How to Move Your Bookmarks Between Browsers and Devices

Why and when you need to transfer bookmarks

You transfer bookmarks when you switch to a new browser, move to a different computer, or want the same saved links on multiple devices. Most browsers store bookmarks in a file you can export and import into another browser — the process takes a few minutes and works across Windows, Mac, and Linux.

The method depends on which browser you're leaving and which one you're moving to. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all use slightly different steps, but the principle is the same: export your bookmarks as a file, then import that file into your new browser.

If you use a browser that syncs across devices — like Chrome with a Google account or Firefox with a Mozilla account — you may not need to transfer manually. But if you're switching browsers entirely or want a backup, exporting is the safest route.

Key Takeaways

Most browsers let you export bookmarks as an HTML file, which any other browser can read and import.
Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge each have their own export and import menus, usually found under Settings or Preferences.
If you use browser sync (Google account for Chrome, Mozilla account for Firefox), your bookmarks may already be on your new device.
Bookmark folders and organization are preserved during transfer, so your structure stays intact.
Keeping a backup copy of your bookmarks file on an external drive or cloud storage protects against accidental loss.

Exporting bookmarks from Chrome

Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Go to Bookmarks, then Bookmark Manager. At the top of the Bookmark Manager window, click the three vertical dots again and select Export bookmarks. Choose where to save the file — your Desktop or Downloads folder works well — and give it a name you'll recognize.

Chrome saves your bookmarks as an HTML file. This file contains all your bookmarks, folders, and the order they appear in. You can now open this file in any other browser to import them.

Exporting bookmarks from Firefox

Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right. Go to Bookmarks, then Manage Bookmarks. In the Bookmark Manager window, click the three horizontal lines and select Export Bookmarks. Choose a location to save the file and confirm.

Firefox also exports as an HTML file. The process is nearly identical to Chrome, and the resulting file works in any browser that accepts HTML bookmark imports.

Exporting bookmarks from Safari

Open Safari and click File in the menu bar at the top. Select Export Bookmarks. A dialog box appears asking where to save the file. Choose your Desktop or Downloads folder, name the file, and click Save.

Safari exports bookmarks as an HTML file by default. If you're moving to another Mac browser, this file will import smoothly. If you're switching to Windows or Linux, the HTML format still works in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Exporting bookmarks from Microsoft Edge

Open Edge and click the three horizontal dots in the top right. Go to Bookmarks, then Bookmark Manager. Click the three dots in the Bookmark Manager and select Export bookmarks. Choose where to save the file and confirm.

Edge exports bookmarks as an HTML file, the same format as other browsers. This makes it straightforward to move your bookmarks to Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

Importing bookmarks into your new browser

Once you have your bookmark file, open the browser you want to import into. The import option is usually in the same menu where export lives.

Chrome: Click the three dots, go to Bookmarks, then Import bookmarks and settings. Select your HTML file and choose which items to import.

Firefox: Click the hamburger menu, go to Bookmarks, then Manage Bookmarks. Click the three lines and select Import Bookmarks from HTML. Find your file and open it.

Safari: Click File in the menu bar, then Import From. Select the HTML file you exported. Safari will add the bookmarks to your existing ones.

Edge: Click the three dots, go to Bookmarks, then Import bookmarks and settings. Select your HTML file and confirm.

Using browser sync instead of manual transfer

If you stay within the same browser family, you may not need to export and import at all. Chrome syncs bookmarks across devices when you sign in with your Google account. Firefox does the same with a Mozilla account. Safari syncs bookmarks across Apple devices through iCloud.

To set up sync in Chrome, click your profile picture in the top right and sign in with your Google account. Go to Settings, click Sync and Google services, and make sure Bookmarks is toggled on. Your bookmarks appear on any device where you sign in.

In Firefox, click the hamburger menu, go to Settings, then Sync. Sign in with your Mozilla account and enable bookmark sync. Your bookmarks sync across all devices signed into that account.

Sync is convenient if you use the same browser on multiple devices, but it does not help if you're switching browsers. In that case, export and import is your only option.

Organizing bookmarks after transfer

When you import bookmarks, they usually land in a folder called "Imported Bookmarks" or "Other Bookmarks." You can move them to your main bookmarks bar or organize them into new folders.

In Chrome and Edge, right-click a bookmark and select Edit to change its name or folder. Drag bookmarks between folders to reorganize them. In Firefox and Safari, the process is similar — right-click to edit or drag to move.

Take time to clean up after importing. Delete bookmarks you no longer use, rename folders if they're unclear, and move frequently used bookmarks to your bookmarks bar so they're straightforward to find.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my bookmark folders stay organized when I transfer them?

Yes. The HTML export file preserves your folder structure, so when you import into a new browser, your folders and the bookmarks inside them come over intact. You may need to move the imported folder from "Other Bookmarks" to your main bookmarks area, but the organization itself does not change.

Can I transfer bookmarks from one computer to another?

Yes. Export your bookmarks as an HTML file, save it to a USB drive, cloud storage, or email it to yourself. Then read the file on your new computer and import it into your browser. This works across Windows, Mac, and Linux.

What if I want to keep bookmarks in both my old and new browser?

Export from your old browser and import into your new one. Both browsers will have the same bookmarks. If you want them to stay in sync going forward, use browser sync (Google account for Chrome, Mozilla account for Firefox) on both devices.

Can I transfer bookmarks from a phone or tablet?

Mobile browsers do not have an export option in the same way desktop browsers do. Instead, sign into your browser account on your phone (Google account for Chrome, Mozilla account for Firefox, Apple ID for Safari). Your bookmarks sync automatically to your phone without needing to export or import.

What happens to bookmarks I delete after importing?

Deleting a bookmark in your new browser does not affect the original file you exported. If you want to keep a backup, save the HTML file in a folder you do not regularly clean out, or upload it to cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.