new”

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The target attribute of a link forces the browser to open the destination page in a new browser window. Using _blank as a target value will spawn a new window every time while using _new will only spawn one new window and every link clicked with a target value of _new will replace the page loaded in the previously spawned window. Try it out for yourself:

Links with target=”_blank”

Google | Yahoo | Bing

Links with target=”_new”

Google | Yahoo | Bing

target=”_new” is not a standard target value. You could use any term you like and any link that has the same target value will open in a previously spawned window. See the target=”booger” example below.

Links with target=”booger”

Google | Yahoo | Bing

How can I force a link to open in a new tab instead of a new window?

There is currently no way to force a window to open in a new tab for browsers with this feature. This functionality can only be set in the preferences of the browser (see other resources section below).

What if I want the new window to display at a certain size?

The only way to do this is by using JavaScript. I recommend the method outlined at Quirksmode.org.

Other Rescources

Of course all of this is moot since opening pages in new windows is a usability annoyance.

13 Responses to “ target=”_blank” vs. target=”_new” ”

  1. […] Here’s an awesome explanation: Using _blank as a target value will spawn a new window every time while using _new will only spawn one new window and every link clicked with a target value of _new will replace the page loaded in the previously spawned window. Try it out for yourself: […]

  2. _new can be confusing to the user. If windows are deleted after use, then it is not confusing.
    _blank can create a lot of opened windows. Closing the windows after use is the solution. But if windows are closed after use, then _new works just as nicely.
    On balance, I prefer to launch new windows with _new.

    Reply

    Russell Heimlich responded on October 28th, 2010:

    It doesn’t matter which one you use when you’re talking about opening one window. But things can get confusing if you need to open multiple windows on a page since browsers treat “_new” as a window name.

  3. […] Codes – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_639 Link Targets – _blank vs. _new – http://www.russellheimlich.com.....arget_new/ Image Formats – http://www.webopedia.com/DidYo.....if_png.asp Image Long […]

  4. […] Codes – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_639 Link Targets – _blank vs. _new – http://www.russellheimlich.com.....arget_new/ Image Formats – http://www.webopedia.com/DidYo.....if_png.asp Image Long […]

  5. Thanks for the explanation of the difference! I’ve been using “new” because I just assumed that meant “open a new window.” I had no idea what blank meant. So based on my understanding now, if we want to link to a few sites in a row (for people to read) it may be better to go with blank, whereas if it’s just one link we should go with new?

    Reply

    Russell Heimlich responded on December 31st, 2011:

    Yup, you should use target=”_blank”, the underscore is important.

  6. Thank you.

    Very useful.

    Reply

    Paul responded on October 17th, 2012:

    UPDATE

    Whatever substitute name is used for _new, providing that name is used consistently, that window will be repeatedly reused.

    However, if we use target=”_one” and later target=”_two” separate, reusable, windows will be open for both.

    Paul.

    Russell Heimlich responded on October 17th, 2012:

    “target=”_new” is not a standard target value. You could use any term you like and any link that has the same target value will open in a previously spawned window.”

    See the target=”booger” example above.

  7. I don’t know why you’re asking. You’ve clearly already done that just by leaving a comment here.

    Reply

  8. […] para cima↑ target=”_blank” vs. target=”_new”(em […]

  9. Thanks – great resource

    Reply

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