The fastest way to move bookmarks from Firefox

The quickest method is to export your bookmarks as a single file, then import that file into another browser or save it for backup. Firefox stores bookmarks in its own format, but can export them as an HTML file that almost every browser understands. The whole process takes about two minutes and requires no additional software.

Open Firefox and click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner. Select Bookmarks, then Manage Bookmarks. A new window opens showing your bookmark library. At the top of that window, click Import and Backup, then select Backup. Firefox saves a dated file to your Downloads folder — something like "bookmarks-2024-01-15.json". That file contains every bookmark you have.

If you want to import those bookmarks into Chrome, Edge, Safari, or another browser, use the same Import and Backup menu and select Restore instead, then choose the file you just saved. Most other browsers also have an import option in their bookmark settings that can read Firefox backup files directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Firefox exports bookmarks through the menu: Bookmarks > Manage Bookmarks > Import and Backup > Backup.
  • The backup file saves to your Downloads folder with a date in the filename, making it straightforward to find later.
  • You can import that same file into Chrome, Edge, Safari, or most other browsers using their bookmark import tools.
  • Saving a backup file is also the safest way to keep your bookmarks if you uninstall Firefox or switch computers.

Exporting bookmarks to a file you can store anywhere

The backup method above creates a .json file, which is Firefox's native format. If you want a simpler HTML file that opens in any text editor or browser, you can export instead. Go to the same Import and Backup menu and look for Export Bookmarks to HTML. This creates a single HTML file you can email, upload to cloud storage, or keep on a USB drive.

The HTML version is less detailed than the .json backup — it preserves folder structure and bookmark names, but not some metadata like creation dates. For most people copying bookmarks to another browser, the HTML export works just fine. For a complete backup that preserves everything, use the .json backup instead.

Moving bookmarks to Chrome or Edge

Chrome and Edge both have built-in import tools that recognize Firefox bookmarks. In Chrome, click the menu (three dots), go to Bookmarks, then Import Bookmarks and Settings. Select Firefox from the dropdown, then choose whether to import bookmarks, passwords, or both. Chrome will find your Firefox profile automatically and import everything in one step.

Edge works the same way: click the menu (three dots), select Favorites, then Import Favorites. Choose Firefox, and Edge imports your bookmarks into its own bookmark system. Both browsers place imported bookmarks in a new folder so they do not mix with bookmarks you already have in that browser.

Copying bookmarks to Safari on Mac or iPhone

Safari does not have a direct Firefox import option, so you need to use the HTML export method. Export your Firefox bookmarks as HTML (see the section above), then open Safari and go to File > Import From > Bookmarks HTML File. Select the HTML file you exported, and Safari imports all your bookmarks into a new folder.

On iPhone or iPad, the process is different because Safari on iOS does not have an import tool. Instead, you can use Firefox on your iPhone — it syncs with your Firefox account on desktop, so your bookmarks appear automatically. If you want them in Safari on iOS, you would need to manually add them or use a third-party tool designed for that purpose.

Keeping bookmarks in sync across devices

If you use Firefox on multiple computers or devices, the easiest way to keep bookmarks synchronized is to create a Firefox account and enable sync. Click the menu button, select Settings, then go to the Sync section. Sign in or create an account, and Firefox automatically syncs your bookmarks, passwords, and history across every device where you sign in.

This is different from exporting — sync keeps your bookmarks updated in real time, so changes on one device appear on others within minutes. If you switch to a different browser entirely, you would still need to export and import. But if you stay in Firefox, sync is simpler and more reliable than managing backup files yourself.

What to do if Firefox will not export your bookmarks

If the export option is grayed out or not responding, the most common cause is that Firefox is still running another window or process. Close all Firefox windows completely, wait a few seconds, then open Firefox again and try the export. If that does not work, restart your computer — sometimes a stuck process prevents the export from running.

If the problem continues, your bookmarks file may be corrupted. Try exporting to a different location (like your Desktop instead of Downloads), or try the HTML export method instead of the .json backup. If neither works, you can also copy bookmarks one at a time by right-clicking each bookmark in the Manage Bookmarks window and selecting Copy Link, then pasting it into a text file or another browser's bookmark manager.

Backing up bookmarks before you uninstall Firefox

If you are removing Firefox from your computer, export your bookmarks first — they do not automatically transfer to other browsers, and uninstalling Firefox removes them from your system. The backup file stays on your computer even after you uninstall, so you can import it later into any browser.

Save the backup file to a location you will remember, like your Desktop or a cloud storage folder. Label it clearly with the date and what it contains, like "Firefox Bookmarks Backup Jan 2024". If you ever need those bookmarks again, you can import that file into Firefox or any other browser, even years later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy just a few bookmarks instead of all of them?

Yes. In the Manage Bookmarks window, right-click any bookmark and select Copy, then paste it into a text file or another browser's bookmark manager. For a folder of bookmarks, right-click the folder and copy it — most browsers let you paste an entire folder at once.

Will importing bookmarks into another browser delete them from Firefox?

No. Importing creates a copy in the new browser. Your Firefox bookmarks stay in Firefox unless you delete them yourself. You can import the same backup file into multiple browsers without losing anything.

What format should I use if I want to share bookmarks with someone else?

Export as HTML. It is the most universal format — anyone can open it in any browser or text editor, and it does not require them to have a Firefox account or understand .json files. HTML exports are also smaller and easier to email.

Can I restore a bookmark backup from years ago?

Yes, as long as you still have the file. Firefox backup files do not expire. You can restore an old backup by going to Import and Backup > Restore, then selecting the dated file. This replaces your current bookmarks with the old ones, so save your current bookmarks first if you want to keep them.

Do I need to be online to export or import bookmarks?

No. Exporting and importing are local operations that happen on your computer. You do not need an internet connection. However, if you use Firefox Sync to keep bookmarks updated across devices, you do need to be online for the sync to work.