How to always open linked files in the same Editor Tab Group

Situation

For example, there are two open Editor tab groups:

Group A:

• File 1 (Active tab)

Group B:

• File 2 (Inactive tab)

• File 3 (Active tab)

Also, File 1 is linked to File 2 (e.g. it uses a class from File 2).

With default settings, when Cmd+Click is performed on the class name in the code of File 1, Group B now switches to File 2. Group A remains on File 1.

This is different from the default behavior of other IDEs, which would open File 2 in a new tab in Group A (and also keep it open in its inactive tab in Group B).

Question

Is there a setting that controls this behavior, i.e. that defines that linked files always open in the current Editor Tab Group?

Answer

Yes, there is a setting that controls this behavior in IntelliJ IDEA. It is called "When navigating to a file, prefer selecting existing tab in inactive split pane".

It is enabled by default in the Advanced settings of the IDE. In case you start seeing a different behavior, make sure it wasn't disabled accidentally:

See also

• The description of other Advanced Editor Settings: https://www.jetbrains.com/help/idea/advanced-settings.html#advanced_editor_tabs
• How to open the same file in the current Editor if it was already opened in a separate window: How to open the same file in the current Editor if it was already opened in a separate window