How do I sync Vienna RSS with my own server?

Vienna supports the Open Reader API, so set up a compatible server like FreshRSS, then configure Vienna to connect using the server's URL and your credentials in the app's settings.

Vienna RSS or NetNewsWire: which is better for macOS?

Vienna offers more customization with styles and plugins, while NetNewsWire focuses on simplicity and speed. Choose Vienna for extensibility; NetNewsWire for a minimalist, fast experience.

How to create a custom display style in Vienna?

Refer to the development document on creating styles. You'll need to write an HTML template and CSS file, then place them in the Styles folder within Vienna's application directory.

Does Vienna RSS work with the old Google Reader?

No, Google Reader is discontinued, but Vienna uses the Open Reader API based on it. You can sync with services like InoReader or TheOldReader that support this standard.

Is Vienna RSS free to use?

Yes, Vienna is completely free and open-source under the Apache License 2.0. You can download it from GitHub, Sourceforge, or install via Homebrew at no cost.

What macOS versions does Vienna support?

Vienna 3.9.x and 3.10.x require macOS 10.13 or later. Always check the README for specific version compatibility, as it varies by release, with older versions supporting back to OS X 10.6.

Open-Awesome

Vienna

Apache-2.0Objective-Cv/3.10.8

A free and open-source RSS/Atom/JSON feed newsreader for macOS with sync support.

Visit Website GitHub

2.0k stars233 forks0 contributors

What is Vienna?

Vienna is a free and open-source RSS/Atom/JSON feed reader specifically designed for macOS. It allows users to subscribe directly to website feeds or sync with Open Reader API-compatible servers to manage subscriptions and reading status across devices. The application provides a native macOS interface for efficiently browsing and reading news articles.

Target Audience

macOS users who want a dedicated, native application for reading RSS, Atom, or JSON feeds, particularly those who prefer direct feed access or use sync services like FreshRSS or InoReader.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Vienna for its native macOS integration, support for both direct subscriptions and server sync via the Open Reader API, and extensibility through custom styles and plugins—all while being completely free and open-source.

Overview

Vienna is a free and open-source RSS/Atom/JSON feed newsreader for macOS.

Use Cases

Best For

Reading RSS feeds natively on macOS
Syncing feed subscriptions with self-hosted servers like FreshRSS
Customizing article display with HTML/CSS templates
Extending functionality with simple XML-based plugins
Managing Atom and JSON feeds alongside traditional RSS
Using a lightweight, dedicated feed reader without web app overhead

Not Ideal For

Users on Windows, Linux, or mobile platforms needing a cross-platform RSS reader
Those wanting a fully managed cloud sync service without configuring third-party servers
People seeking modern features like AI-powered content curation or built-in social sharing

Pros & Cons

Pros

Native macOS Experience

Provides a clean, efficient interface that integrates seamlessly with macOS, emphasizing user control and a native feel as stated in its philosophy.

Flexible Subscription Management

Supports both direct feed access and synchronization with Open Reader API servers like FreshRSS and InoReader, offering versatility in feed management.

High Customizability

Allows users to apply or create HTML/CSS templates for article display and extend functionality with XML-based plugins, as detailed in the contributing section.

Open Source and Community-Led

Free and open-source with active community contributions via GitHub and Crowdin, ensuring transparency and ongoing development.

Cons

Platform Exclusive

Only available for macOS, excluding users on other operating systems and limiting cross-device accessibility.

Sync Requires External Setup

For synchronization, it depends on compatible Open Reader API servers, which may require self-hosting or reliance on third-party services, adding complexity.

Customization Learning Curve

Creating custom styles or plugins requires knowledge of HTML, CSS, and XML, which can be a barrier for non-technical users despite documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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