Links that open a new tab or window must warn users
Rule
link-opens-new-tab· Deeper checks · impact minor · Static + live
Why it matters
A link with target="_blank" opens content in a new browsing context without warning. Keyboard and screen-reader users lose their place in the original page with no obvious route back.
How to fix
Include a visible or sr-only notice such as "(opens in new tab)" in the link text, or add it to the aria-label.
Example
<a href="/doc.pdf" target="_blank">Download</a>
<a href="/doc.pdf" target="_blank" aria-label="Download (opens in new tab)">Download</a>
WCAG success criteria
3.2.5 Change on Request — Level AAA
Changes of context (opening a new window, navigating, submitting a form) happen only when the user explicitly requests them, or a mechanism is available to turn such automatic changes off.
Standards
This rule contributes to the following standards:
WCAG AAA