How to export and import bookmarks in Chrome
New computer, a different browser, or just a backup. Here's how to get your bookmarks out of Chrome and how to put them back in.
You've been saving bookmarks for years and you don't want to lose a single one. Maybe you got a new laptop, you're moving from Edge or Firefox to Chrome, or you just want a copy in case something goes wrong.
Chrome handles this with two options: export your bookmarks to a file and import them from that file or from another browser. We won't tidy them up here (for that, see how to organize your bookmarks); we'll move them from one place to another. At the end, we show you how to bring them into NexoPad so they sit right next to your notes.
Export, import or sync?
If you use Chrome on two computers with the same Google account and sync is turned on, you don't need to do anything: your bookmarks show up on both. Just sign in to Chrome on the new computer.
Exporting makes sense when you want a file in your hands: a backup, a way to pass your bookmarks to someone, or to move them to a computer where you won't use your account. Importing is the opposite: putting the bookmarks from that file, or from another browser, into Chrome.
How to export your Chrome bookmarks
Open the Bookmark manager
Press Ctrl+Shift+O (Cmd+Option+B on Mac). A tab opens with all your bookmarks and folders.
Open the three-dot menu
At the top right of the manager you'll see the ⋮ button. Careful: use the manager's menu, not Chrome's main menu.
Choose Export bookmarks
Click Export bookmarks, choose where to save it and confirm. Chrome creates an .html file with all your bookmarks and their folders.
How to import bookmarks into Chrome
From an HTML file
Open the Bookmark manager with Ctrl+Shift+O, click ⋮ at the top right and choose Import bookmarks. Select the .html file you exported and Chrome adds the bookmarks with their folders.
From another browser
If you're coming from Edge, Firefox or Safari, open Chrome's ⋮ menu and go to Bookmarks and lists > Import bookmarks and settings. Pick the browser you're coming from and follow the steps Chrome shows you.
Check where they ended up
Open the Bookmark manager and make sure everything is there. If they arrived in a separate folder, move them into your usual folders and delete any duplicates.
Bring your bookmarks into NexoPad
Right after installing
When you install NexoPad, the welcome page shows a card: "Have bookmarks in your browser? Bring them into NexoPad's Links in one click." Click Import my bookmarks and you're done.
Or any time, from Settings
In the popup, open the menu and go to Settings > Import Bookmarks. NexoPad asks: "Import browser bookmarks as NexoPad links?" Confirm, and your bookmarks become NexoPad links.
Your folders come along
Chrome folders become NexoPad folders. On the free plan you get 2 folders of your own besides General; links from folders that don't fit go to General. With Pro you get up to 50 folders.
Find them instantly
Filter by folder, type two letters in the popup search, or press Ctrl+K (Cmd+K on Mac) on any website. You can also type sys in the address bar: we explain it in how to open your sites with a keyword.
Good to know
Importing into NexoPad copies your bookmarks: your Chrome bookmarks stay where they are, so you don't lose anything.
NexoPad doesn't export your links to an HTML file. If you want a backup file, use Chrome's export. To see every way to save and sort links, read the guide to organizing your links and how to save links in Chrome.
Which option should you choose?
| What it does | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome sync | Keeps the same bookmarks on all your computers with your Google account | Using Chrome on several computers with your account |
| Export bookmarks | Saves all your bookmarks and folders to an .html file | Backups or moving your bookmarks somewhere else |
| Import bookmarks | Brings bookmarks from an .html file or another browser into Chrome | A new computer or switching browsers |
| Import into NexoPad | Copies your bookmarks as NexoPad links, with their folders | Keeping your work links next to your notes and finding them with Ctrl+K |
FAQ
Where is the export bookmarks option in Chrome?
In the Bookmark manager (Ctrl+Shift+O, or Cmd+Option+B on Mac): click ⋮ at the top right and choose Export bookmarks.
What format are exported bookmarks saved in?
An .html file with all your bookmarks and folders. You can import it into Chrome or another browser.
Do I need to export if I use Chrome sync?
Not to move your bookmarks to another computer: just sign in with your Google account. Still, exporting now and then gives you a backup.
Will I lose my Chrome bookmarks if I import them into NexoPad?
No. NexoPad copies them as links; your Chrome bookmarks stay where they are.
Can I import all my bookmarks on the free plan?
The free plan includes 20 links and 2 folders of your own besides General. If you have lots of bookmarks, you'll need the Pro plan, which goes up to 1,000 items and 50 folders.
Published on October 20, 20266 min read
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