> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.altoura.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Open Browser Link

> Open an external URL in a new browser tab while training continues

## Overview

The **Open Browser Link** action opens a URL in a new browser tab. The training continues running in the background, allowing learners to reference external resources without interrupting their progress.

This action is useful for linking to supporting documents, external references, and resources without breaking the training flow.

## When to Use

* Link to **reference documents** or downloadable PDFs
* Direct learners to **safety data sheets** (SDS) or compliance documents
* Open **external training resources** or e-learning modules
* Link to **company intranet** pages or knowledge bases
* Provide **additional reading** or research materials
* Reference **external tools** or websites related to the training

## Parameters

| Parameter | Type   | Required | Description                                                         |
| --------- | ------ | -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| URL       | String | Yes      | The web address to open (include protocol: `http://` or `https://`) |

## Example: Link to Safety Documentation

```
Action: Open Browser Link
URL: "https://company.com/safety/sds-chemical-x.pdf"
```

A new tab opens showing the safety data sheet. The training remains open in the original tab.

## Example: Reference to External Tool

```
Action: Open Browser Link
URL: "https://tools.example.com/calibration-calculator"
```

The learner can use the external calculator to verify measurements while the training waits in the background.

## Example: Company Intranet

```
Action: Open Browser Link
URL: "https://intranet.company.com/procedures/maintenance-checklist"
```

A link to the company intranet procedures page opens in a new tab.

## Best Practices

<Steps>
  <Step title="Include the protocol">
    Always start URLs with `http://` or `https://` — the link will fail without it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Warn learners in text">
    Use **Show Text** or **Show Panel** to notify learners that a new tab will open.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test all links">
    Verify all URLs work before deploying the training. Broken links frustrate learners.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Use stable URLs">
    Link to permanent, publicly accessible URLs that won't change or be moved.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Consider timing">
    Open links at natural pause points in the training, not during critical interactions.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Common Patterns

### Open SDS Before Hazardous Procedure

```
State: ChemicalHandlingStep
  onEntry:
    → Show Text "This procedure involves hazardous chemicals. Review the safety data sheet first."
    → Show Panel
        Title: "Safety Data Sheet"
        Display Text: "Click the button to view the SDS for this chemical."
        Buttons: [{label: "View SDS", action: "open-sds"}]
        Billboard: true

  transitions:
    - event: "open-sds"
      action: Open Browser Link ("https://company.com/sds/chemical-x")
      target: "SafetyAcknowledgment"

  onExit:
    → Hide Panel
```

The learner is prompted to review the SDS before proceeding with the procedure.

### Reference Checklist During Training

```
State: ProcedureStep5
  onEntry:
    → Show Panel
        Title: "Step 5: Verification"
        Display Text: "Use the checklist below to verify all connections."
        Buttons: [{label: "Open Checklist", action: "view-checklist"}]
        Billboard: true

  transitions:
    - event: "view-checklist"
      action: Open Browser Link ("https://company.com/checklists/electrical-connections")
      target: "VerificationComplete"

  onExit:
    → Hide Panel
```

The learner can reference the external checklist while performing verification steps.

## Important Notes

* **New tabs only** — Links always open in a new tab. The training remains in the original tab.
* **No tracking** — Creator Studio does not track whether learners actually visited the linked page.
* **Requires internet** — Learners must have internet access for the link to work.
* **Test across devices** — Verify links work on desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers.

## Related Actions

* **Show Panel** — Display instructions with a link button
* **Show Text** — Notify learners that a new tab will open
* **Pause Training** — Optional: pause training while learner reviews the external resource