Open Web Analytics
Open-source web analytics framework with click tracking and heatmaps.
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Choose how you want to get started.
Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Open Web Analytics?
Open Web Analytics is a free and open-source web analytics framework designed to provide users with full control over data collection and analysis for websites and applications. Built under the GNU General Public License version 2, it enables organizations to track user behavior, measure engagement, and derive insights without relying on third-party services. The tool is particularly appealing to developers, digital marketers, and businesses seeking transparency in their analytics infrastructure. It addresses the need for customizable data instrumentation, allowing users to define metrics, track specific interactions, and avoid vendor lock-in. By hosting the analytics system locally or on a private server, users mitigate concerns about data privacy and dependency on external platforms.
How it works
Open Web Analytics is a framework that users to implement and manage analytics for their websites and applications. It provides tools for tracking user activity, generating reports, and analyzing traffic patterns, all while maintaining data sovereignty. The primary purpose of the tool is to offer a flexible, open-source alternative to proprietary analytics platforms. It allows developers to integrate tracking code into their projects and customize metrics to align with specific business goals. The tool supports tracking of page views, user sessions, and referral sources. It also includes features for analyzing traffic sources, user demographics, and content performance. Customizable dashboards enable users to visualize data according to their needs.
How to use it
- 1Download the Open Web Analytics source code from its GitHub repository. 2. Configure the database settings (e.g., MySQL) and set up the server environment. 3. Generate and embed the tracking script into your website's HTML. 4. Access the admin panel to view real-time data and customize reports. Practical tips: Ensure the server meets the minimum PHP and database requirements. Use the built-in tools to test tracking script functionality. Regularly update the system to benefit from security patches and new features.
What it can do
- web analytics
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://www.openwebanalytics.com/
- license: GPL-2.0 — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Requires technical expertise to set up and maintain the server infrastructure
- Lacks some advanced features found in proprietary platforms like real-time geolocation tracking
- Smaller community support compared to commercial analytics tools
- Limited built-in visualization tools compared to modern dashboards
- Manual configuration may increase setup time for non-technical users
Understanding the result
Open-source web analytics framework with click tracking and heatmaps.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (MIT).
- Built with
- (https://www.openwebanalytics.com/)
- License
- MIT
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with https://www.openwebanalytics.com/. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- MIT
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- GPL-2.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
How does Open Web Analytics differ from Google Analytics?
Open Web Analytics is an open-source framework that requires self-hosting, while Google Analytics is a cloud-based SaaS solution. Users of Open Web Analytics retain full control over data storage and processing, whereas Google Analytics handles infrastructure but offers less customization. Both track similar metrics like page views and user sessions, but Open Web Analytics allows deeper customization of tracking parameters and reporting formats.
How does the tracking script work?
The tracking script is embedded in website HTML to collect user interactions. When a user visits a page, the script sends data (e.g., URL, referrer, device info) to the Open Web Analytics server via HTTP requests. The server processes this data, stores it in a database, and generates reports through the admin interface. Users can modify the script to capture custom events or exclude specific data points.
How do I track a download event?
To track downloads, add the tracking script to the download link's HTML. For example: `<a href='file.pdf' onclick='trackEvent("Downloads", "PDF", "file.pdf")'>Download</a>`. The `trackEvent` function sends data to the server, which logs the event under the 'Downloads' category. Ensure the script is properly configured to recognize and categorize such interactions.
How does it compare to Piwik Pro?
Open Web Analytics and Piwik Pro (formerly Piwik) are both open-source analytics tools, but they differ in architecture and features. Open Web Analytics uses a modular plugin system, while Piwik Pro focuses on centralized data management. Piwik Pro offers more advanced segmentation and real-time analytics out of the box, whereas Open Web Analytics emphasizes flexibility and customization for developers. Both can be self-hosted but require different technical setups.
What should I do if the tracking script isn't working?
First, verify the script is correctly embedded in the HTML and that there are no syntax errors. Check server logs for errors in request handling. Ensure the database is properly configured and accessible. Test with a simple page to isolate issues. If problems persist, consult the GitHub issue tracker for known bugs or seek community support through forums.