Despite using this option User Preferences: “default other external links in new tab: Open external links in a new tab by default.” My links are stil opened in the same tab. Am I missing something or is it a bug? Cheers!

There’s already an admin setting to set this as a global default, actually. I don’t know if it overrides already set user preferences, though.

@sam where can I find this global default setting? I am really surprised how did I miss on that one!

Yes, there are a lot “defaults” under Admin → Settings → User Preferences AFAIK most defaults are set for new accounts based on what the settings are at the time the account is created. Note that the settings will affect only registered members and not anonymous visitors. (i.e. they are “User Preferences” as in “Member Preferences”) Non-logged in visitors have the option to use their browser to either leave (a click or back button) or stay (a middle-click or right-click open new tab). IMHO forcing new tabs for external links for them is a (albeit minor) form of browser hijacking because it alters expected behavior without their intent and is a poor idea more likely to irritate visitors than retain them.

[image] Mittineague: IMHO forcing new tabs for external links for them is a (albeit minor) form of browser hijacking And it’s even worse for people who use screen readers.

I am also having an issue here. I have a hyperlink in my category description, and I would like to it open in the new tab. I have checked the box in my user settings to open external links in a new tab, but its not working when the link is in a description. Is this a bug? https://www.fellowshipforums.com/c/past-exams/fall-2017 See the “Timer” Hyperlink for an example.

Simply that non-members don’t have preference settings until they become members.

Weird that is not by default or at least we have a choice to let them open links in new tab (non-members). Would it be possible?

Entirely possible. That’s exactly what right-click open in new tab does.

Hehe yes I know but it is not the same thing… I mean that the choice we have with members, would be great to have it for non-members also

External Links not opening in new tab

Product Support

Francois_Douville (François Douville) April 26, 2018, 1:20pm 15

Why external links don’t work for non-members?

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External Links not opening in new tab

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