Opening a new tab in Google Chrome when clicking a link is a nifty trick that not everyone knows about. It’s a simple process that can make browsing the web a more organized and efficient experience. If you’re tired of losing your place on a page every time you click a link, this quick guide is for you. By the end of this paragraph, you’ll know exactly how to open links in new tabs with ease.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Open a New Tab When Clicking a Link in Google Chrome
Before we dive into the step by step process, let’s understand what we’re aiming for. By following these steps, you’ll be able to click on any link within Google Chrome and have it open in a new tab automatically. This means you can keep your current page open while also exploring new content without any interruption.
Step 1: Find a Link to Click
Hover over any link you would like to open.
Finding a link is the first step. It could be a link to another website, a downloadable file, or a link to another section within the same page. Hover your cursor over the link to ensure it’s clickable.
Step 2: Hold Down the ‘Ctrl’ Key (or ‘Command’ Key on Mac)
While hovering, hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key on your keyboard if you’re using Windows, or the ‘Command’ key if you’re on a Mac.
This key acts as a command to open links in a new tab. The ‘Ctrl’ key is usually located in the bottom left corner of your keyboard, whereas the ‘Command’ key is next to the space bar on Mac keyboards.
Step 3: Click the Link While Holding the Key
With the key held down, click on the link with your mouse or trackpad.
As soon as you click, the link will open in a new tab. This happens because holding the ‘Ctrl’ or ‘Command’ key modifies the normal behavior of the click action, instructing Chrome to open the link in a new tab instead of the current one.
After completing these steps, the new tab will open in the background by default, allowing you to continue browsing on your current tab without interruption. If you want the new tab to open in the foreground, you can simply switch to it by clicking on it at the top of your browser.
Tips for Opening New Tabs in Google Chrome
- To quickly open a link in a new foreground tab, hold down the ‘Ctrl’ and ‘Shift’ keys (or ‘Command’ and ‘Shift’ on Mac) while clicking the link.
- You can also right-click on a link and select "Open link in new tab" from the context menu.
- If you have a mouse with a scroll wheel, click the link with the scroll wheel (middle-click) to open it in a new tab.
- Customize your tab-opening preferences in Chrome’s settings under the ‘On startup’ section.
- Use the ‘Ctrl’ + ‘T’ shortcut (or ‘Command’ + ‘T’ on Mac) to open a blank new tab anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set Chrome to always open links in new tabs by default?
There isn’t a built-in setting to make this the default action, but there are browser extensions available that can customize this behavior for you.
What if I want to open a link in a new window instead of a new tab?
You can hold down ‘Shift’ while clicking a link to open it in a new window, or right-click the link and select "Open link in new window."
How do I switch between tabs in Chrome?
You can click on the tabs at the top of the browser or use the ‘Ctrl’ + ‘Tab’ shortcut (or ‘Command’ + ‘Tab’ on Mac) to cycle through them.
Can I close a tab without clicking on the ‘X’?
Yes, you can close any tab by middle-clicking on it or using the ‘Ctrl’ + ‘W’ shortcut (or ‘Command’ + ‘W’ on Mac).
What should I do if the new tab doesn’t open?
Ensure that you are holding down the ‘Ctrl’ or ‘Command’ key while clicking the link. If it still doesn’t work, check if your browser needs updating or try restarting it.
Summary
- Find a clickable link.
- Hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key (or ‘Command’ key on Mac).
- Click the link while holding the key.
Conclusion
Opening a new tab in Google Chrome when clicking a link is a simple yet effective way to enhance your browsing experience. No more losing your spot on a page or having to navigate back and forth. With the easy steps outlined in this guide, you’re now equipped to browse smarter—not harder. Remember, the internet is a vast expanse, and knowing how to navigate it efficiently can save you time and frustration. So, go ahead and click away, opening a world of information in neatly organized tabs. Happy browsing!
Matt has been working with WordPress and creating content using this powerful content management system for years. While he has written about many other tech topics, WordPress is one of his favorites.
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