Open Visual Traceroute
Open Visual Traceroute is a free, open-source desktop tool for tracing the network path from a computer to a target server.
What Open Visual Traceroute is
Open Visual Traceroute is a free, open-source desktop tool for tracing the network path from a computer to a target server. Its main view places that path on a 3D world map; a 2D map is also available for systems that have trouble with OpenGL drivers. It includes Whois lookups for public information about a domain and DNS diagnostics. The software runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and its complete source code is available for download. Version 2.0.0 requires Java 11 or later and can run without administrator privileges, with Java as its required external software. That version added dark mode and dropped packet sniffing and embedded traceroute mode as the project narrowed its focus to visual traceroute. The listed plan costs nothing. Users who encounter bugs are directed to the help page, and the maker accepts PayPal contributions toward project development.
Good
- Maps traceroute paths in 3D.
- Includes a 2D map option.
- Provides Whois lookups and DNS diagnostics.
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Source code is available for download.
Watch out
- Version 2.0.0 requires Java 11 or later.
- Packet sniffing and embedded traceroute mode were deprecated.
Who it suits
It suits people who want a visual route trace and domain lookup tools on a desktop system. The 2D map may be useful for computers that have difficulty with OpenGL drivers.
Verdict
Open Visual Traceroute centers on map-based route tracing, with Whois and DNS diagnostics alongside it. Check the Java requirement and the removal of packet sniffing and embedded traceroute mode if those matter to your use.
Plans and prices
From Open Visual Traceroute's own pricing page, checked 5 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Open Visual Traceroute | Free | Free and open source |
The facts
Each one read from Open Visual Traceroute's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- 2D visualization
- The tool offers a 2D map for computers or operating systems that have difficulty with OpenGL drivers.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Dark mode
- Version 2.0.0 added dark mode.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Feature change
- Starting with version 2.0.0, the maker deprecated packet sniffing and embedded traceroute mode to refocus the tool on visual traceroute.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Java requirement
- Version 2.0.0 requires Java 11 or later.checked 5 Oct 2026
- No admin privilege
- The maker says version 2.0.0 can run without admin privileges, with Java as the required external software.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The maker says the complete source code is available for download.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Open Visual Traceroute is an open-source visual networking tool for tracing the path from a computer to a target server.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users who encounter bugs to reach out through its help page.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Support contributions
- The maker accepts PayPal contributions to support project development.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Traceroute map
- Its traceroute feature displays the data path on a 3D world map.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Whois
- The Whois feature retrieves public information about a domain.checked 5 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platforms
- The maker lists Windows, MacOS X, Ubuntu, and OpenSUSE as supported systems.checked 5 Oct 2026
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