Export bookmarks from Firefox in three steps

Firefox stores your bookmarks in its own format, but you can save them as an HTML file that works with almost any browser. The export process takes about two minutes and creates a single file you can back up, share, or import into Chrome, Safari, Edge, or another browser later.

You do not need any extra software. Firefox has this built in, and the file it creates is readable by any modern browser. Once exported, your bookmarks sit safely on your computer whether Firefox stays installed or not.

Key Takeaways

  • Firefox exports bookmarks as an HTML file through the Library window, which you can open from the menu or by pressing Ctrl+Shift+B (Windows) or Command+Shift+B (Mac).
  • The exported file contains all your bookmarks, folders, and tags in a format that Chrome, Safari, Edge, and most other browsers can read.
  • You can save the file anywhere on your computer — your Desktop, Documents folder, or a cloud storage service like Google Drive or OneDrive.
  • Exporting does not remove your bookmarks from Firefox; it creates a copy that stays on your computer even if you uninstall the browser.

Open the Firefox Library window

The Library is where Firefox stores all your bookmarks. You can reach it two ways. The fastest is to press Ctrl+Shift+B on Windows or Command+Shift+B on Mac. The window opens instantly.

If that keyboard shortcut does not work, click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner of Firefox, then click Bookmarks, then click Manage Bookmarks. Either method opens the same Library window.

Find the export option in the menu

Once the Library window is open, look at the top of the window. You will see a button labeled Import and Backup (it may show as a gear icon or three dots, depending on your Firefox version). Click it.

A small menu drops down. Click Backup. Firefox will ask you where to save the file. Choose a location you will remember — your Desktop or Documents folder works well. The file will be named something like bookmarks-2024-01-15.json or similar, with today's date included.

Save the file and verify it worked

After you click Save, Firefox creates the backup file and closes the dialog. The file now sits on your computer in the location you chose. You can check by opening your file manager (File Explorer on Windows, Finder on Mac) and navigating to that folder.

The file is small — usually less than 1 MB — so it is easy to email, upload to cloud storage, or keep on a USB drive. If you ever need to restore these bookmarks to Firefox or import them into another browser, you will use this file.

Export as HTML if you plan to use another browser

The backup file Firefox creates (.json format) works best if you are backing up for Firefox itself. If you plan to import your bookmarks into Chrome, Safari, Edge, or another browser, you should export as HTML instead, since not all browsers read the .json format reliably.

To export as HTML, open the Library window again (Ctrl+Shift+B or Command+Shift+B). Click Import and Backup, then look for an option labeled Export Bookmarks to HTML. Click it, choose where to save the file, and Firefox will create an HTML file instead. This file works with virtually every browser.

Store your backup safely

Once you have exported your bookmarks, consider where you will keep the file. If you only save it to your Desktop and your computer fails, the file is gone. Moving the file to at least one other location protects it.

Cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox automatically sync files and keep them safe if your computer has problems. You can also email the file to yourself, save it to a USB drive, or use an external hard drive. The goal is to have your bookmarks in at least two places.

What to do if you cannot find the Import and Backup button

Older versions of Firefox may not have the Import and Backup button in the same place. If you do not see it in the Library window, try this alternative: click the menu button (three lines) in the top right, click Bookmarks, then look for Export Bookmarks or Backup in that menu.

If neither location has the export option, your Firefox version is very old and should be updated. Visit firefox.com and download the latest version. Newer versions have better backup tools and security updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I export just one folder of bookmarks instead of everything?

The built-in export exports all bookmarks at once. If you need only one folder, you can open the HTML file in a text editor after export and delete the folders you do not need, but this requires some comfort with editing files. For most people, exporting everything and then importing selectively into another browser is simpler.

Will exporting my bookmarks delete them from Firefox?

No. Exporting creates a copy. Your bookmarks stay in Firefox exactly as they were. You can export as many times as you want without losing anything in the browser.

What format should I use if I am switching to Chrome?

Export as HTML. Chrome reads HTML bookmark files directly. After export, open Chrome, click the menu (three dots), go to Bookmarks, then Import Bookmarks and Settings, and select your HTML file. Chrome will import all your bookmarks into its own format.

Can I export bookmarks from Firefox on my phone?

Firefox for Android and iOS do not have a built-in export feature. If you need your phone bookmarks on a computer, sign into a Firefox Account on both devices and turn on sync. Your bookmarks will appear on your computer automatically through your account.

Is the exported file encrypted or password-protected?

No. The exported HTML or JSON file is readable text. If you are storing sensitive information in bookmark names or folders, keep the file in a secure location. Do not email it to untrusted addresses or leave it on a shared computer.