How to import a OneTab text export into Tabwell

Tabwell's OneTab importer is a local text conversion, and its behavior is precise enough to verify before moving a large archive. It splits the input at blank lines, treats each non-empty block as a candidate snapshot, accepts rows beginning with an HTTP or HTTPS URL, and uses an optional title after the supported separator. Empty rows and unsupported schemes are skipped. Every accepted block becomes an imported snapshot whose tabs begin in one grey group named Imported, because the text rows do not contain native Chrome group title, color, or collapsed-state fields. That describes Tabwell's parser rather than assuming what every OneTab version exports, so first create a small export with the current OneTab UI and inspect it. Keep the source text unchanged, import a representative block during Tabwell's local 14-day Pro trial, compare accepted row and tab counts, open sample URLs, then reorganize and save a native Tabwell snapshot only after the migration check passes.

Check the source text

Create an export using the current OneTab workflow and keep an untouched copy. Inspect a small block before importing: each accepted row needs an HTTP or HTTPS URL, with an optional title in the text format Tabwell supports. Unsupported or malformed rows are skipped instead of being turned into tabs.

Import a representative block first

Install Tabwell from the Chrome Web Store and open the importer during the local Pro trial.
Choose OneTab as the source.
Paste or load one small, representative text block.
Compare the accepted tab count with the source rows and open a sample of imported URLs.
Repeat with the full export only after the sample passes.

Understand the destination shape

Each non-empty block containing accepted rows becomes one imported snapshot. The tabs start in a grey Imported group. The parser does not infer an original group title, color, or collapsed state from fields the text does not supply. Reorganize the imported tabs into native Chrome groups, save a new Tabwell snapshot, and test one restore before deleting or changing the source archive.

Plans and data handling

The importer is a Pro feature available during the local 14-day trial. Free remains available afterward for manual save, restore, and JSON export within its limits. Current prices, purchase options, and terms are listed on the pricing page.

Snapshots, tab titles, and URLs stay in local IndexedDB. Billing and license requests use Tabwell's billing service and Polar without sending tab data. Optional redacted crash diagnostics can be enabled; they are off by default. See the privacy policy.

FAQ

Which OneTab text rows does Tabwell accept?

The current parser accepts rows that begin with HTTP or HTTPS URLs. A supported separator can provide a title; otherwise the URL becomes the title. Unsupported rows are skipped.

How do blank lines affect the import?

Blank lines separate blocks. Each non-empty block with accepted URLs becomes its own imported Tabwell snapshot.

Will the text import recreate original Chrome groups?

No. The supported text rows do not provide native group fields. Imported tabs begin in one grey Imported group, which you can reorganize before saving a new snapshot.

How should I verify the migration?

Keep the source export, import one representative block, compare accepted row and tab counts, open sample URLs, then test a restore after reorganizing the imported tabs.

Is the OneTab importer a Free feature?

It is a Pro feature available during the local 14-day Pro trial. Current prices, purchase options, and terms are listed at https://tabwell.org/pricing.html.

Does importing upload the text?