We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Is there a way I can click on a link designed to open in a new window/tab and have it replace the current tab instead?

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 16 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

Michael Hoffman
Michael Hoffman
more options

For example, if I go to an abstract on PubMed and click on either of the full text icons, Firefox will open a new tab. I want the full text to replace the tab with the abstract, instead.

The best thing I can figure out now is to Ctrl-click the icons so they open in the background, then use Ctrl+W to close the current window.

For example, if I go to [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20435580 an abstract on PubMed] and click on either of the full text icons, Firefox will open a new tab. I want the full text to replace the tab with the abstract, instead. The best thing I can figure out now is to Ctrl-click the icons so they open in the background, then use Ctrl+W to close the current window.

All Replies (4)

mluna
mluna
more options

Hi, In your Firefox -> Preferences/Options -> Tabs, you can select the check box "When I open a link in a new tab, switch to it immediately". You would still need to go back and close the original tab, but this would help you with part of the issue.

Thanks, Michelle

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

You can adjust the browser.link.open_newwindow prefs on the about:config page.

Michael Hoffman
Michael Hoffman Question owner
more options

Thanks Michelle, but that is already the behavior I have.

cor-el, that is helpful but I would like to only have this behavior on a particular site or when I hold down a modifier key. Is there a way to make that happen?

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

You can set the prefs to get the default behavior.
If you want op open a link in a new tab then middle-click the link with the mouse wheel or use the Ctrl key and the left mouse button.