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How to simulate target=“_blank” in JavaScript ?

Last Updated : 12 Jul, 2025
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In web development, the target="_blank" attribute on anchor (<a>) tags is used to open links in a new browser tab or window. Sometimes, developers might need to achieve this behavior programmatically using JavaScript. Understanding these techniques equips developers with flexible solutions for enhancing user experience and managing navigation behavior seamlessly in web applications.

HTML Target Attributes

  • The HTML target attribute defines where the linked document will open when the user clicks on the link.
  • If target="_blank" is set on an anchor element, the linked document will open in a new tab; otherwise, the document will open in the same tab.

Syntax

 document.addEventListener("click", function(e) {
    if (e.target.tagName == "A" &&
            !e.target.hasAttribute("target"))
    {
        e.target.setAttribute("target", "_blank");
    }
});

Example: To demonstrate simulating target with the _blank value using JavaScript. At first, we will create an event on every click function then we set the condition if there is an anchor tag and the target attribute is not mentioned, the target attribute is "_blank".

html 
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>

<head>
    <title>
        Simulate target=“_blank” in JavaScript
    </title>

    <script>
        document.addEventListener("click", function (e) {
            if (e.target.tagName == "A" &&
                !e.target.hasAttribute("target")) {
                e.target.setAttribute("target", "_blank");
            }
        });
    </script>
</head>

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

    <a href="https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/">
        GeeksforGeeks<br>
        A computer science portal for geeks
    </a>
</body>

</html>

Output:


A

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