Popups

Why it Matters |   How To... |   Testing |   Guidelines

Why it Matters

Users can get confused when new windows and pop-ups appear. It is a particular problem for those using screen readers, as they do not have the visual feedback of seeing multiple windows. Many users turn off pop-up windows with pop -up blockers because they are associated with unwanted information such as advertisements.

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How To...

Allow users to complete actions on the same page wherever possible. If a page will be opened in a new window, inform users that a new window will be created.

If it is essential to use pop-ups for a particular purpose (for example the text of one window will be copied into another window so they both need to be visible) then add 'close' functionality to pop up window.

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Testing

Turn off pop-ups using a pop-up blocker. Manually check that users are informed when a new window is opened.

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Guidelines

Checkpoint 2.1 Until user agents allow users to turn off spawned windows, do not cause pop-ups or other windows to appear and do not change the current window without informing the user.

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