How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts on w3m Browser
Navigating the internet can be a seamless experience when using the right browser. One browser that stands out is the w3m browser. Although primarily used as a text-based web browser, it boasts of several unique features, including its ability to navigate websites using keyboard shortcuts. In this article, we will guide you on how to use keyboard shortcuts on the w3m browser.
Understanding w3m Browser
What is w3m Browser?
The w3m browser is a free and open-source text-based web browser. It can render HTML, image files, and tables, making it a versatile and functional option. Developed on Linux, it can run on most operating systems, including Windows and macOS.
The w3m browser is a great option for those who prefer a lightweight and fast browsing experience. Its text-based interface allows for quick and efficient browsing, without the distractions of ads or unnecessary graphics. Additionally, the browser's small file size makes it a great option for those with limited storage space on their devices.
Features of w3m Browser
Some of the unique features of the w3m browser include its ability to allow browsing using keyboard shortcuts, support of tabbed browsing, running as a standalone application or as an Emacs plugin, and its support of cookies, JavaScript, and sessions. The w3m browser can also display web pages using various display modes, including text, inline, and full-screen.
The keyboard shortcuts in w3m browser allow for quick navigation and browsing. For example, pressing the "j" key moves the cursor down one line, while pressing the "k" key moves the cursor up one line. The tabbed browsing feature allows for multiple web pages to be open at once, making it easy to switch between them. Additionally, the ability to run as an Emacs plugin allows for even more customization and functionality.
Installing w3m Browser
Installing the w3m browser is an easy process. The browser can be installed through the terminal on a Linux operating system. Once installed, the browser can be run by typing the "w3m" command in a terminal window. For other operating systems, visit the w3m website to download the browser.
After installation, users can further customize their browsing experience by configuring the browser's settings. For example, users can change the default display mode or set up keyboard shortcuts to their liking. Additionally, the browser supports various plugins and extensions, allowing for even more functionality and customization.
Navigating with w3m Keyboard Shortcuts
The w3m browser is a simple and lightweight text-based web browser that allows for easy navigation of web pages using keyboard shortcuts. In addition to the basic navigation shortcuts, the w3m browser has several other shortcuts that can make browsing the web more efficient and enjoyable.
Basic Navigation Shortcuts
Using the w3m browser, navigating web pages is easy with keyboard shortcuts. To open a web page, simply type the URL in the address bar and press enter. Once you are on a web page, you can move up and down within the page using the arrow keys or the "k" and "j" keys respectively. The "h" and "l" keys allow you to navigate backward and forward within the page history, making it easy to revisit pages you have previously viewed.
Pressing "g" followed by "g" takes you to the top of the page, while pressing "G" takes you to the bottom. If you want to move back and forth within a web page, you can use the "B" and "Spacebar" keys. Additionally, the "i" key toggles the "insert mode," which enables you to enter text into a form field without having to use your mouse.
When you are done browsing, pressing "q" exits the browser and returns you to your command line or terminal.
Scrolling and Zooming Shortcuts
The w3m browser has several ways to zoom in or out of a page. To zoom in, press the "+" key. To zoom out, press the "-" key. Pressing "0" resets the zoom to the original level. This feature can be particularly useful when you are trying to read small text or view images in more detail.
In addition to zooming, the w3m browser allows for smooth scrolling using the "ctrl" and arrow keys. The "ctrl" and "b" keys scroll up, while the "ctrl" and "f" keys scroll down. This can be a great way to quickly navigate through long articles or blog posts.
Tab Management Shortcuts
The w3m browser supports tabbed browsing, which allows for multiple web pages to be open simultaneously. To open a new tab, simply type "T." This will create a new tab and open the w3m browser homepage in the new tab.
To switch between tabs, type "ctrl" and "p" for the next tab and "ctrl" and "n" for the previous tab. This can be a great way to quickly switch between different web pages without having to open and close them individually.
Finally, if you want to close the current tab, you can use the "Ctrl" and "w" shortcut. This will close the current tab and return you to the previous tab you had open.
Searching and Bookmarking in w3m
Using the Search Function
One of the most convenient features of the w3m browser is its built-in search function. To search for a term on a web page, press the "/" key and type the desired term. Pressing "n" moves the cursor to the next occurrence of the selected text. To highlight all occurrences of the text, press "shft" and "n".
Adding and Managing Bookmarks
Bookmarks in the w3m browser enable you to save and easily access your favorite websites. To add a bookmark, press "a" when on the desired web page. A message appears on the status bar prompting you to enter a bookmark name. After entering the name, press "enter." To access your bookmarks, press "b," and a menu with all your saved bookmarks appears.
Customizing w3m Browser
Changing Display Settings
The w3m browser has several display modes, including inline textures, full-screen, and external editor modes. To access display mode settings, open the "config" file in the w3m browser's directory and add the following line: "display_image inlinr/display=image".
Modifying Keyboard Shortcuts
Users can customize keyboard shortcuts to suit their preference by modifying the w3m browser's "keymap" file. To change a shortcut key, simply locate the desired shortcut in the "keymap" file and replace it with the desired key combination.
Configuring Proxy Settings
Configuring proxy settings allows the w3m browser to connect to websites through a proxy server. To add proxy settings, open the "config" file and add the following line: "http_proxy=http://[username]:[password]@[proxy]:[port]."
Conclusion
The w3m browser is undoubtedly an excellent option when it comes to text-based web browsers. Its ability to allow navigating using keyboard shortcuts makes it a favorite among users who prefer a more streamlined browsing experience. By following the guide provided in this article, you can easily learn how to use keyboard shortcuts on the w3m browser.