---
title: Set links to open in new tabs
shortDescription: Learn how to use the Custom HTML section to force links to open in a new browser tab, keeping visitors on your site.
articleType: Tutorial
primaryTopic: link-open-new-tab
categories:
  - Store Design
  - Developer Tools
tags:
  - custom-html
  - link-behavior
  - target-blank
  - store-design
  - website-builder
  - navigation-menu
  - external-links
  - html-editor
tasks:
  - Make a link open in a new tab
  - Add a custom HTML block to a page
  - Use target blank in an HTML link
  - Force external links to open in new window
terms:
  - open in new tab
  - new window
  - target blank
  - custom HTML
  - external link
  - menu link new tab
  - button link
  - HTML code
  - a href
  - link behavior
labels:
  - store-design
  - custom-html
contextString: Available on all Fourthwall plans. Requires access to the site designer in the creator dashboard.
breadcrumbPath: "Getting started > Design my storefront > Setting links to open in new tabs"
relatedModules:
  - name: theme-editor-layout-checkout
    route: /admin/dashboard/store-design/layout/checkout
  - name: theme-editor-layout-home
    route: /admin/dashboard/store-design/layout/index
  - name: theme-editor-layout-memberships-perks
    route: /admin/dashboard/store-design/layout/memberships_perks
  - name: theme-editor-layout-coming-soon
    route: /admin/dashboard/store-design/layout/password
  - name: theme-editor-layout-memberships-feed
    route: /admin/dashboard/store-design/layout/memberships_feed
path: getting-started/design-my-storefront/set-links-to-open-in-new-tabs
last_updated: '2026-04-09'
---

# Set links to open in new tabs

By default, Fourthwall links — in navigation menus, buttons, or rich text — open in the same browser tab. Some section types include a built-in "open in new tab" toggle. For links without that toggle, you can use a Custom HTML section and add `target="_blank"` manually.

## Sections with built-in "open in new tab" settings

Three section types include a built-in checkbox to open links in a new tab:

- **Announcement bar**: Check **Open link in a new tab** when configuring the bar link.
- **Links list**: Check **Open links in a new tab** to apply the setting to all links in the section.
- **Scrolling text (text carousel)**: Check **Open link in a new tab** for the scrolling text link.

To use these settings, go to [**Site Design > Layout**](https://my-shop.fourthwall.com/admin/dashboard/store-design/layout/index/), click on the section, and look for the new tab checkbox in the section settings panel.

## Use Custom HTML for other links

For links in navigation menus, rich text blocks, or other areas without a built-in toggle, add a Custom HTML section and include `target="_blank"` in the anchor tag:

```html
<a href="https://your-link.com" target="_blank">Link Name</a>
```

This forces the link to open in a new tab or window. For full instructions on adding custom HTML to your site, see [Add custom HTML and code to your site](/getting-started/design-my-storefront/add-custom-html-and-code-to-your-site).

## How can I have a menu link open in a new window?

There is no built-in setting for navigation menu links — they always open in the same tab. To get new-tab behavior for a menu link, add a Custom HTML section with `target="_blank"` as shown above.

## Can I force a menu item to open in a new tab with code?

Yes, but only by adding a custom HTML link. Navigation menu items added through the standard menu editor always open in the same tab. If you need new-tab behavior, use a Custom HTML section instead.