Opening links in new tab in HTML - Performance & Optimization

Performance: Opening links in new tab

LOW IMPACT

This affects user interaction responsiveness and perceived page load speed when opening external content.

Opening external links without blocking the current page

HTML

<a href="https://example.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Visit Example</a>

Opens link in a new tab, keeping current page active and responsive.

📈 Performance GainNon-blocking interaction, improves INP

Opening external links without blocking the current page

HTML

<a href="https://example.com">Visit Example</a>

Opening links in the same tab causes the current page to unload, blocking user interaction and delaying return.

📉 Performance CostBlocks interaction until new page loads, increasing INP

Performance Comparison

Pattern	DOM Operations	Reflows	Paint Cost	Verdict
Link opens in same tab	Minimal	0	0	[!] OK but blocks interaction
Link opens in new tab with target="_blank"	Minimal	0	0	[OK] Keeps page responsive

Rendering Pipeline

Opening links in a new tab does not affect rendering of the current page but improves interaction responsiveness by avoiding page unload.

→Interaction Handling

⚠️ BottleneckPage unload and reload blocking user input

Core Web Vital Affected

INP

This affects user interaction responsiveness and perceived page load speed when opening external content.

Optimization Tips

1Use target="_blank" to open links in new tabs and keep the current page responsive.

2Always add rel="noopener noreferrer" with target="_blank" for security and performance.

3Opening links in the same tab blocks interaction and delays user input responsiveness.

Performance Quiz - 3 Questions

What is the main performance benefit of using target="_blank" on links?

A It prevents blocking the current page during navigation

B It reduces the page's initial load time

C It decreases the number of DOM nodes

D It improves CSS selector performance

DevTools: Performance

How to check: Record a session while clicking a link that opens in the same tab vs new tab; observe main thread activity and input responsiveness.

What to look for: Look for main thread blocking and input delay during page unload and load for same-tab links; new tab links show no blocking on current page.