ViewFinder
ViewFinder is an open-source remote browser isolation product that runs a virtualized browser inside the user’s browser.
What ViewFinder is
ViewFinder is an open-source remote browser isolation product that runs a virtualized browser inside the user’s browser. It sends the remote page to the user’s device as pixels, rather than executing that page’s HTML, CSS, or JavaScript there. The project describes using it to embed applications in another web app or provide secure browsing on locked-down internal networks. Developers can embed a BrowserView in another web application for non-commercial use; the managed API, VF.openSecurely(url), opens links in a secure remote browser context. Listed browser functions include file uploads and downloads, tabs, incognito tabs, form input, and clearing cache, history, and session cookies. ViewFinder can run locally, in a cloud, or on a server, and the README provides self-hosting instructions. Windows, Mac OS, and Linux binaries are listed, with Google Chrome required. The project links to a free demo of its managed cloud service. An integrated CDR viewer for secure document viewing is available on request. The software is dual-licensed, with commercial licensing information linked from the README.
Good
- Remote pages are delivered as pixels.
- Supports file transfer, tabs, and form input.
- Can be deployed locally, in a cloud, or on a server.
- Self-hosting instructions and a free demo are available.
Watch out
- Google Chrome is required for listed binaries.
- Text selection and browser settings are unimplemented.
- Zooming is buggy on mobile; multi-touch is unsupported.
Who it suits
ViewFinder may suit developers embedding a remote browser in a web app, or organizations seeking secure browsing on locked-down internal networks. Its non-commercial BrowserView embedding option is specifically described for developers.
Verdict
ViewFinder separates remote page execution from the user’s device while retaining a set of common browser functions. Check its documented limitations and Chrome requirement against your intended deployment before choosing it.
The facts
Each one read from ViewFinder's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Automation
- The README documents connecting Puppeteer to the running service on localhost port 5002.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Demo
- The README links to a free demo of the managed cloud service.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Document viewing
- The project describes secure document viewing using content disarm and reconstruction, with the secure document viewer available on request.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Embedding
- Developers can include a BrowserView in another web application for non-commercial use.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Features
- Listed browser functions include tabs, file upload, form input, incognito tabs, and clearing cache, history, and session cookies.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Hosting
- ViewFinder can be self-hosted from source or run using Docker, and the project also describes a managed cloud service.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Integration
- The managed API `VF.openSecurely(url)` opens a link in a secure remote browser context.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Known limitations
- The project lists text selection, WebGL, multiple windows, browser settings, and a summary of history entries as unimplemented.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- The software is dual-licensed, and the linked commercial licensing information says commercial distributors who do not want AGPL obligations must obtain a commercial license.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Limitations
- The README lists text selection and regular browser settings as not implemented, and says page zooming is buggy.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Managed API
- The documented managed API, VF.openSecurely(url), opens a link in a secure remote browser context.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Mobile limitations
- The project says pinch or spread zoom is buggy and multi-touch is not implemented on tablets and mobile devices.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The README lists Windows, Mac OS, and Linux binaries, with Google Chrome required.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Pixel streaming
- The project says it sends pixels from the remote page to the user’s device, so the page’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are not executed there.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- ViewFinder is a clientless remote browser isolation product that runs a remote browser through a browser-based interface.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Remote rendering
- The project says the remote page is sent to the user's device as pixels, so its HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are not executed there.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Security
- The project describes remote browser isolation as protection against exploits, malware, and zero-day vulnerabilities.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Security model
- The project describes a secure browsing context intended to protect users from exploits, malware, and zero-day vulnerabilities by sending pixels from remote browsing.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The README directs business and deployment inquiries to Cris at [email protected].checked 9 Oct 2026
- Supported deployment
- ViewFinder can be deployed locally, in a cloud, or on a server, and the README provides self-hosting instructions.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The project describes using ViewFinder to embed applications in another web app or provide a browser proxy for locked-down internal networks.checked 9 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Browser features
- Listed working features include file upload and download, new tabs, incognito tabs, form input, and clearing cache, history, and session cookies.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Platform requirements
- The README's binary instructions list Windows, Mac OS, or Linux and require Google Chrome to be installed.checked 9 Oct 2026
Money
- Free access
- The README links to free demos; it does not state a trial duration.checked 9 Oct 2026
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