=== Codious External Links Opener ===

Contributors: codious
Tags: external links, new tab, target blank, rel noopener
Requires at least: 5.0
Tested up to: 6.9
Requires PHP: 7.2
Stable tag: 1.1
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Automatically adds target="_blank" and rel="noopener noreferrer" to external links in post content to improve user experience and security.

== Description ==

Codious External Links Opener is a powerful yet lightweight WordPress external links plugin designed to automatically open external links in a new tab while keeping internal links untouched.

This plugin helps website owners manage external hyperlinks, improve user experience, and follow SEO best practices by adding rel="noopener noreferrer" to all outbound links for enhanced security and performance.

Whether you are looking for a WordPress open link in new tab plugin, a simple WP external links plugin, or an automated solution to handle external links in WordPress posts, this plugin works seamlessly without any configuration.

🔹 Key Features:

* Automatically open links in a new tab for all external URLs
* Keeps WordPress internal linking intact (internal links open normally)
* Improves SEO & security with noopener noreferrer
* Works on posts, pages, and custom post types
* Lightweight, fast, and no settings required
* Compatible with most themes and page builders

Unlike complex auto internal linking plugins for WordPress, this plugin focuses purely on external link handling, making it ideal for bloggers, affiliate marketers, and SEO professionals.

If you need a reliable WordPress plugin to open external site links in a new tab, this is the perfect solution.

Just install, activate, and your external links will automatically open in a new tab.

== Installation ==

1. Upload the plugin files to the `/wp-content/plugins/codious-external-links-opener` directory, or install the plugin through the WordPress plugins screen directly.
2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' screen in WordPress.
3. That’s it! External links will now open in a new tab automatically.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Does this plugin open internal links in a new tab? =
No. The plugin only affects external links. WordPress internal links remain unchanged.

= Does this plugin require any configuration? =
No settings are required. Just install and activate the plugin.

= Is this plugin SEO friendly? =
Yes. It follows best SEO practices by adding `rel="noopener noreferrer"` to external links.

= Will it work with themes and page builders? =
Yes. It works with most WordPress themes, Gutenberg, and popular page builders.

= Is the plugin lightweight? =
Yes. The plugin is optimized for performance and does not affect site speed.

== Screenshots ==

1. External links automatically open in a new tab.

== Changelog ==

= 1.1 =
* Updated compatibility with WordPress 6.8
* Minor internal improvements

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.1 =
Compatibility update for WordPress 6.8

== Credits ==

Developed by Codious Technologies