Guide · Open source
How to use OSINT-Framework: browse, find free tools and contribute
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
OSINT Framework is a curated, categorized collection of links to free online tools and resources for gathering information from public sources. It is shown as an interactive tree on the project website, so you pick a topic and drill down to a relevant site. This guide shows you how to navigate the tree, read the markers next to each entry, avoid common limits, and contribute a new resource if you have one.
OSINT Frameworklockfale/OSINT-Framework · ★ 12.4k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Open the website. Go to https://osintframework.com, the homepage listed for the project.
- 2Pick a topic. Choose the category closest to the kind of public information you need.
- 3Drill down the tree. Expand subcategories until you reach a specific resource.
- 4Read the markers. Check for (T), (D), (R) or (M) to know if the entry needs local install, registration, a Google Dork or manual URL editing.
- 5Verify the source. Open the linked site and confirm it is available and still relevant, since the README does not guarantee every link is live.
- 6Contribute if needed. To add a resource, clone the repository with git clone and update arf.json in the right category folder, then submit a pull request.
What OSINT Framework is and what it is not
OSINT Framework is a link directory, not a software program. The README describes it as a framework focused on gathering information from free tools or resources, with the goal of helping people find free OSINT resources.
It was created from an information security viewpoint, and the author says responses from other fields and disciplines have been extensive and welcome. Expect a list of places to search, not a tool that searches for you.
Browse the interactive tree on the website
Open the project site at https://osintframework.com. The resources are shown as an interactive tree organized by category. Start with the topic closest to your question and expand branches until you reach a specific site.
Use the tree as a map. Each endpoint is a third-party website, so the page you land on is maintained by someone else.
- Start broad, then narrow to a subcategory.
- Open the linked site in a new tab so you can keep your place in the tree.
- Check the site itself for current availability before relying on it.
Read the legend markers before you click
Some entries carry a marker in parentheses after the name. The README defines four of them. Reading them first saves time and sets expectations about what you will find.
- (T) means the tool must be installed and run locally.
- (D) means a Google Dork, linked to background on Google Hacking.
- (R) means the site requires registration.
- (M) means the URL contains the search term and must be edited manually.
Know the limits of the listings
The README says the intention is to point to free resources, but some included sites may require registration or offer more data for a fee. It also says you should be able to get at least a portion of the available information at no cost.
The README does not promise that every link is live. Treat the directory as a starting list and verify each source yourself.
- Expect some sites to need an account (R).
- Expect some sites to charge for fuller data.
- Expect that some links may have changed or stopped working.
Add a new resource through GitHub
The README asks contributors to submit new resources through a GitHub pull request. For new resources, the site must be available for public and free use. Entries are stored in arf.json inside the appropriate category folder.
To work on the project locally, the README gives this clone command. Each entry should include at least name, type and url. The README strongly encourages the metadata fields, which describe status, pricing, bestFor, input, output, opsec and the marker booleans. Append (T), (D), (R) or (M) to the name when it applies and set the matching field to true.
- Update arf.json in the correct category folder.
- Include name, type and url at a minimum.
- Set status, pricing and other metadata fields where you can.
- Submit a pull request, or open an issue on GitHub, or reach out on Twitter as the README describes.
git clone https://github.com/lockfale/OSINT-FrameworkWhat people use it for
- A researcher finding a free starting point for public-information searches on a topic.
- A security professional building a broad list of reconnaissance resources.
- A journalist or investigator checking where to search for a subject.
- A student learning what kinds of public sources exist for intelligence gathering.
Frequently asked questions
Is OSINT Framework a program I can install?
No. The README describes it as a link directory rather than an application. You use it through the interactive tree on the project website at https://osintframework.com.
Is OSINT Framework free?
The project's aim is to help people find free OSINT resources. The README notes that some included sites may require registration or offer more data for a fee, but you should be able to get at least part of the available information for no cost. The project is licensed under MIT.
What do the (T), (D), (R) and (M) markers mean?
(T) marks a tool that must be installed and run locally. (D) marks a Google Dork. (R) marks a site that requires registration. (M) marks a URL that contains the search term and must be edited manually.
Are all the links in OSINT Framework still working?
The README does not promise that. It describes the project as a curated list of links, so check each site before relying on it.
How do I add a tool to OSINT Framework?
Clone the repository with git clone https://github.com/lockfale/OSINT-Framework, update arf.json in the appropriate category folder with your entry, and submit a pull request. The site must be available for public and free use.
Are there alternatives or comparable projects?
The source does not list any comparable projects, so this guide does not name alternatives. Searching for other OSINT link collections is the way to compare.
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Our verdict
OSINT Framework suits researchers, security professionals, journalists and students who need a fast map of free public-information resources. It is a poor fit for anyone who expects an installable program or a guaranteed-current, fully working list of links.
Install options & downloads