If you're thinking of switching browsers—maybe because you like the features in a different application, or you're fed up with the one you're using—all of your accumulated data, extensions, and bookmarks can feel like a reason to stay put. It doesn't have to be, though: Getting your data out of one browser and into another isn't as hard as you might think.

We've focused on four of the main browsers here, but other programs have similar features—you should be able to find them by checking out the settings, or looking for whatever migration tool usually runs when you first install a new one.

To import data from another browser into Chrome, open Chrome, then click the three dots (top right) and choose Settings. Click You and Google on the left, then Import bookmarks and settings. Select the browser you want to import data from (or Bookmarks HTML File), pick the types of data you want to import, then click Import.

Passwords are handled separately. Open the Chrome menu via the three dots (top right), then choose Google Password Manager. Click Settings, then Select file next to Import passwords to choose a file in the CSV format. You can export passwords from here as well—it's Download File, next to Export passwords. (Although, honestly, use a password manager, not a browser's built-in password storage.)

You can export other data from Chrome too, as long as you're syncing it with a Google account (open You and Google in Chrome Settings to check). Head to the Google Takeout page on the web, then make sure the Chrome box is checked and click All Chrome data included if you want to be more selective about the types of data that are downloaded. Click Next step and follow the instructions onscreen to complete the process.

If you're using Apple's Safari as your browser going forward, you can find the import options by opening up the File menu and choosing Import From. When it comes to browsers that Safari can work with directly, including Chrome and Firefox, they'll appear in the submenu and you can simply click on the relevant browser to choose the types of data you want to import and start the process.