Make Safari open targeted links in new tabs instead of new windows

One of the things I find most annoying when browsing the web is when a link opens a new window. It completely disrupts my workflow when a new window pops up, especially when it does so without warning.

If you’re using Firefox this isn’t such a big problem anymore since it will open targeted links in a new tab instead, which is much more manageable and less intrusive.

For Safari, however, there is no such setting to be found when you look through its preferences window. But the setting does exist (at least in the Mac OS X version), though you have to use Terminal.app to enable it:

  1. Quit Safari
  2. Open Terminal.app
  3. Enter defaults write com.apple.Safari TargetedClicksCreateTabs -bool true and press enter
  4. Open Safari
  5. Notice that links that used to open in a new window will now open in a new tab

Much better.

Posted on December 4, 2008 in Apple, Browsers, Usability

Comments are disabled for this post (read why), but if you have spotted an error or have additional info that you think should be in this post, feel free to contact me.