Open a new tab with javascript but stay on current tab using javascript

Opening New Tabs Without Losing Focus in JavaScript

Learn how to programmatically open a new browser tab using JavaScript while ensuring the user's current tab remains in focus, enhancing user experience.

When developing web applications, there are often scenarios where you need to open a new browser tab or window programmatically. A common challenge arises when you want to provide additional information or resources in a new tab without interrupting the user's current workflow by shifting focus away from their active tab. This article explores various JavaScript techniques to achieve this, focusing on methods that maintain user focus on the original tab.

The Basic window.open() Method

The window.open() method is the standard way to open a new browser window or tab in JavaScript. It takes several parameters: the URL to load, the window name (or target), and a string of window features. By default, window.open() often shifts focus to the newly opened tab, which can be disruptive. However, with a slight modification, we can prevent this behavior.

function openNewTabAndStay(url) {
  const newWindow = window.open(url, '_blank');
  if (newWindow) {
    newWindow.blur(); // Attempt to remove focus from the new window
    window.focus();   // Attempt to return focus to the current window
  }
}

Basic window.open() with blur() and focus() attempts

Leveraging rel="noopener noreferrer" for Security and Focus

When opening new tabs, especially to external sites, it's crucial to use rel="noopener noreferrer" for security reasons. This prevents the new tab from accessing the window.opener property of the original tab, mitigating potential phishing attacks. While primarily a security feature, noopener also has a side effect of often preventing the new tab from gaining focus, making it a useful technique for our goal.

function openNewTabSecurelyAndStay(url) {
  const a = document.createElement('a');
  a.href = url;
  a.target = '_blank';
  a.rel = 'noopener noreferrer'; // Crucial for security and focus behavior
  document.body.appendChild(a);
  a.click();
  document.body.removeChild(a);
}

Opening a new tab using a dynamically created anchor tag with rel="noopener noreferrer"

Workflow for opening a new tab while retaining focus using an anchor tag

Considerations and Browser Compatibility

It's important to note that browser implementations and security policies constantly evolve. What works perfectly in one browser version might behave differently in another. User settings, such as 'always open new tabs in foreground,' can also override programmatic attempts to control focus. The noopener attribute is generally the most reliable method for achieving the desired focus behavior while also providing significant security benefits.

1. Step 1: Create an Event Listener

Attach an event listener (e.g., to a button click) that will trigger the new tab opening functionality.

2. Step 2: Implement the Anchor Tag Method

Inside the event handler, create a temporary <a> element, set its href to the desired URL, target to _blank, and crucially, rel to noopener noreferrer. Append it to the document body, programmatically click it, and then remove it.

3. Step 3: Test Across Browsers

Thoroughly test the implementation in various browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) to ensure consistent behavior and verify that focus remains on the original tab.