The fastest way to move your bookmarks

The simplest method is to export your bookmarks from your old browser as a file, then import that file into your new browser. Most browsers store bookmarks in a standard format that other browsers can read, so you do not need special software or manual copying. The whole process usually takes five minutes.

Which method you use depends on whether you are moving bookmarks within the same browser (Chrome to Chrome, Firefox to Firefox) or switching browsers entirely (Chrome to Firefox, for example). Both paths are straightforward, but the steps differ slightly.

Key Takeaways

  • Export bookmarks from your old browser as an HTML file, then import that file into your new browser—this works across different browsers.
  • Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari all have built-in export and import tools in their settings menus; you do not need to read anything extra.
  • If you are moving between the same browser on the same PC, you can sometimes sync bookmarks through your account instead of exporting.
  • The exported file is just a text file with your bookmark list—save it somewhere you can find it, like your Documents folder or Desktop.
  • After importing, check a few bookmarks to make sure the folders and names came through correctly before deleting the old browser.

Exporting bookmarks from Chrome

Open Chrome and click the three-line menu icon in the top right corner. Scroll down and select Bookmarks, then click Bookmark manager. At the top of the Bookmark manager window, click the three-dot menu icon and select Export bookmarks. Chrome will ask you where to save the file; choose your Desktop or Documents folder so you can find it easily.

Chrome saves the file as an HTML document with a name like "bookmarks_[date].html". Do not rename it or change the file type. Once the file is saved, you are ready to import it into your new browser.

Exporting bookmarks from Firefox

Open Firefox and click the three-line menu icon in the top right corner. Select Bookmarks, then hover over Manage Bookmarks and click Show All Bookmarks. In the Library window that opens, click the Import and Backup button (it looks like a gear icon) and select Export Bookmarks to HTML. Choose where to save the file, just as you would in Chrome.

Firefox names the file "bookmarks.html" by default. You can rename it if you want, but keep the .html extension so other browsers recognize it as a bookmark file.

Exporting bookmarks from Edge and Safari

Microsoft Edge: Click the three-dot menu in the top right, select Favorites, then click the three-dot menu again and choose Export favorites. Edge will open a save dialog; pick a location and click Save.

Safari: Click File in the menu bar, then select Export Bookmarks. Safari will ask you to name the file and choose a location. Save it as an HTML file (Safari defaults to this format).

Importing bookmarks into your new browser

Once you have the exported HTML file, open your new browser and find its import tool. In Chrome, go to the three-line menu, select Bookmarks, then Bookmark manager, click the three-dot menu, and choose Import bookmarks. In Firefox, open the Library window (three-line menu > Bookmarks > Manage Bookmarks > Show All Bookmarks), click the gear icon, and select Import Bookmarks from HTML. In Edge, click the three-dot menu, select Favorites, click the three-dot menu again, and choose Import favorites. In Safari, click File and select Import From, then choose Bookmarks HTML File.

Each browser will ask you to locate the HTML file you saved. Navigate to it, select it, and click Open or Import. The browser will then add all the bookmarks from that file to your bookmark list. This usually happens when ready, though if you have thousands of bookmarks it may take a few seconds.

What happens to your bookmark folders

When you export and import bookmarks, folder structure usually comes through intact. If you had a folder called "News Sites" with ten bookmarks inside it, that folder and all ten bookmarks will appear in your new browser in the same arrangement. Some browsers may place imported bookmarks in a separate folder called "Imported" or "Other Bookmarks" at first; you can move them to your preferred location afterward.

Occasionally a bookmark name or URL may not transfer perfectly if it contains special characters, but this is rare. After importing, open a few bookmarks from different folders to confirm they work and point to the right websites.

Using browser sync instead of exporting

If you are moving bookmarks within the same browser (for example, from Chrome on your old PC to Chrome on your new PC), you can use the browser's built-in sync feature instead of exporting. Sign in with the same Google account on your new Chrome installation, and your bookmarks will appear automatically after a few moments. The same applies to Firefox if you use a Firefox account, and to Edge if you use a Microsoft account.

Sync is faster than export-and-import if you have multiple browsers or devices, because your bookmarks stay in sync automatically. However, if you are switching browsers entirely (Chrome to Firefox, for example), export-and-import is your only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import bookmarks from multiple browsers at once?

Yes. Export bookmarks from each browser separately, then import each HTML file into your new browser one at a time. Your new browser will add all of them to your bookmark list. If you end up with duplicate bookmarks, you can delete them manually through the bookmark manager.

What if the HTML file gets deleted or corrupted?

If you delete the file before importing it, you will need to export your bookmarks again from the old browser. If the file becomes corrupted and will not import, try exporting again. Corruption is uncommon, but it can happen if the file is moved or edited after export. Always keep a backup copy of the HTML file in a safe location until you confirm the import worked.

Do my passwords and autofill information come through when I import bookmarks?

No. Bookmark export files contain only the bookmark URLs, names, and folder structure. Passwords, autofill data, and browser settings stay on the old browser. You will need to set up passwords and autofill separately on your new browser, or use your browser's built-in sync feature if you are staying within the same browser family.

Can I import bookmarks on a Mac or mobile device?

Yes, the same export-and-import process works on Mac, iPhone, and Android, though the menu locations may differ slightly. On mobile devices, you may need to use your browser's sync feature instead, since mobile browsers do not always have a traditional import tool. Check your browser's settings menu for a sync or backup option.