External web linking to an image does not work due to Content Formatting Macro
Platform Notice: Cloud and Data Center - This article applies equally to both cloud and data center platforms.
Support for Server* products ended on February 15th 2024. If you are running a Server product, you can visit the Atlassian Server end of support announcement to review your migration options.
*Except Fisheye and Crucible
Problem
Users added an external link to an image. When users click on that image, Confluence will react as an image button instead of a link.
img 1 of 2 : external link added to image
img 2 / 2 : when pressing image result in viewing image
Cause
The image fails to link with external link due to Content Formatting Macro, a third party plugin by Adaptavist.
Resolution
Disabling and re-enabling the plugin recovers the functionality