How can I move bookmarks between browsers without losing their folders?

Treat this as a copy-and-check task rather than assuming the new browser will reproduce everything exactly. First, make a list of the folders you care about, including which ones are inside other folders. Then use the old browser’s export option to create a bookmark file, and keep that file somewhere you can find it again. An HTML file is a useful transfer format where both browsers support it: Firefox desktop supports exporting bookmarks as HTML for importing into another browser, and Chrome desktop can import and export bookmarks as HTML. [S1] [S2]

Do not confuse a transfer file with a browser-specific restore backup. Mozilla distinguishes Firefox’s HTML transfer export from its JSON/JSONLZ4 backup, which is for restoring in Firefox. [S1] The instructions here cover Firefox desktop and Chrome, not every browser or version, so check the current help for both your old and new browser before following menu steps.

Before importing, decide whether you want the transferred collection kept together temporarily or merged into your existing folders. If you’re unsure, keep it separate at first; you can reorganize after checking the result. Write down the export file’s name and the folder names you expect to see. That makes it easier to distinguish the incoming set from bookmarks already in the new browser.

Chrome’s documented behavior illustrates why you should inspect the destination: depending on the device or context and whether bookmarks already exist, imported items may appear on the bookmarks bar or in an “Imported” or “Other bookmarks” location. [S2] That guidance is specific to Chrome; it does not establish where another browser will put imported folders. Look in the receiving browser’s bookmark manager rather than assuming the import failed if the folders are not immediately visible on the bar.

Open the bookmark manager and compare what you see with your folder list. Check the top-level folders first, then expand each one you care about and look for its expected subfolders. Don’t judge success only by the bookmarks bar: a folder may have been placed elsewhere in the imported collection. The Firefox and Chrome guidance describes inspecting imported bookmarks and folder placement; exact behavior depends on the receiving browser. [S1] [S2]

Then open a few representative bookmarks from different parts of the tree, including one from a deeply nested folder. This is a practical spot-check, not proof that every saved item transferred correctly. The cited instructions explain export, import, and inspecting placement; they do not establish that every browser preserves every folder arrangement or that every bookmark will work.

Suppose your old browser has Work with a nested Research folder, plus a separate Recipes folder. Before exporting, note those three names and the nesting: Work > Research. Export to an HTML file using the old browser’s current instructions. In the new browser, use its current import option to select that file. Afterward, find the imported collection in the bookmark manager and check whether Work contains Research, whether Recipes is present, and whether sample bookmarks open as expected.

If the folders are present but placed under an import folder, leave them there until you have confirmed the contents; then reorganize if you want. If an expected folder is missing, don’t delete the export or the old browser’s bookmarks while you investigate. Compare the file you selected and the folder list, and consult the new browser’s current help. This example is a suggested checking method, not a guarantee about any particular browser’s import behavior.