This article shows you how to download an entire website to your computer so that you can browse its contents even when you don't have an active internet connection. Some sites do not allow you to do this due to some restrictions.
Steps
Step 1. Search for a website downloader
It is a program that can download the entire structure of a website, including its contents, locally. Numerous programs of this type are available on the web for free. Here is a small list of the most used:
- HTTrack - it is available for Windows and Linux systems and allows you to choose which parts of a website you want to download and which parts should be discarded;
- WebRipper - is only available for Windows platforms. This application allows you to download all the contents of a website starting from photos, videos and hyperlinks up to the HTML code and text formatting;
- DeepVacuum - available only for Mac. DeepVacuum, just like HTTrack for Windows computers, allows you to filter the contents before downloading them to the Mac (for example, it allows you to save only images or links);
- SiteSucker - available for Macs with OS X El Capitan and Sierra operating systems. However, on the site there are also versions for the iOS and Mac OS X operating systems. SiteSucker works in a very similar way to Deep Vacuum but offers the possibility to automatically update all saved pages as soon as the computer connects to the internet. To download the version of the program for iOS platforms you can use this URL.
Step 2. Search for the downloader you have chosen to use
In order to have a clear idea of the program you have selected, carry out online searches to find out what users who have already used it think about it. If most people recommend it, the program interface you like and think it's easy to use, you can download and install it without worry.
- Avoid downloading a program that has not been liked by those who have already tested it.
- If you can find a video demonstrating how your chosen program works, you will be able to clearly understand whether or not it is right for you.
Step 3. Download the installation file
Most of these types of programs are published on websites that do not use the HTTPS security protocol, so make sure you access the download page from a secure and reliable network (for example, your home and not a public place).
- If possible, try to choose a program that can be downloaded directly from the website of the developer.
- Before the installation file download starts, you may need to choose the save folder.
Step 4. Double click on the installation file
Navigate to the folder you chose in the previous step as your save directory. This will start the software installation wizard on your computer.
Step 5. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen
Obviously they vary according to the program chosen, so read carefully all the information that will be provided to you during the installation phase of the program.
Step 6. Wait for the installation to complete, then launch the program
At the end of this step you will be ready to download the contents of the website you want to your computer.
Step 7. Copy the URL of the website you want to download locally
Access the relevant main page using an internet browser, select the text in the address bar of the latter, select the URL with the right mouse button (or tap the trackpad with two fingers) and choose the "Copy" option from the context menu that will appear.
Alternatively, press the hotkey combination Ctrl + C on Windows systems or ⌘ Command + C on Mac after highlighting the text to be copied
Step 8. Paste the address of the site to download into the "URL" bar of the program
The precise name and location of the latter vary according to the program chosen. However, it is most likely a text field located at the top of the application window.
You will also have the possibility to select the criteria with which to perform the data download; for example you can select the type of content to be discarded or the local destination folder
Step 9. Press the "Download" button of the program
Again the precise name and location vary from program to program, but you will most likely find it at the bottom of the application window. The indicated site will be downloaded directly to your computer.
Step 10. Wait for the download to complete
At the end of the saving, you will be able to consult the pages of the chosen site even without being connected to the internet.
Dynamic or social networking elements or features will not work offline as they are aspects designed exclusively to work with an always-on internet connection
Advice
The programs that allow you to download a website entirely can also be used as valid backup tools to have a copy of your web pages
Warnings
- Saving locally a website that includes a large number of links and multimedia content, for example that of a social network, can generate a large amount of data that would occupy a considerable percentage of the free space on the computer.
- Before downloading an entire website locally, make sure it is legal to do so.
- Some websites have restrictions to prevent online services such as those described in the article from being able to download their content. These protection systems are put in place to prevent content from being duplicated and used by third parties. In these cases you will be forced to manually download every single page that makes up the website.
