How to Open a Link in a New Tab in Google Chrome

Linking content on a Web page is important for almost everyone that writes online.

People typically go to a Web page for a specific reason, but there is often important, relevant information that can be found on another page.

If someone wants to read that other information they may want to open the page, but remain on the current one until they are done reading.

Our tutorial below will show you a couple of different options for making Web pages in Google Chrome open in new tabs when you click a link.

Do you need to add a link to a picture in a document but can’t find the option for it? You can find out more with our add link to image Google Docs article.

Often when you click a link on a Web page, that link will open in the same tab. That’s fine if you want to read that page instead, but you may wish to continue reading the current page as well.

One way around this is to employ one of two different techniques to open a link in a new tab in Google Chrome.

Our guide below will show you both of these methods so that you can take control over where links that you click open in your Web browser.

If you want to add a link to a slideshow, then check out our guide on how to hyperlink in Google Slides.

How to Open a Link in a New Tab in Chrome – Keyboard Method

  1. Browse to the page containing the link to open.
  2. Hold down the Ctrl key (Command on a Mac) on your keyboard.
  3. Click the link.

You should now have the original page open in the current tab, and the clicked link should be open in a new tab.

The other method for opening a link in a new tab is outlined below.

How to Open a Link in a New Tab in Chrome – Right-click Method

  1. Browse to the page with the link that you want to open.
  2. Right-click on the link.
  3. Select the Open link in new tab option.

You will note that there are a few other option on that shortcut menu, including an option to open the link in an Incognito window, or to open it in a new regular window. Experiment with these different options to see which is the way you prefer.

Learn how to exit full screen in Google Chrome if you find yourself with the browser open like that and need to return to the normal view.

Get Our Free Newsletter

How-to guides and tech deals

You may opt out at any time.
Read our Privacy Policy