Accy

Links opening a new window without warning

WCAG 3.2.5 (AAA)

Some links use target="_blank" without warning that a new tab will open.

Why it matters

An unexpected change of context is disorienting, especially for anyone who cannot see the whole screen: the back button stops working and it is not clear why.

How to fix it

Add the warning to the link name, visibly or in the aria-label.

As it is
<a href="/size-guide.pdf" target="_blank">Size guide</a>
As it should be
<a href="/size-guide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
  Size guide <span class="sr-only">(opens in a new window)</span>
</a>

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