Open Mail Links in the Background

Here's a quick Mail tip to make dealing with URL-laden messages somewhat easier. Normally, when you click a link in Apple's Mail app, it brings your preferred browser to the foreground. However, when I'm reading email, I'd usually rather keep reading the message, then check the link when I'm done.

The solution is simple (if you're running OS X 10.4 or 10.5), and is quite predictable if you're used to doing the same in your browser--just Command-click the link instead of clicking it. It will then open in the background, so you can keep reading your mail.

As a side hint, remember you can always see the actual URL for a link in Mail just by hovering over the hyperlink--Mail will then pop up a tool tip showing the actual URL. Hovering before clicking (or Command-clicking) can insure that your browser will actually load the page you think it's going to load before it's too late.