Question
Answer and Explanation
On macOS, using the Command key (cmd) along with a click is a common way to open links in a new tab or window. Here's a breakdown of how it works and some related tips:
How Cmd-Click Works:
1. Cmd + Click on a Link: When you hold down the Command key (⌘) and click on a hyperlink in a web browser, email client, or other application, the link will usually open in a new tab (if applicable) or a new window.
2. Default Behavior: The default behavior is generally to open in a new tab. If you're in an application that doesn't support tabs, it will open in a new window. This behaviour varies among applications, but it’s consistent on macOS when it comes to web links.
Applications and Cmd-Click:
- Web Browsers (Safari, Chrome, Firefox): This is where you'll most frequently use Cmd+click. It opens links in a new tab in the background, allowing you to continue browsing the current page.
- Email Clients (Mail, Outlook): Cmd+click will typically open links from emails in a new tab or window in your default browser.
- Text Editors and IDEs (VS Code, Sublime Text): Cmd+click on file paths in code often opens that file in the editor.
- Documents and PDFs (Preview, Adobe Acrobat): Cmd+click on links within documents usually opens them in the default browser, but sometimes it may open them in the same application. This depends on the PDF reader.
Additional Tips:
- Open in a New Window: If you want to open a link in a new window instead of a new tab, try Shift + Cmd + Click in web browsers.
- Middle-Click (or three-finger tap): On some macOS setups you can do a three-finger tap on a link to open it in a new tab.
- Customize Browser Settings: Check your browser settings if you want to change how links are opened (eg. open a new window instead of a new tab). This is in the settings, often under 'Tabs' or 'General'.
If Cmd-click isn't working as expected, it might be due to an application-specific setting, a browser extension, or a system-level misconfiguration. Generally, this shortcut should function consistently across macOS applications.
Understanding Cmd+Click is essential for efficient browsing and multitasking on macOS, offering a handy shortcut to quickly check new resources without navigating away from your current task.