- Dia allows a direct transition by importing passwords, history, and bookmarks from Arc.
- Arc's manual export process generates a Markdown file that is not compatible with the standard HTML format.
- There are critical limitations since elements such as Easels and Boosts cannot be automatically transferred.
If you've been using Arc as your window to the digital world, you've probably realized that times change and it's time to find a new home for your tabs and settings. Moving from one ecosystem to another can seem like a headache, especially when you have years of history and hundreds of bookmarks you don't want to leave behind.
The truth is, the transition isn't the same for everyone; depending on whether you're moving to a natural successor like Dia or prefer to try options like Zen or Chrome, the path varies. Don't worry, we'll tell you how to save all your data without losing a single important link in the process.
The direct jump to Dia
For those seeking the shortest route, Dia is the most logical choice, as it's designed to absorb almost all of Arc's DNA. If you're setting up Dia for the first time, you'll see that the wizard directly asks if you want to import your data from Arc , which greatly simplifies the process.
If you already have Dia installed and running, there's no problem. On macOS, you can go to the Dia menu and select the option to import from another browser, while on Windows you'll find this function in the application menu. The most important thing here is to completely close Arc before starting, but don't uninstall it until you're sure everything has been transferred.
What exactly is being transferred? The good news is that your passwords, bookmarks, browsing history, and extensions are all transferred. Dia also does an interesting job with organization: Spaces become profiles, and folders become tab groups, preserving the names of your favorites and pinned tabs.
What is left behind along the way
Not everything is perfect, and some things simply can't be migrated automatically. For example, Easels and Boosts aren't compatible with Dia. If you have an Easel that's essential, the only solution is to save it as a PNG image using the share button, although you'll lose the ability to edit it.
You also shouldn't expect your autofill data or saved payment methods to transfer. You'll have to manually configure those details in your new browser or, better yet, take advantage of the switch to start using a standalone password manager that isn't tied to a specific app.
Manual exporting and the Markdown dilemma
If you decide Dia isn't for you and prefer to switch to Zen or Chrome, you'll run into a small hurdle. Arc offers an export function in its advanced settings (Ctrl + on Windows or via the Settings menu on Mac) that generates a file called Arc Data Export.md.
This is where many people get confused: this file is in Markdown format, not HTML. This means it's not a standard bookmarks file that you can simply import by clicking "import" in another browser. What you get is essentially a list of links, highly organized by Spaces, but not a retrievable database.
To get these links into browsers like Zen, the safest option is to open the text file, copy the URLs you need, and create the bookmarks manually . While there are some third-party converters that attempt to convert Arc JSON to HTML, they aren't always reliable and could break your folder structure.
Alternatives and safety tips
If you're exploring other AI-powered browsers in Spain, you have options like Edge with Copilot, Brave with Leo, or Comet. However, remember that an AI-powered browser has access to your open sessions, which can be risky if you're not careful. The wisest approach is to use separate profiles : one strictly for banking and legal matters without AI, and another for work where you do want to use the assistant.
To avoid surprises, it's crucial to verify the import before deleting any data from your old browser. Open a few real projects, check that the passwords work, and make sure any critical extensions are active. Don't rely solely on the progress bar reaching 100%.
A complete migration from Arc is a process that requires careful attention, especially due to the difference between direct import into Dia and the limited Markdown export for other applications. While Dia inherits almost the entire profile and key structure, switching to other browsers involves manual work rebuilding links and configuring security and extensions from scratch.