How to Export Bookmarks to an HTML File in Safari on Mac

Whether you are setting up a new computer, creating an offline security backup, or transitioning your primary web browsing workflow from Safari to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, preserving your accumulated bookmarks and folder hierarchies is essential. While iCloud seamlessly synchronizes bookmarks between iPhones, iPads, and Macs, it does not provide direct cross-platform portability to non-Apple browsers or Windows workstations.

Fortunately, Safari for macOS features a native export utility that packages all your bookmarks, favourites bar links, and nested reading folders into a standardized, universal HTML file.

Step 1: Open Safari on Your Mac

Exporting bookmarks is handled directly through Safari’s main application menu:

1. Launch Safari from your Dock or Spotlight Search.
2. Ensure Safari is the active frontmost application so its name appears in the top-left corner of the macOS menu bar.

Step 2: Export Bookmarks to HTML

To initiate the export process:

1. Click File in the top menu bar.
2. From the drop-down menu, click Export, then select Bookmarks… (or simply select Export Bookmarks… on earlier versions of macOS).
3. A standard macOS Save dialogue sheet will appear on screen.
4. In the Save As field, enter a recognizable filename (by default, Safari names this Safari Bookmarks.html).
5. Choose your desired destination directory (such as your Documents folder, Desktop, or an external USB flash drive).
6. Click Save.

Safari immediately generates a self-contained HTML file formatted using the Netscape Bookmark File standard, which is universally recognized by every modern web browser.

Step 3: Import Your Bookmarks into Other Browsers

You can now import this generated HTML file into any third-party browser:

• Google Chrome: Click the three-dot menu > Bookmarks and lists > Import bookmarks and settings > select Bookmarks HTML File > choose your exported file.
• Mozilla Firefox: Press Command + Shift + O to open the Library > click Import and Backup > choose Import Bookmarks from HTML…
• Microsoft Edge: Click the three-dot menu > Favourites > click the three dots inside the menu > select Import favourites > choose Favourites or bookmarks HTML file.

All your folder trees, website titles, and saved URLs will transfer across seamlessly with zero data loss.