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Which browsers can open and save local files?
Most web pages cannot touch files on your computer. A few tools, including BookmarkFiles, can, because they use a browser feature called the File System Access API. Not every browser offers it. Here is where it works, where it does not, and how to find out about the browser you use.
What the feature does
The File System Access API lets a page show the system file picker, receive a handle to the files you choose, and read or write them after you grant permission. It is the technology behind editors that save straight to your disk. For a longer explanation, see how BookmarkFiles opens and saves your files.
Browser support at a glance
| Browser | Open and save local files |
|---|---|
| Google Chrome (desktop) | Yes |
| Microsoft Edge (desktop) | Yes |
| Opera and other Chromium-based browsers | Generally yes |
| Brave | Built on Chromium, but the feature may be turned off by default. Check its flags page. |
| Firefox | No |
| Safari | No. Only a private, browser-managed file area is available, not your own files. |
| Phones and tablets | Generally no |
Browser support changes over time. A compatibility site such as caniuse.com shows the current state.
Why Firefox and Safari do not offer it
Both Mozilla and Apple have said that giving web pages direct access to the file system raises security and privacy concerns, and neither has shipped the file picker parts of the feature. Their position is a deliberate choice, not a bug, so a setting or extension will not fix it.
How to check your own browser
- Open the developer console with F12 and choose the Console tab.
- Type
'showOpenFilePicker' in windowand press Enter. - If the answer is
true, your browser offers the picker. If it isfalse, it does not.
BookmarkFiles also checks for you. In an unsupported browser it shows a notice at the top and turns off the buttons that need file access.
If your browser is not supported
- Use Chrome or Edge on a desktop computer for tools like this one.
- For everyday editing in other browsers, use a desktop editor such as Notepad, Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code. See our comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Does BookmarkFiles work in Firefox or Safari?
No. Those browsers do not offer the file access feature that BookmarkFiles depends on.
Can I switch the feature on in Firefox?
There is no setting for the file picker in Firefox today.
Does it work on an Android phone or iPhone?
Not currently. Mobile browsers generally do not offer this feature.
Is it safe that Chrome gives pages this access?
The page only receives files you pick, and writing needs extra permission. See our safety guide.
Related guides
- How BookmarkFiles opens and saves your files
- Is it safe to open local files in a web page?
- Notepad, Notepad++, VS Code or BookmarkFiles?
Ready to try it? Open BookmarkFiles in Chrome or Edge on a desktop computer.