> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.otter-shell.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# otter-browser

> Wayland-native browser with Otter Shell controls and a private WPE WebKit runtime.

`otter-browser` combines native Otter Shell window controls with WPE WebKit web content. It is a separate package, not a dependency of the `otter-shell` metapackage.

## Install

```bash theme={null}
pikman install otter-browser
```

The package installs its matching `otter-browser-webkit-runtime` automatically. That private runtime is for Otter Browser only, not a replacement for system WebKit. The packaged engine targets x86-64-v3 processors.

## Usage

```bash theme={null}
otter-browser
otter-browser https://example.com
otter-browser --private
otter-browser --safe-mode
```

`--private` uses an ephemeral profile without history or session writes. `--safe-mode` disables user styles, scripts, and content filters for troubleshooting.

## Browse

The toolbar provides navigation, an address and search field, bookmarks, downloads, extension actions, and a main menu. Tabs support pinning, drag reordering, mute controls, and middle-click close. The main menu opens with <kbd>F10</kbd> or <kbd>Alt+E</kbd>.

Web content follows the desktop Settings portal's light/dark preference, including live changes. Browser controls use the shared Otter Shell theme.

## Runtime packages

Keep the browser and its matching WebKit runtime together when updating. WebKit and multimedia dependencies are managed by the package manager.

`otter-browser-widevine-helper` is a placeholder for open-source integration pieces. It does not bundle a proprietary CDM or enable Widevine playback by itself.


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