How to Use the Command `onionsearch` (with Examples)

The onionsearch tool is a command-line utility designed to scrape URLs from various .onion search engines, which are websites accessible only within the Tor network. This tool provides a versatile way to query multiple hidden search engines and gather information distributed across the dark web efficiently. It is important to note that users must have a Tor proxy running on localhost:9050 and a Tor-enabled browser to access .onion websites. This tool is invaluable for researchers, journalists, and anyone interested in exploring or investigating the depths of the dark web.

Use case 1: Request Results from All the Search Engines

Code:

onionsearch "string"

Motivation:
This use case is ideal for users who want to perform a comprehensive search across all available .onion search engines to ensure they capture the broadest range of results possible. For instance, a journalist researching current events on the dark web might wish to cast the widest net in gathering data.

Explanation:

• "string": This argument specifies the search query. You can replace "string" with any keyword or phrase you wish to search for on the dark web. The tool will query all recognized search engines, presenting the user with diverse sources of information.

Example Output:
After executing the command, the terminal might display a list of URLs related to your query, fetched from various .onion search engines. You could find links to forum discussions, vendor listings, or hidden service articles related to the searched string.

Use case 2: Request Search Results from Specific Search Engines

Code:

onionsearch "string" --engines tor66 deeplink phobos

Motivation:
If a user is familiar with specific search engines known for certain kinds of content or reliability, they might want to limit their query to those particular platforms. This focused approach can save time and eliminate unwanted results, especially prominent in engines with better reputations for accuracy or updated content.

Explanation:

• "string": This is your search query input.
• --engines tor66 deeplink phobos: This argument allows the user to specify which search engines should be queried. Providing this option can tailor search results to particular engines the user trusts or prefers.

Example Output:
The command provides URLs from only the specified search engines. Users may find more relevant or verified links related to their interest area, reducing the amount of noise in the results.

Use case 3: Exclude Certain Search Engines When Searching

Code:

onionsearch "string" --exclude candle ahmia

Motivation:
This use case is useful for users who are aware of certain search engines that consistently return irrelevant or redundant results. By excluding them, users can streamline their search process, focusing only on platforms that deliver high-quality information.

Explanation:

• "string": Here lies your search query.
• --exclude candle ahmia: By using this option, you instruct onionsearch to exclude certain search engines from the querying process, ensuring that outputs are obtained exclusively from the engines not listed.

Example Output:
The output will consist of URLs from all .onion search engines except the ones specified in the --exclude list. This ensures more relevant results by bypassing less useful or redundant sources.

Use case 4: Limit the Number of Pages to Load Per Engine

Code:

onionsearch "stuxnet" --engines tor66 deeplink phobos --limit 3

Motivation:
In cases where users need quick insights without the need to sift through extensive search results, it can be beneficial to limit the number of pages loaded per engine. This use case can help find initial results faster and avoid being overwhelmed with excessive data.

Explanation:

• "stuxnet": Represents the query for which the user is searching.
• --engines tor66 deeplink phobos: Limits the search to chosen engines only.
• --limit 3: Directs the tool to restrict the number of result pages loaded to at most three per engine, streamlining the data retrieval process and focusing on the most relevant hits.

Example Output:
The search results will display URLs from the specific engines, but only the first three pages of each, delivering a concise set of results ideal for quick assessments or reporting.

Use case 5: List All Supported Search Engines

Code:

onionsearch --help | grep -A1 -i "supported engines"

Motivation:
Knowing which search engines onionsearch can utilize is essential for users who wish to customize their queries and refine their approach over the dark web. This use case ensures that users have a complete understanding of their potential search sources.

Explanation:

• --help: A typical command that provides assistance or details about the command’s usage.
• grep -A1 -i "supported engines": This piping command filters the help documentation to display only the lines related to supported engines. -A1 provides one line after the match, ensuring users see the engines list.

Example Output:
Executing this command yields a list of all the .onion search engines onionsearch can query, enabling users to tailor their search processes according to the engines available.

Conclusion:

The onionsearch command provides a robust tool for navigating the dark web’s vastness by integrating with various .onion search engines. Whether a user needs comprehensive searches or tailored and focused results, onionsearch offers versatile options making it a valuable resource for efficiently querying hidden networks. Understanding how to use each command variation can maximize search efficacy, streamline data collection processes, and enable targeted information gathering tailored to the user’s specific needs.