How to open URL in a new window using JavaScript?

Last Updated : 01 Aug, 2024

In HTML, the anchor tag (<a>) is used to open new windows and tabs in a very straightforward manner. However, there are situations where you need to achieve the same functionality using JavaScript. This is where the window.open() method becomes useful.

The window.open() method is used to open a new browser window or a new tab, depending on the browser settings and the parameter values provided. Here’s how you can use it:

Syntax

window.open(URL, name, specs, replace);

Note: All the parameters are optional.

There are several methods to open the URL in a new window using JavaScript which are as follows:

Table of Content

Using Window.Open() method
Using Anchor tag
Using Input tag
Conclusion

Using Window.Open() method

To open a URL in a new window, make sure that the second parameter is not _blank. The other parameters can be varied accordingly as per the need of the new window.

Example: To demonstrate creating a button and setting an onclick function to open a new window.

HTML

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>

<head>
    <title> 
      Click the button to
        open a new window.
    </title>
</head>

<body style="text-align:center;">

    <h1 style="color:green">
        GeeksforGeeks
    </h1>


    <p>
        Click the button to
        open a new window.
    </p>


    <button onclick="NewTab()">
        Open Geeksforgeeks
    </button>

    <script>
        function NewTab() {
            window.open("https://www.geeksforgeeks.org",
                "", "width=300, height=300");
        }
    </script>
</body>

</html>

Output:

Using Anchor tag

The anchor tag (<a>) can also be utilized with JavaScript to open URLs in new windows or tabs. By specifying target="_blank", the link will open in a new tab. This approach is straightforward and commonly used for external links, enhancing user experience by keeping the current page intact.

Example: Use Anchor tag to open URL in a new window using JavaScript.

HTML

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>

<head>
    <title>Using anchor tag</title>
</head>

<body style="text-align:center;">

    <h1 style="color:green">
        GeeksforGeeks
    </h1>


    <p>
        Click the button to open
        GeeksforGeeks in a new window.
    </p>


    <a onclick='window.open("https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/",
            "_blank", "width=300, height=300");'>
        GeeksforGeeks
    </a>

</body>

</html>

Output:

Using Input tag

Another approach involves using the input tag (<input type="button">) with an onclick event handler to open URLs in new windows. Similar to the anchor tag, this approach allows for customizing window properties such as width, height, and position. It provides a clickable button for users to initiate the action.

Example: To demonstrate using the Input tag to open the URL in a new window.

HTML

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>

<head>
    <title>Using input tag</title>
</head>

<body style="text-align:center;">

    <h1 style="color:green">
        GeeksforGeeks
    </h1>


    <p>
        Click the button to open
        GeeksforGeeks in a new window.
    </p>


    <input type="button" onclick="window.open(
'https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/','geeks',
'toolbars=0,width=300,height=300,left=200,top=200,scrollbars=1,resizable=1');" 
           value="Open the window">

</body>

</html>

Output:

Conclusion

Using JavaScript to open URLs in a new window or tab is a simple yet powerful functionality provided by the window.open() method. This method offers flexibility, allowing you to specify the URL, name, and features of the new window, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you need to enhance user experience by opening external links in new tabs or control the behavior and appearance of new browser windows, window.open() provides the necessary tools to achieve these goals effectively.

Supported Browsers:

Google Chrome
Internet Explorer
Firefox
Opera
Safari

HTML is the foundation of web pages and is used for webpage development by structuring websites and web apps. You can learn HTML from the ground up by following this HTML Tutorial and HTML Examples.

JavaScript is best known for web page development but it is also used in a variety of non-browser environments. You can learn JavaScript from the ground up by following this JavaScript Tutorial and JavaScript Examples.