If you think your site is lost, don’t worry! Wayback Machine, a tool from the Internet Archive, might have all the information you need. Whether you are looking to find a site you previously owned or to see what the websites of major brands used to look like, this tool is the perfect solution.
Wayback Machine is by far one of the most used features of the Internet Archive. Since 2001, the free online tool means users can scroll back in time to see how websites once looked. With more than 560 billion sites available to view and more being added every year, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll find the website you’re looking for.
How does Wayback Machine work?
Wayback Machine collects snapshots of billions of pages from across the internet, gathered from many partners and technology. The enormous system is powered by several hundred computers which process thousands of requests every second. Combining information from such sources, Wayback Machine provides users with captures of publicly displayed web pages. Captures of a domain can still be found even after a website has been deactivated.
Why is it important?
From hackers to history, the archive is a phenomenal tool; able to provide anyone with a copy of a website, it is an incredibly valuable asset in many instances. Whether your site has been hacked and all data has been lost or you are looking to create a brand timeline, this ‘time machine’ allows you to access a near-complete copy of the website you are looking for.
How to use Wayback Machine
- Search for Wayback Machine on your browser.
- Go onto the web page and insert the domain you want to find into the search bar.
- Click on the Browse History button to search.
- When the search is complete, you’ll see a calendar displaying all captures available.
- Hover over the dates marked where a timestamp will appear. Click on the timestamp to open the capture.
- This will then open the snapshot of the website for the date and time you selected.
It’s easy to see why so many people use Wayback Machine. For research, recovery or to be nosey, the information available from the Internet Archive can help. Following these simple steps and taking advantage of the collection could save a lot of time and money.