Google chrome has two effective ways to import and export bookmarks. You can choose to use a Google account sync, or manually export/import your bookmarks through Chrome’s settings.
The Benefit of Saving Bookmarks
Over time it can be quite easy to build up a list of websites that you want to save or keep a note of for the future.
Within web browsers the easy method of doing this is by saving each site or page with the inbuilt bookmark feature. Most browsers allow for saving bookmarks and Google Chrome is no different.
The issue arises when you have multiple devices that you wish to be able to access your favorite sites on through the bookmark feature. Fortunately there are a few different ways that you can share your bookmarks across devices.
Import and Export Bookmarks
1. Open Chrome and select the “Customise and Control” button at the top right. (3 vertical dots)
2. Hover over the Bookmarks heading, then select the subcategory “Bookmark Manager”.
3. On the page you will notice a “Organise” button displayed as 3 stacked dots at the top right of the page, press it.
4. Here you will see a list of options including “Import” and “Export”.
5. If you select Export you will be prompted with a file explorer window. You can now choose a location and name for the HTML file. This file will serve as a backup for your bookmarks that you can import at a later date or onto a different device.
6. When you press Import you will also be prompted with the file explorer window. Locate the HTML Chrome file that you have previously saved. Select it then choose to open it.
Syncing your Bookmarks using a Google Account
You can seamlessly share your bookmarks and other information across all of your devices by syncing your google account and services. It is recommended that you are careful with what information you let Google save and in case your account gets breached or compromised.
1. Open up chrome and the “Customise and Control” settings by clicking the three vertically lined circles near the top right of your browser.
2. Select Settings, typically found near the button of the drop down menu.
3. At the top of the page you should see a “People” section, this may also be called “You and Google”. If you’re not already signed into your Google account you may need to sign in here by pressing on the sync button, then redirect back if needed.
4. If it’s not already enabled, choose to turn on sync.
5. Under the “People” category you can select subcategories and alter their settings. You can import your bookmarks here from Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer or HTML file.
6. You can now select Sync and Google services then Manage sync. Here you can control what information will be synced across devices. You can select to sync everything or turn off certain information. Make sure to enable bookmarks.
Final Thoughts
Chances are that the device you’re currently using, won’t be the same one you’re using a few years from now. Technology is constantly expanding and we are always upgrading to better and newer devices. Constantly having to save your favorite sites over and over again can be a hassle.
Google Chrome makes it incredibly easy to share your bookmarks between devices and browsers. The Google account sync option allows for your bookmarks to automatically transfer when you sign in on a new device. However if you’re looking to have your bookmarks readily available on multiple browser you can manually export and import your settings.
