Behavior: Open Browser Window

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Behavior: Open Browser Window

Ron McComb

There are a couple of ways to open new tabs and windows in Dreamweaver. Sometimes you may just want a blank window to appear to display a set sized image or some text, or you may want to alter the size or behaviors of the window that the user is exposed to. In either of these cases you will want to use the Behaviors in Dreamweaver and create a Java behavior. This tutorial will teach you how to use the Open Window behavior.

Step 1

Go to to the Window on the File menu bar and select "Behaviors" or press Shift+F4

When you select Behaviors your panel may look like the image below. To access the Behaviors click on the arrow to the left of Tag Inspector

Tag Inspector NOT open:

Tag Inspector open:

Step 2

Select the command that you would like to activate--this is the name on the left of the drop down. Now, click on the + and notice all of the behaviors that are available. We are only concerned with Open Browser Window.

Step 3

Enter the page or URL you wish to open in the new window or Browse for it. Notes: When entering the URL you must include the entire path including http:// You have numerous options available. Be aware of the fact that many end users do not like it when their window size changes on them, so it would be best to leave the window size empty unless you are opening a window will little content or an image with a set size. If you do not give the end user the option of navigating out of your widow then you may quickly loose your audience. Play with the various options and choose options that work best for your specific content. It is always wise to give the window a name.

If you are trying to enter a behavior for the onClick command and the Open Browser command appears where you do not want it, then just click on the command to the left of the behavior and select where you want it applied as in the image below.

Step 4

Finally, make sure the link you want to open is selected. In the Link window type: javascript:; Notice the :; these two characters must appear. Finally, if you try to delete the link at some future date you will get a message warning you of such...just go ahead and do it.

When you are done you will have a link that opens a new browser window. This is a great tool, but use it sparingly so that you do not irritate your user base.

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