Back up and move your shelf
Updated October 27, 2026
Your shelf lives in your browser on one computer. Use Export backup at the bottom of your shelf to save a file, and Import backup to load it on the same or another computer. Export links saves only the web addresses as a text file.
Why back up
Tab Shelf has no account or server, so removing the extension also removes the shelf. A backup file is your copy.
Save a backup
- Open your shelf and scroll to the bottom.
- Press Export backup. Your browser downloads a file named
tab-shelf-backup-and today's date.
The backup holds every session, with titles, addresses and Resume Points. Keep it in a cloud folder if you want a safe copy.
Load a backup
- Install Tab Shelf on the other computer, or keep using the same one.
- Open the shelf and press Import backup.
- Choose the backup file.
Sessions already on the shelf are skipped, so importing the same file twice does not double anything.
Export only the links
Export links saves every shelved address as a plain text file, one per line. Use it to paste links into notes, or to move them into another app. To bring a text list back in, use Import links.
Is there automatic sync?
No. Tab Shelf keeps your shelf on one computer and does not need an account. To use two computers, export on one and import on the other when you need to.
Questions
Do I lose my shelf if I uninstall Tab Shelf?
Yes. The browser deletes the extension's storage with it. Export a backup first.
Can I move my shelf from Chrome to Edge?
Yes. Export a backup in one browser and import it in the other.
What is the difference between Export backup and Export links?
Export backup keeps everything Tab Shelf knows, including Resume Points. Export links keeps only the web addresses.
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