How to Export Bookmarks from Chrome
Save your Chrome bookmarks to a file you can use for backup, migration, or safekeeping
Chrome can export all your bookmarks to a single HTML file. The process takes about 30 seconds and gives you a portable file you can use to import into another browser, move to a new computer, or keep as a manual backup.
Export your bookmarks
- Open Chrome.
- Open Bookmark Manager (
Ctrl+Shift+Oon Windows/Linux,Cmd+Option+Bon macOS). - Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of Bookmark Manager.
- Select Export bookmarks.
- Choose a location and filename, then save.
Chrome saves an HTML file containing every bookmark in your library, organized by folder.
What the export file includes
The HTML file contains:
- every bookmark URL
- the name you gave each bookmark (or the page title Chrome used)
- the folder structure, preserved as nested lists
- the date each bookmark was added
You can open the file in any browser to browse the links, or open it in a text editor to see the raw structure.
What the export file does not include
The export is a snapshot. It does not include:
- favicons (the small site icons next to each bookmark)
- any bookmarks added after the export
- browsing history or passwords
- bookmark metadata from extensions or third-party managers
If you need an ongoing backup rather than a one-time snapshot, the backup guide covers the tradeoffs.
When exporting makes sense
Export is the right tool when you need to:
- move bookmarks to a different browser
- transfer bookmarks to a different computer without using Chrome Sync
- create a one-time safety copy before a big reorganization
- share a bookmark collection with someone else
When exporting is not enough
Exporting works well as a one-time action. It falls short as an ongoing protection strategy because:
- you have to remember to do it
- old exports go stale quickly
- there is no versioning, so you only have the most recent export
- restoring from an export replaces your current bookmarks with the file contents, which can cause duplicates
If your goal is reliable ongoing backup and easy restore, TrueBookmark handles that automatically. It keeps versioned backups so you can roll back to any point, not just the last time you remembered to export.
When TrueBookmark helps
Native Chrome steps are the fastest way to finish the task once. TrueBookmark is the better fit when you want Backup, Restore, Find, or Organize to stay reliable over time.
Related guides
How to Import Bookmarks Into Chrome
Step-by-step guide to importing bookmarks into Chrome from an HTML file or directly from another browser, plus what to do after the import.
How to Transfer Chrome Bookmarks to a New Computer
How to transfer Chrome bookmarks to a new computer using Chrome Sync, HTML export and import, or direct file copy. Covers what to do when the old and new machines use different Google accounts.
How to Share Bookmarks from Chrome
How to share Chrome bookmarks with someone else. Covers exporting as HTML, using Chrome Sync, copying URLs, and the limitations of each approach.
How to Download Bookmarks from Chrome
How to download your Chrome bookmarks to a file. Walks through the export process, explains what the file contains, and clarifies the difference between downloading, exporting, and backing up.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is provided without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Browser steps may change between versions. Always back up your bookmarks before making changes. By following these instructions, you accept full responsibility for the outcome.