diff --git a/src/fourc_webviewer/cli_utils.py b/src/fourc_webviewer/cli_utils.py
index 3550b52..5333533 100644
--- a/src/fourc_webviewer/cli_utils.py
+++ b/src/fourc_webviewer/cli_utils.py
@@ -18,9 +18,15 @@ def get_arguments():
         dict: Arguments dictionary
     """
     parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="4C Webviewer")
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--no_webserver",
+        action="store_true",
+        help="Don't start the webserver with its GUI?",
+    )
     parser.add_argument(
         "--fourc_yaml_file", type=str, help="input file path to visualize"
     )
+    parser.set_defaults(no_webserver=False)
 
     args = parser.parse_args()
 
diff --git a/src/fourc_webviewer/run_webserver.py b/src/fourc_webviewer/run_webserver.py
index cea435f..8aed3b8 100644
--- a/src/fourc_webviewer/run_webserver.py
+++ b/src/fourc_webviewer/run_webserver.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 SERVER_PORT = 12345
 
 
-def run_webviewer(fourc_yaml_file=None):
+def run_webviewer(no_webserver, fourc_yaml_file=None):
     """Runs the webviewer by creating a dedicated webserver object, starting it
     and cleaning up afterwards."""
 
@@ -21,7 +21,8 @@ def run_webviewer(fourc_yaml_file=None):
     )
 
     # start the server after everything is set up
-    fourc_webserver.server.start(port=SERVER_PORT)
+    if not no_webserver:
+        fourc_webserver.server.start(port=SERVER_PORT)
 
     # run cleanup
     fourc_webserver.cleanup()