Open Bookmarks in New Tab with Automatic Focus on Single Left-Click

Description

I would like Brave to include an option to configure bookmarks (in the Bookmarks menu or toolbar) to open in a new tab with automatic focus when clicked with a single left-click, without requiring keyboard modifiers (Ctrl/Shift) or middle-click. This functionality would mirror the behavior provided by the Tab Mix Plus extension in Firefox, where users can customize bookmark click behavior to open links in a new tab and immediately switch focus to it.

Use Case

  • Current Behavior: Clicking a bookmark in Brave opens the link in the current tab, replacing its content. To open in a new tab with focus, users must use Ctrl+Shift+click or right-click and select “Open link in new tab” (which doesn’t focus the tab automatically).
  • Desired Behavior: A single left-click on a bookmark (in the Bookmarks menu or toolbar) opens the link in a new tab and automatically switches focus to that tab.
  • Benefit: This improves workflow efficiency for users who prefer to keep their current tab active while opening new links, without needing multiple clicks or keyboard shortcuts.

Proposed Implementation

  • Add a setting in Settings > Appearance or Settings > Tabs (a new section could be created for tab management) to toggle this behavior:
    • Example: “Open bookmarks in new tab with focus on single click.”
    • Default could remain as current behavior to avoid disrupting existing users.
  • Alternatively, allow per-bookmark configuration (e.g., right-click a bookmark and set its default behavior to “Open in new tab with focus”).
  • Ensure compatibility with Brave’s privacy and performance optimizations.

Additional Context

  • This feature is particularly useful for users migrating from Firefox with Tab Mix Plus, where such customization is standard.
  • Similar requests have been made in the Brave Community (e.g., for better tab management), but this specific functionality is not yet addressed.
  • Chromium-based browsers like Brave often lack this level of tab customization, but adding it could enhance user experience and differentiate Brave.

Platform

  • Operating System: All (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Brave Version: Latest stable release (e.g., v1.69.160 or newer)

Thank you for considering this feature to make Brave’s bookmark navigation more flexible and user-friendly!

Thumbs up… thumbs up… thumbs up…

I’d like to ask for an alternative Desired Behavior: A single click with the middle mouse button (scrollwheel) on a bookmark (in the Bookmarks menu or toolbar) opens the link in a new tab and automatically switches focus to that tab.

But I’d also be fine with the change to the behavior of a left-click.