How to Import Bookmarks from an HTML File in Chrome

Load a bookmarks HTML file into Chrome and know exactly where the imported links land

Import to ChromeBy TrueBookmark TeamPublished June 24, 2026

To import a bookmarks HTML file into Chrome, open Bookmark Manager, use the three-dot menu, choose Import bookmarks, and select the file. Chrome reads it and adds every link — folders and all — without touching the bookmarks you already have. The whole thing takes a few seconds.

Import an HTML bookmarks file

  1. Open Bookmark Manager with Ctrl+Shift+O (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Option+B (macOS).
  2. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
  3. Choose Import bookmarks.
  4. Select your .html file and confirm.

Chrome imports immediately and preserves the folder structure stored inside the file.

Where the imported bookmarks land

Where the imported links land depends on your profile: if your bookmarks bar was empty, they go straight onto the bar; if you already had bookmarks, Chrome adds them to the Other bookmarks folder at the end of the bar (on Chromebooks, in a folder named Imported). Your existing bookmarks aren't changed, which makes the new set easy to review before you file it. From there you can move the bookmarks into folders that fit your setup.

Get an HTML file from another browser first

If you do not have a file yet, export one from wherever your bookmarks currently live. Every major browser can export bookmarks (sometimes called favorites) to an HTML file from its bookmark manager. We have step-by-step exports for Firefox, Edge, and Safari.

Clean up duplicates after importing

If the file included pages you already had, you now have duplicates. Sort the imported set by name and remove the extras, comparing full URLs first. The duplicate cleanup guide covers doing this safely.

Importing is safe and repeatable

Because importing only ever adds bookmarks, you can import the same file more than once without losing anything — though each import creates another copy. Keeping your own HTML export as a backup means a clean import is always one step away. TrueBookmark keeps your bookmarks protected — it backs up on install, lets you back up anytime, and saves a safety backup before risky changes, so an earlier version is always one restore away.

Frequently asked questions

How do I import bookmarks from an HTML file into Chrome?

Open Bookmark Manager (Ctrl+Shift+O), click the three-dot menu in the top-right, choose Import bookmarks, and select your HTML file. Chrome reads the file and adds every link, keeping the folder structure inside it.

Where do imported bookmarks go in Chrome?

Chrome places them in a new folder named "Imported" (or "Imported from ...") inside Other Bookmarks, so they do not get mixed into your existing bar. You can then move them wherever you want.

Does importing replace my existing bookmarks?

No. Importing adds the file's bookmarks alongside your current ones — it never overwrites or deletes them. The main side effect is possible duplicates if the file contains pages you already had.

How do I get a bookmarks HTML file to import?

Export one from another browser or a backup. Most browsers export bookmarks (or favorites) to an HTML file from their bookmark manager. That single file is portable and can be imported into Chrome on any computer.

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.

Try TrueBookmark Free

Related guides

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How to import bookmarks from Brave to Chrome using HTML export or direct file copy. Brave and Chrome are both Chromium-based, so the Bookmarks JSON file is compatible between them.

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.