How to Make WordPress Menu Open in New Tab?

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Enhancing your WordPress website's user experience is vital, and one way to do that is by adjusting how menu links behave. This guide will teach you how to make WordPress menu open in new tabs, keeping users engaged and in control of their browsing experience. Whether you're a WordPress novice or a seasoned user, optimizing your menu can significantly improve navigation. 

Why Make WordPress Menu Open in New Tab?

Opening WordPress menu items in a new tab or window is a user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) decision that depends on your website's specific goals and the preferences of your target audience. Whether or not to make WordPress menu items open in a new tab should be carefully considered based on the context and purpose of the links.

Here are some reasons why you might choose to open WordPress menu in a new tab:

• Preserving user flow: When a user clicks on a menu item that drives to an external website or a different section of your website, opening it in a new tab allows users to retain their current page's context. This can be especially useful if you want users to continue browsing your site after exploring the linked content.
• External links: Links to external websites are often set to open in a new tab by default. This practice prevents users from navigating away from your site entirely when they click on external links.
• Downloads or actions: If a menu item initiates a file download (e.g., PDF, document, or image) or triggers an action (e.g., submitting a form), opening it in a new tab ensures that users can access the content or complete the action without leaving their current page.
• Multitasking: Some users prefer to open links in new tabs so they can continue exploring your website while also checking out the linked content.
• User expectation: Opening links in new tabs for certain types of content, such as external links or linked documents, may align with user expectations and common web practices.

The decision to open WordPress menu items in a new tab should be based on a balance between user convenience, user expectations, and your website's specific content and functionality. It's a good practice to offer users the choice when possible, especially for internal links, by providing clear indications that a link will open in a new tab, such as using an icon or text label. Ultimately, your choice should enhance the user experience and align with your website's goals.

How to Make WordPress Menu Open in New Tab?

Step 1: Expand the Screen Options

First, get access to your WordPress dashboard, from the left sidebar menu, go to Appearance > Menus

Then, in the top right corner, you will see the Screen Options button. Just hit the small dropdown icon next to the Screen Options to expand it.

Step 2. Enable the ‘Link Target’ option

Once you expand the Screen elements, you should find the Link Target option and check the box to enable it.

Step 3: Turn on the Open link in a new tab option for a menu item

Select any menu item you want to make open in new tab. Click the little down arrow to the right of the menu item to expand the options for that item.

Find the Open link in a new tab option, then activate it.

Finally, hit the Save Menu button.

That’s all. Now you have successfully made your WordPress menu open in new tab.

WordPress Menu Open In New Tab: FAQs

1. How do I make my menu open in WordPress in a new tab?

To open a menu item in a new tab:

• Go to Appearance > Menus.
• Edit the menu item.
• Enable the Open link in a new tab option.
• Save the menu.

2. How do I stop WordPress from opening in a new tab?

To prevent a menu item from opening in a new tab:

• Go to Appearance > Menus.
• Edit the menu item.
• Uncheck the Open link in a new tab option.
• Save the menu.

3. How do I make links open in a new window in WordPress?

To make links open in a new window:

• In the post/page editor, highlight the text or image to link.
• Click the link icon, check Open link in a new tab/window, and save.

Conclusion

In summary, customizing your WordPress menu to open links in new tabs can greatly improve user experience. It empowers your visitors to explore external content while keeping your site accessible. Striking a balance between convenience and user control is essential. By implementing these simple adjustments and maintaining transparency, you can enhance your website's usability and leave a positive impression on your audience.

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