How to Open PDF Links in a New Browser Tab Instead of the Current Tab
Question details
The user wants hyperlinks embedded inside a PDF document to open in a new web browser tab rather than replacing the current tab.
- Product
- PDF Viewers and Web Browsers
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing a PDF document inside a web browser and clicking on an embedded cross-document or web hyperlink.
- Observed behavior
- The clicked hyperlink replaces the current browser tab, ignoring desktop Adobe Acrobat preferences that were set to open links in a new tab.
Check whether the PDF is currently being opened by your browser's built-in PDF viewer or an installed third-party extension, as these control default link behaviors independently of your desktop software.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts or Browser Context Menus
Since browser-based PDF viewers often override desktop application settings, using manual shortcuts is the most reliable way to force links into a new tab.
Web browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox utilize their own integrated PDF viewers. These built-in viewers handle document rendering and link clicking natively, meaning they typically ignore preferences set in desktop programs like Adobe Acrobat.
Right-click the hyperlink inside the PDF document and select 'Open link in new tab' from the pop-up menu.
Hold down the 'Ctrl' key on your keyboard while left-clicking the hyperlink in the PDF. This commands the browser to open the target URL in a new background tab.
Hold down the 'Command' (Cmd) key on your Mac keyboard while clicking the hyperlink to force it to open in a new tab.
Use a Desktop PDF Viewer
Opening the document in a dedicated desktop application bypasses browser tab behaviors entirely, ensuring web links open cleanly in your default browser.
Use WPS Office to Manage PDFs and Hyperlinks with Ease
Bypass browser limitations by opening your PDFs directly in WPS Office. WPS PDF offers a dedicated, lightweight reading environment where hyperlinks smoothly open in your default browser without interrupting your reading flow.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and run the installer on your computer.
- 2. Set as Default PDF Viewer: Right-click any PDF file on your computer, select 'Open with', choose WPS Office, and check the option to always use this application for PDF files.
- 3. Open and Click Links Seamlessly: Open your PDF in WPS Office. Whenever you click an external link, it will automatically launch your default web browser without closing or replacing the PDF document you are reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do PDF links ignore my Adobe Acrobat preferences when opened in a browser?
When viewing a PDF within a web browser, the browser's native PDF viewer or extension takes control of rendering the file and executing actions. This overrides any application-level settings you may have configured in desktop software like Adobe Acrobat.
How can I force all PDF links to open in a new tab by default in Chrome?
Google Chrome's built-in PDF viewer does not currently have a setting to force all PDF links to open in a new tab upon a standard left-click. You must use the 'Ctrl + Click' (Windows) or 'Cmd + Click' (Mac) shortcut, or right-click to select 'Open link in new tab'.
Can I edit the PDF so its links always open in a new window?
Yes, using a PDF editor, you can modify the properties of a hyperlink. By setting the link action to 'Open a web link' and adjusting its target properties (if supported), you can instruct compliant PDF viewers to open it in a new window. However, web browsers may still override these document-level instructions.
