How to Change What Tabs Open in Chrome
Getting Started
Before we dive into the process of changing what tabs open in Chrome, let’s cover the basics. To start, make sure Chrome is up to date. You can check for updates by clicking on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the browser window and selecting "Help" > "Check for updates". If there are any updates available, click on "Update now" to install them.
Understanding Chrome’s Default Tab Behavior
Chrome has a default behavior that determines which tabs open when you click on a link. By default, new tabs are opened in the "New Tab" mode, which displays a blank tab with a notification icon in the top right corner of the browser window. This is a convenient option, but it can also lead to clutter and confusion.
Changing Tab Behavior in Chrome
To change what tabs open in Chrome, you’ll need to use the Chrome settings. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open Chrome
Open Chrome and navigate to chrome://settings/.
Step 2: Click on Advanced
Click on the Advanced link at the bottom of the page.
Step 3: Scroll down to "New Tab" Behavior
Scroll down to the New Tab behavior section and select Customize tab behavior.
Step 4: Choose "Show new tabs in a different window"
Select the Show new tabs in a different window option.
Step 5: Customize
You can now customize the behavior of new tabs further. You can choose to:
- Prevent new tabs from opening (default behavior)
- Always open tabs in the same window (which is not recommended)
- Open tabs in a new window
Note: This option is not available in Chrome 57 and later versions. If you’re using an older version of Chrome, you may need to use a different method to change the behavior of new tabs.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Another way to change what tabs open in Chrome is to use keyboard shortcuts. Here’s how:
- Ctrl + Shift + T: Open a new tab.
- Ctrl + Shift + T (or Alt + T): Open a new tab in a different window.
- Ctrl + Shift + N: Open a new tab in a new window.
- Ctrl + Shift + W: Close a tab.
Creating Custom Shortcuts
You can also create custom shortcuts to change the behavior of new tabs. Here’s how:
- Create a new shortcut: Click on the "Create shortcut" button at the bottom of the page.
- Enter a name: Enter a name for your shortcut, such as "Open new tab in a new window".
- Add the action: Enter the action you want to perform when you click on the shortcut, such as "Open new tab".
- Save the shortcut: Save the shortcut to the "Search functions" page.
Tips and Variations
- Use the "New Tab" dropdown menu: When you click on a link, you can also open a new tab by using the New Tab dropdown menu (three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the browser window).
- Use the "Ctrl + Shift + T (or Alt + T)" shortcut: This shortcut can be useful if you’re using a keyboard to type URLs or links.
- Use the "Edit URL" button: If you want to change the URL of a tab, you can click on the Edit URL button (three vertical dots in the top right corner of the browser window).
Conclusion
Changing what tabs open in Chrome is a simple process that can be customized to suit your needs. By following the steps outlined above, you can control which tabs open when you click on a link, or even create custom shortcuts to change the behavior of new tabs. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, Chrome’s tab behavior is a powerful feature that can help you manage your browsing experience more efficiently.