How to export and import Highlite annotations as JSON
Updated
Export annotations
- Open the annotated page and click the Highlite icon.
- Open the Export panel with Export or Ctrl+Shift+E (Cmd+Shift+E on Mac).
- In the Annotations section, click Export (JSON). Without Premium, the upgrade screen opens first, and the export runs once you have upgraded.
- The file is saved to your downloads folder with a name like highlite-annotations-example.com-2026-09-24.json.
Import annotations
Importing is free and needs no account. It puts the annotations from the file on the page that is open, whatever page the file came from, so open the right page first.
- Open the page the annotations belong to and click the Highlite icon.
- Open the Export panel and click Import (JSON) in the Annotations section.
- Choose the .json file.
- If the page already has annotations, Highlite asks "Replace the annotations on this page?". Click Replace to continue or Cancel to keep what is there.
Moving annotations to another computer or browser
Highlite has no sync. To continue on another machine, export the page, move the file (email, drive, chat) and import it there on the same page. A teammate on the free plan can import a file you exported.
Limitations
- Export needs Premium and a Highlite account. JSON export is not available on the Edge build yet.
- An import replaces the annotations on the page. It does not merge two sets.
- A file covers one page. There is no export of every annotated page at once.
- Only the annotations visible on the page are exported, not the undo history.
Frequently asked questions
Is importing a JSON file free?
Yes. Anyone with Highlite can import a JSON file, without an account or Premium. Only exporting requires Premium.
Can I merge annotations from two files?
No. Importing replaces the annotations already on the page, after asking you to confirm. Export the current annotations first if you want to keep them.
Does JSON export sync my annotations between devices?
No. It creates a file you move yourself. Highlite has no cloud copy of your annotations and no automatic sync.