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SPECIFICTION
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w3m

github.com

Free plan Open source Linux
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.5 #122 of 154 in Web browsers

What it is

w3m is a pager that also functions as a text-mode web browser. When reading HTML, it lets users follow links and open images through an external image viewer. Its internet message mode checks a document’s header and renders content marked text/html as HTML. Plain-text URL descriptions can be converted into links, supporting terminal-oriented browsing and document reading. w3m is free and open source, listed at free, with no paid plans or usage limits stated. Linux is a documented platform for desktop use. Building it on MS-Windows requires Cygwin and development tools. The installation notes require the GC library and describe a configure, make, and make install process. The project permits use, modification, and redistribution when copyright notices remain in copies, applications, and derived works. Documentation identifies poor online manuals as a current problem. The GitHub repository says the package is maintained for Debian and forked from the original SourceForge version, while its releases page lists no releases. The software is provided without express or implied warranty.

Spec sheet

Supported platforms
desktopRead 19 Sep 2026 · github.com
Build dependency
The installation notes say w3m requires the GC library.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Document detection
Its internet message mode determines document type from the header and displays documents with Content-Type text/html as HTML.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
HTML browsing
When reading HTML, users can follow links and view images using an external image viewer.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Installation
The documented build process runs configure, make, and make install.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Intended audience
The project describes w3m as a text-mode WWW browser and pager.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
License terms
The project permits use, modification, and redistribution provided the copyright notice is included in copies, applications, and derivations.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Linux support
The documentation lists Linux among the platforms w3m is known to work on.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maintained distribution
The repository says this package is maintained for Debian and forked from the original SourceForge version.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Open source
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · github.com
Plain text links
It can turn URL descriptions in plain text into links.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Product type
w3m is a pager that can also be used as a text-mode WWW browser.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Release packaging
The GitHub repository's releases page states that there are no releases there.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support limitation
The documentation lists poor online manuals as a current problem.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Warranty
The documentation says the software is provided as is without express or implied warranty.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Windows support
The documentation says building w3m on MS-Windows requires Cygwin with development tools.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

w3m Free No paid plans or usage limits stated Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every w3m plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source
  • Follows HTML links in text mode
  • Can open images through an external viewer
  • Turns plain-text URLs into links
  • Permits modification and redistribution with notices

Limits

  • Windows builds require Cygwin and development tools
  • The GC library is required
  • Documentation cites poor online manuals
  • GitHub releases page lists no releases

Who it suits

It suits Linux desktop users who want a pager and text-mode browser for links, HTML, and terminal-oriented documents. Windows builders need Cygwin, development tools, and the GC library.

Verdict

w3m provides lightweight pager and text-browser functions for Linux desktop workflows. Its open-source terms are permissive, but installation dependencies and limited documentation matter for prospective users.

Where Specifiction places it

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