Phenomenon
When trying to edit link text in Safari, clicking or selecting the text may trigger navigation to the link URL. It’s very difficult to edit link text without accidentally navigating.
Reproduction example
- Create a link:
<a href="https://example.com">Link text</a> - Try to click and select the text for editing
Observed behavior
- Clicking triggers navigation immediately
- Text selection is interrupted
- Cannot edit link text easily
- Navigation happens before editing can occur
Expected behavior
- Clicking should allow text selection
- Navigation should be prevented during editing
- Users should be able to edit link text
- Navigation should only occur on explicit activation
Browser Comparison
- Chrome/Edge: May navigate but usually allows selection
- Firefox: More likely to navigate immediately
- Safari: Most likely to navigate on click (this case)
Notes and possible direction for workarounds
- Prevent default link behavior on all clicks
- Allow text selection without navigation
- Only navigate on explicit activation (e.g., Ctrl+Click)
- Provide edit mode for links