Links
by Links
What Links is
Links is free, open-source web browser software that runs in text mode and graphics mode. Text mode displays page text, while graphics mode can show images. The manual lists HTML 4.0 support without CSS, including tables and frames in both modes. Graphics mode includes built-in display for GIF, JPEG, PNG, XBM and TIFF images, plus 48-bit gamma correction, antialiasing, adjustable font size and image enlargement. Navigation features include bookmarks, background downloads and asynchronous DNS lookup. Links is available for desktop use on Linux, MacOS X and Windows; Linux graphics options include Xorg, SVGAlib and framebuffer. A compiled installation creates one executable containing the required components. The manual describes it as intended for low-level IT specialists. JavaScript was removed in release 2.1pre29 because it was buggy. Versions older than 2.6 have warned graphics-mode memory-write bugs.
Who it suits
Links suits low-level IT specialists who want a text-and-graphics browser on desktop Linux, MacOS X or Windows. It is also relevant for users needing a compact executable and basic HTML 4.0 support.
What it does well
- Runs in text and graphics modes
- Available on Linux, MacOS X and Windows
- Includes bookmarks and background downloads
- Displays several image formats
- Open source under GNU GPL version 2 or later
What to know first
- HTML support is listed without CSS
- JavaScript support was removed
- Older than 2.6 versions have graphics-mode memory-write bugs
- Built-in ad blocking is listed
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Links | Free software under GNU GPL version 2 or later | Free |
As links.twibright.com lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Links offers a lightweight browser with text and graphics display, basic HTML support and several navigation tools. Its lack of CSS and JavaScript, plus the warning for older releases, matters when choosing it.
Facts from Links's own pages
- Built-in ad blocking
- Yes · links.twibright.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Display features
- Listed graphics features include 48-bit gamma correction, antialiasing, and user adjustment of font size and image enlargement. · links.twibright.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1999 · links.twibright.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · links.twibright.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Image formats
- In graphics mode, Links lists built-in display for GIF, JPEG, PNG, XBM, and TIFF images. · links.twibright.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The manual says a compiled Links installation produces a single executable file with the components needed to run the browser. · links.twibright.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The user manual describes Links as designed for low-level IT specialists. · links.twibright.com, 12 Oct 2026
- JavaScript
- The manual says JavaScript support was removed in release 2.1pre29 because it was buggy. · links.twibright.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Linux platform
- The supported-platform list includes Linux, with Xorg, SVGAlib, and framebuffer graphics options. · links.twibright.com, 12 Oct 2026
- macOS platform
- The supported-platform list names MacOS X. · links.twibright.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Navigation
- The manual lists bookmarks, background downloads, and asynchronous DNS lookup among the browser features. · links.twibright.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Yes · links.twibright.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Supported platforms
- desktop · links.twibright.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Product
- Links is a web browser that runs in both graphics and text modes. · links.twibright.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Project history
- Mikuláš Patočka began Links in 1999, and three contributors joined in 2000 to add graphics and JavaScript capabilities. · links.twibright.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Security and limits
- The download page warns that Links versions older than 2.6 have memory-write bugs in graphics mode that could potentially be exploited to attack a computer. · links.twibright.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The development page asks users to email bug reports to four listed project addresses with reproduction details, version, operating system, and compiled capabilities where known. · links.twibright.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Text and graphics
- Links can display text in text mode and images in graphics mode. · links.twibright.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Web support
- The manual lists HTML 4.0 support without CSS, along with tables and frames in both modes. · links.twibright.com, 12 Oct 2026
Where Links stands on Freedom251
- Web browsers#42 of 154