IRC links and URL schemes

Textual recognizes irc:// and ircs:// URLs for creating connections. The secure ircs scheme enables TLS; a link is not a substitute for checking the hostname and the network's connection instructions.

Format and examples

irc://server-address:port/#channel
ircs://irc.example.com:6697/#channel
ircs://irc.example.com:6697/#channel1,#channel2
irc://127.0.0.1:6667/#channel
ircs://[2001:db8::1]:6697/#channel

The IPv6 address is enclosed in square brackets, and multiple channels are separated by commas. The original Textual reference documents up to five channels in one URL and ports from 1 through 65535.

Use an explicit port when sharing a connection so the intended value is clear. The old guide documents 6667 as its default; do not assume that omitting the port from a secure link will select the secure port used by every network.

Before connecting

The original behavior creates a connection without immediately connecting, giving you a chance to check its settings. This matters for privacy: a proxy configured in a web browser is not automatically used by Textual, and connecting directly can disclose your address to the IRC server.

Never place account passwords in a publicly shared link. Configure authentication separately in the connection's settings, and verify any link that points to an unfamiliar server.