---
description: >-
  A browser extension to view archived and cached versions of a website on
  multiple archiving sites.
---

# Web Archives

## URL

[Github](https://github.com/dessant/web-archives) | [Chrome](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/web-archives/hkligngkgcpcolhcnkgccglchdafcnao) | [Firefox](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/view-page-archive/) | [Edge](https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/web-archives/apcfghlggldjdjepjnahfdjgdcdekhda) | [Opera](https://addons.opera.com/extensions/details/view-page-archive-cache/) | [Safari](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/web-archives-for-safari/id1603181853?platform=mac)

## Description

Web Archives is a browser extension that allows you to view archived and cached versions of web pages on [archiving sites](https://github.com/dessant/web-archives/wiki/Search-engines) such as the [Wayback Machine](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/internet-archive) and [archive.today](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/archive.today).

By integrating multiple services into one interface, the extension can help save time and enhance efficiency during online investigations.

**Example use case:** You are investigating a website that frequently updates its content or might remove sensitive pages. Web Archives enables you to quickly check archived versions from different platforms to track changes or retrieve deleted content.

## How to use

You can start searches directly from the context menu or the browser toolbar.

### Fetch the archives of a current page from the extension menu

Open the extension menu and select the desired engine. This will open a new tab with the results.

<figure><img src="https://1607018381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFuL0vtRVpXHiKZgFkMFR%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-1c0f60cfaf2178ea98561a9b4535ec6f51090035%2Fdemo%20(5).gif?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption><p>You can also fetch on all engines simultaneously</p></figcaption></figure>

### Fetch the archives for a link using the context menu

If your target is a link available in the current page, you can right-click on the link, select "Web Archives" context menu and then select the desired engine.

<figure><img src="https://1607018381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFuL0vtRVpXHiKZgFkMFR%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-7b2caab37a8c4318257c8079ced8c37b210b4d8d%2Fdemo2%20(1).gif?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption><p>You can use Web Archives' context menu on a link</p></figcaption></figure>

### Fetch the archive of a given URL from the clipboard

From the extension menu, select the URL Mode and then copy-paste the target URL.

<figure><img src="https://1607018381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFuL0vtRVpXHiKZgFkMFR%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-b1fb963ee4df1f8a31cea0e59207ead3e69f6497%2Fdemo3url%20(1).gif?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption><p>The URL Mode allows you to fetch for a URL without opening it, that makes you check a resource passively, without interacting with the target.</p></figcaption></figure>

### Change behavior to open new tabs in the background

By default, Web Archives will open the results in a new tab and switch focus to it. If you prefer to open the tab in the background and view the results later, you can adjust this behavior in **Options > Miscellaneous >&#x20;**_**Open new tabs in the background**_.

<figure><img src="https://1607018381-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFuL0vtRVpXHiKZgFkMFR%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f62cd4680cd4c01355da89a5d333c0bafad1bad8%2Fdemo4%20(1).gif?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption><p>Now tabs will open in the background and you can switch focus to it later.</p></figcaption></figure>

You can also choose the desired engines and re-order them in the Options.

## Cost

* [x] Free
* [ ] Partially Free
* [ ] Paid

The tool is free and open source.

## Level of difficulty

<table><thead><tr><th data-type="rating" data-max="5"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Requirements

* A supported browser. These are Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera and Safari.
* Most engines need Javascript to be enabled.

## Limitations

* The tool relies on the availability of the linked archiving services.
* Note that there's is no guarantee that an archived version of a page will be found, as it depends on whether the archiving service has captured the content at the time of your request.

## Ethical Considerations

Make sure you have the right to use the selected search engines in your location.

## Tool provider

Armin Sebastian ([@dessant on GitHub](https://github.com/dessant)) is an EU based developer specializing in open source browser extensions.

## Advertising Trackers

* [ ] This tool has not been checked for advertising trackers yet.
* [ ] This tool uses tracking cookies. Use with caution.
* [x] This tool does not appear to use tracking cookies.

The tool itself does not use tracking cookies but the archving sites/search engines may use them. Be mindful of the their privacy policies.

| Page maintainer           |
| ------------------------- |
| Bellingcat Volunteer Team |
|                           |
