Does the anchor element open a new window without warning?
3.2.5 Change on Request
Introduction
This document provides information about the Acquia Web Governance check:
Does the anchor element open a new window without warning?
What
This check identifies anchor links that open in a new window or tab and do not provide advance notice for the user.
Why
Ensure that users are aware that a link will navigate them away from the current window so that your website maintains a predictable browsing experience.
New windows that open unexpectedly can be confusing or disruptive, especially for people who use screen readers or keyboard navigation. Individuals with visual impairments may not notice a new tab has opened, which makes it difficult for them to navigate back to the original content. Users with cognitive disabilities or attention disorders may also find sudden changes in context or window focus disorienting.
Who
Affected users
This check affects the following users who have:
Blindness or vision impairments: Who navigate websites with keyboard commands and use screen reader software.
Cognitive disabilities or attention disorders: Who may be disoriented by sudden changes in context or window focus.
Examples
Pass example
The link includes a clear warning within the link text or an accessible label that it opens in a new window.
<a href="https://example.com" target="_blank">Download Report (opens in a new window)</a>
Fail example
The link uses target="_blank" but provides no textual or audible indication that a new window will open.
This section provides information on how to review and fix the issue.
How to review it
Identify anchor elements on the page that include the target="_blank" attribute.
You can use the Web Governance Browser Extension to identify the element on the page or in the HTML source code.
Determine if there is accompanying text, such as "opens in a new window" or an icon with an appropriate alternative text label that warns the user.
How to fix it
Ensure that any link that is intended to open in a new window clearly indicates this behavior to the user.
Add descriptive text directly into the link, such as "Link text opens in a new tab."
Provide an accessible label with an aria-label to inform screen reader users. With this method, you do not need to make any changes to the visual text.
If you use an icon to indicate a new window, ensure that the icon has an alt attribute that describes the action.
Additional resources
This section contains useful resources for this subject.
Does the anchor element open a new window without warning?
3.2.5 Change on Request
Introduction
This document provides information about the Acquia Web Governance check:
Does the anchor element open a new window without warning?
What
This check identifies anchor links that open in a new window or tab and do not provide advance notice for the user.
Why
Ensure that users are aware that a link will navigate them away from the current window so that your website maintains a predictable browsing experience.
New windows that open unexpectedly can be confusing or disruptive, especially for people who use screen readers or keyboard navigation. Individuals with visual impairments may not notice a new tab has opened, which makes it difficult for them to navigate back to the original content. Users with cognitive disabilities or attention disorders may also find sudden changes in context or window focus disorienting.
Who
Affected users
This check affects the following users who have:
Blindness or vision impairments: Who navigate websites with keyboard commands and use screen reader software.
Cognitive disabilities or attention disorders: Who may be disoriented by sudden changes in context or window focus.
Examples
Pass example
The link includes a clear warning within the link text or an accessible label that it opens in a new window.
<a href="https://example.com" target="_blank">Download Report (opens in a new window)</a>
Fail example
The link uses target="_blank" but provides no textual or audible indication that a new window will open.
This section provides information on how to review and fix the issue.
How to review it
Identify anchor elements on the page that include the target="_blank" attribute.
You can use the Web Governance Browser Extension to identify the element on the page or in the HTML source code.
Determine if there is accompanying text, such as "opens in a new window" or an icon with an appropriate alternative text label that warns the user.
How to fix it
Ensure that any link that is intended to open in a new window clearly indicates this behavior to the user.
Add descriptive text directly into the link, such as "Link text opens in a new tab."
Provide an accessible label with an aria-label to inform screen reader users. With this method, you do not need to make any changes to the visual text.
If you use an icon to indicate a new window, ensure that the icon has an alt attribute that describes the action.
Additional resources
This section contains useful resources for this subject.
Web Governance