Wayback
Self-HostedOpen-source web archiving tool for preserving digital content
Overview
Wayback is a self-hosted web archiving solution that lets users capture and store web pages, images, and other digital assets for long-term preservation. It supports scheduled crawls, custom capture rules, and integration with storage systems like S3 or local disks. Deployable via Docker or traditional servers, it offers a user-friendly interface to manage archives, search captured content, and export data in standard formats. Ideal for individuals, libraries, or organizations needing to preserve online resources without relying on third-party services.
Key Features
- Scheduled and on-demand web page captures
- Support for multiple storage backends (local, S3, etc.)
- Custom crawl rules and exclusion filters
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Wayback hard to install?
Wayback is relatively easy to install using Docker, which simplifies dependency management. For non-Docker setups, binary releases are available for major OSes, though manual configuration of storage and crawl rules may require basic technical knowledge.
? Is it a good alternative to Archive.org?
Yes, for users who want self-hosted control over their archives. Unlike Archive.org, Wayback keeps data private and allows custom crawl parameters, though it lacks the public search and massive existing archive of Archive.org.
? Is it completely free?
Wayback is open-source software released under the MIT License, so it's completely free to use, modify, and distribute. Users only incur costs for server hosting and storage if they choose to self-host.
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Full control over archived data privacy
- ⊕ No recurring subscription fees
- ⊕ Flexible deployment options (Docker, binary)
- ⊕ Standard format exports for interoperability
Cons
- ⊖ Requires server resources for crawling large sites
- ⊖ Technical setup for initial configuration
- ⊖ Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise tools