New Window Icon (For web accessibility)

Question

Is there a default, standard, recommended or well known icon to denote that a link will open a new browser window?

This is for web accessiblity reasons. Or is it basically a free for all?

I realise that those that will get the most use out of them (using screen readers) will not even care what the image looks like, and be more interested in the alt text.

Decided to go for this one : .

Unless someonce can suggest a more widely adopted one?

Cheers,

-- Lee

Answer 1

There's no such a thing as an established standard icon.

For example, the icon you chose is similar to the one used in wikipedia to mark links pointing to external websites (not belonging to wikipedia). You may however use it across your websites, and thus establish a convention within your own pages. Just make sure you do so consistently: ALL links marked with that icon MUST open to a new page, and ALL links not marked with it should open in the same page. You may improve accessibility, provided that you have a stable user base, who will have the chance to get used to your conventions. If your site is visited mostly by one-time visitors, then you'd be just adding visual clutter.

Answer 2

It's generally agreed (at least it's one thing both Nielson and Zeldman agree on) that opening links in new browser windows is BAD PRACTICE.

1. Some users will not notice that a new window has opened
2. If internal site links open in the same browser window but external site links open in a new window this can confuse users or lead them to suspect some links or your site might be 'broken'
3. Often the reason for opening a new window is so that users will stay on your site. It can actually have the opposite effect - a user may be annoyed by you opening a new window and just close your site

It is best to leave it up to the user. They will decide if they want to open it in a new window, tab or whatever.

It is generally best not to try to force users to use your site in the way you want, let them use it in the way they want.