Technique G200:Opening new windows and tabs from a link only when necessary
About this Technique
This technique relates to 3.2.5 Change on Request (Advisory).
This technique applies to pages that open new windows or tabs.
Techniques are examples of ways to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). They are not required to meet WCAG. Content can satisfy the normative requirements of WCAG even if it does not use any of the documented techniques. See About WCAG Techniques.
Description
The objective of this technique is to limit the use of links or buttons that open new windows or tabs within web content. In general, it is better not to open new windows and tabs since they can be disorienting for people, especially people who have difficulty perceiving visual content. However there are some situations where it is preferable from an accessibility perspective to open a new window or tab, particularly in cases where it's important for a user not to accidentally lose track of where they are in the current page – for instance, while completing a form.
It is recommended that when links will open a new window or tab, they should provide users with an advance warning or hint, such as a "new window" icon.
Note
This technique is advisory. While indicating that a link or button "opens in a new window or tab" is considered good practice, it is not necessary to meet the requirements of any particular success criterion. Conversely, on its own, this technique will not be sufficient to satisfy the normative requirements of success criteria such as 3.2.5 Change on Request.
Example
Example 1: Online Form
An online form provides extensive context-sensitive help for each form field on a separate page because there is too much text to include within the form. The links to the context-sensitive help open in new windows or tabs to prevent the loss of any form data that has already been entered.
Related Resources
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