How to export Arc bookmarks and pinned tabs before Arc shuts down
Team SnaggyThe people who make Snaggy8 min readArc stops on 22 Dec 2026Arc stops working on 22 December 2026. Your pinned tabs, folders and favorites live in one file on your Mac, StorableSidebar.json. Back that file up today, then export it with Arc's own Export Data option, a direct import into Dia, the free arc-export script, or a bookmark app like Snaggy that keeps your folders.
When is Arc shutting down?
The Browser Company announced on 22 October 2026 that it is retiring Arc to focus on Dia, its newer browser. The shutdown happens in stages:
- New Arc accounts can no longer be created.
- Arc Search on mobile loses sign in, tab sync and AI features such as Browse for Me. It keeps working as a basic local browser.
- Arc stops working on Mac and Windows. Accounts are deactivated.
- Personal data tied to Arc accounts is deleted.
Nobody outside The Browser Company knows yet whether the Mac app will still open offline after 22 December. Treat 22 December as the last day you can reach your tabs, and export now while Arc still runs.
Still choosing where to go next? See the best Arc browser alternatives, or Zen vs Arc vs Dia if it is down to those two.
Where does Arc keep your pinned tabs?
Arc does not use a normal bookmarks file. Everything in your sidebar is stored in one JSON file on your Mac:
~/Library/Application Support/Arc/StorableSidebar.jsonFor every space, that file holds your pinned tabs and the folders they sit in, your favorites (the icons at the top of the sidebar), and the unpinned tabs you have open today. Every export method below reads this file, so it is the one thing you must not lose.
Step 1: Back up the sidebar file
Do this first, whatever method you pick. It takes 30 seconds. Quit Arc so the file is fully written, open Terminal and run:
mkdir -p ~/Documents/Arc-backup
cp ~/Library/Application\ Support/Arc/StorableSidebar.json ~/Documents/Arc-backup/Now you have a copy that survives Arc, a reinstall or a new Mac, and any of the tools below can read it later. If you use more than one Mac, repeat this on each one, because the file only holds what that Mac's Arc had.
Step 2: Export your tabs (pick one)
Arc's built in Export Data
The final Arc updates added an export option. According to TidBITS, it exports your pinned tabs and favorites.
- Update Arc to the latest version.
- Open Arc › Settings › Advanced.
- Click Export Data and save the file.
Best for moving to Dia. Check what the file contains before you rely on it.
Import straight into Dia
Dia is The Browser Company's successor and imports from Arc during setup (see how it compares in our Arc alternatives guide). It calls spaces Profiles and folders Pinned Tab Groups. Reports are mixed on folders: TidBITS notes Dia only recently learned to import pinned tabs that were not inside folders, so open a few folders after the import and check nothing is missing.
Best for people who want the closest thing to Arc.
The free arc-export script
arc-export is an open source Python script that turns your Arc pinned tabs into a standard HTML bookmarks file, with folders kept. Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Brave, Zen and every other browser can import that format.
git clone https://github.com/ivnvxd/arc-export.git
cd arc-export
python3 main.py -o ~/Documents/arc-bookmarks.htmlThen use File › Import Bookmarks in your new browser (the wording differs a little per browser) and pick arc-bookmarks.html. A Windows fork exists too.
Best for moving to Chrome, Safari or Firefox, if you are fine with Terminal.
Import into Snaggy, which works with every browser
Not sure which browser comes next, or using more than one? Keep your links somewhere that doesn't depend on a browser. That's why we built Snaggy, a Mac menu bar bookmark app.
- Download Snaggy and open it. Setup offers to import from the browsers it finds.
- Pick Arc. Snaggy reads
StorableSidebar.jsonon your Mac. No Arc account or sync needed. - Your pinned tabs come over with their folders, plus your favorites. It asks whether to bring today's open tabs too.
- Whenever you pick a new browser, export everything as an HTML bookmarks file (or JSON or CSV) and import it there.
After that, ⌘D in Safari, Chrome, Dia, Brave or Orion saves the tab you're on to the same library. Needs macOS 26 Tahoe. One time purchase.
Download Snaggy for MacWhich export method should you use?
| Method | Pinned tabs | Folders | Favorites | Open tabs | You get |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc Export Data | Yes | Not documented | Yes | Not documented | Arc export file, made for Dia |
| Dia import | Yes | Mixed reports | Not documented | Not documented | Tabs inside Dia |
| arc-export | Yes | Yes | Not documented | No | HTML bookmarks file |
| Snaggy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Optional | Searchable library, plus HTML, JSON or CSV export |
The safest plan uses two: back up the raw file (Step 1), then make one export you can open anywhere, which means an HTML bookmarks file.
What Arc data will not carry over?
- Easels and Notes. Bookmark exports carry links, not documents. Open each one and copy, export or screenshot what you need.
- Boosts. Custom website styles live inside Arc. Save any CSS or JavaScript you wrote by hand.
- Passwords, history and extensions. They live in Arc's Chromium profile, not the sidebar file. Dia imports them during setup. Moving elsewhere? Export your passwords from Arc first.
- Arc Search tabs on iPhone. Sync stops on 23 November, so save anything you want to keep before then.
Frequently asked questions
When does Arc stop working?
Arc stops working on Mac and Windows on 22 December 2026. Accounts are deactivated that day and account data is deleted within 30 days. Arc Search on mobile loses sign in, tab sync and AI features on 23 November 2026.
Does Arc have an HTML bookmarks export?
Not a classic one. The latest Arc adds Export Data under Settings › Advanced, which exports pinned tabs and favorites. For a standard HTML bookmarks file that Chrome, Safari or Firefox can import, use the arc-export script or Snaggy.
Where does Arc store pinned tabs on a Mac?
In ~/Library/Application Support/Arc/StorableSidebar.json. It holds every space's pinned tabs and folders, your favorites and today's unpinned tabs.
Can I move my Arc pinned tabs to Chrome or Safari?
Yes. Turn them into an HTML bookmarks file with arc-export or Snaggy, then use the browser's Import Bookmarks command. Folders come across as bookmark folders.
Will my Arc Easels and Notes be exported?
No. Bookmark exports only carry links. Copy or screenshot your Easels and Notes before 22 December 2026.
Sources
- Arc browser sunsets December 22 as The Browser Company doubles down on DiaTechCrunch · 22 Oct 2026
- The Browser Company kicks Arc to the curb on 22 December 2026TidBITS · 26 Oct 2026
- Arc browser is shutting down in December, here's what to do nextHow-To Geek
- arc-exportGitHub
