Octoparse Proxy Configuration: Useful Methods

Octoparse is a visual web scraping tool that does not require programming skills, making proxy usage essential for effective data extraction. It is used to extract structured data from sites, including catalogs, product pages, news feeds, and other page elements. In the default configuration, the program sends all requests from a single IP address, which leads to limitations. Some data may be unavailable, tasks stop running, and sites return access errors. Connecting Octoparse proxy solutions allows you to remove these limits and stabilize data collection.

Why Use Octoparse Proxies

Websites restrict access when they detect too many requests from one IP address. This can show up in different ways. You may see partially loaded content or a complete block instead of normal pages. Intermediary servers help you avoid these restrictions and keep your workflows stable.

• Stream separation. Each IP is used independently, which prevents conflicts between tasks and increases collection speed.

• Regional access. An intermediate server in the target country lets you see data that sites show only to local users.

• Stability during failures. If one IP stops working, the parser switches to another address without interrupting the session.

Using Octoparse proxy is not just a minor technical tweak. It is a required condition for stable, scalable data extraction and scraping, especially when you work with protected or region-locked websites.

Octoparse Proxy Types

Octoparse supports several intermediary server categories. The right choice depends on the target websites’ protection level and your budget. Below is a short overview of each category with practical recommendations on when to use it.

• IPv4. These addresses are universally supported and recognized by all websites. They are used for scraping product pages, reviews, and prices. IPv4 IPs are a balanced option for cost and stability.

• IPv6. This is a cheaper but more restricted alternative. Many websites still do not support IPv6, so you should use it only when you are fully sure of compatibility.

• ISP proxies. These are solutions from internet providers that combine datacenter-level reliability with natural-looking traffic. They are used for web scraping marketplaces, aggregators, and media sites. They help you bypass moderate protection while keeping connections stable.

• Mobile IPs. These work through mobile network operators. They are essential for high-sensitivity scenarios such as logins, social networks, and web pages with aggressive anti-bot systems. They are suitable for targeted tasks where other proxy types fail.

Choosing the right intermediary type for Octoparse reduces errors, speeds up data collection, and allows you to work with multiple ip addresses and demanding sources.

Proxy Integration With Octoparse: Step-by-Step

To configure proxies for Octoparse correctly, you first create a task. After that, you manually set the connection parameters.

Creating a New Task in Octoparse

1. Launch the application and log in to your account. Click “New” on the left panel and choose “Custom Task” in the dropdown window.

   

2. Paste the URL of the website you plan to scrape and click “Save” to confirm the target.

   

3. Octoparse loads the page in the built-in browser. To start configuring extraction, click “Auto-detect webpage data” in the “Tips” panel. The program scans the page and suggests a structure with repeating elements.

   

4. Click “Create workflow” in the “Tips” window.

   

5. In the “Tips” window, add scrolling, pagination buttons, or link transitions if needed, then click “Save” to finalize the workflow skeleton.

   

Configuring Octoparse Proxy

To connect your intermediary server, follow these steps inside the created environment:

1. Go to the “Task List” tab in the left menu, find the required one, click the three dots on the right, and choose “Edit Task” from the dropdown menu.

   

2. Open “Task Settings” and then “Anti-blocking Settings”. Enable “Access websites via IP Proxies”, then select “Use my own proxies” below. Click “Configure” to open the editor.

   

3. Paste the list of intermediary servers in the IP:PORT format, or IP:PORT:USERNAME:PASSWORD for paid solutions. Set the rotation interval for IP changes and click “Confirm”.

   

4. Click “Save” to apply and close the settings.

   

After that, the parser uses your IPs for all operations in this task.

Tip. If you work with desktop applications and need fine-grained traffic control, we recommend checking our guide on configuring proxy for Proxifier.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with correct Octoparse proxy settings, you can still encounter typical errors. In most cases, you can resolve them quickly.

Conclusion

For Octoparse, reliable and fast network solutions are critical for consistent scraping.

Paid IPv4 proxies are usually the most practical option for everyday workloads. They are versatile and work well with most websites and data sources. For high-trust environments such as marketplaces and aggregators, ISP-level IPs are often a better fit. When you face logins, CAPTCHAs, or strict anti-bot rules, mobile IP pools block less often but cost more.

Free public servers are often already blacklisted, unstable, and not suitable for serious scraping. They cause more problems than benefits, especially in long-running collection jobs.

We recommend buying proxies from proxy-ipv4.com. The service provides IPv4 and IPv6 addresses plus reliable ISP and mobile plans with usage guarantees. When you choose a reliable proxy provider, you receive fast delivery, 24/7 support, and transparent pricing, so scraping remains predictable.

FAQ

Is there a limit on how many proxies I can use in one task?

There is no hard cap, but an overly long IP list can slow execution. For one workflow, it is optimal to use around 5–50 IPs, depending on the workload.

Can I assign a proxy server only to a single step inside one task?

No. One connection profile applies to the entire workflow at once. Step-based separation is possible only through different processes with individual settings.

Can I use proxies only when running from the cloud, but not locally?

No. In cloud mode, Octoparse relies on its own built-in IP pool. Custom addresses work only when you run the parser on your own machine.

Do I need to disable a VPN when using proxies in Octoparse?

Preferably yes. A VPN can interfere with routing and conflict with proxy settings, especially when you use IP-based authentication.

Does the data loading speed depend on the proxy type when you use it to access websites?

Yes. Mobile and ISP proxies may have higher latency due to routing specifics. For speed-critical tasks, most users choose datacenter IPv4 services with effective proxy rotation , which keep ping low and connections stable.