ymarks

What ymarks is

ymarks synchronizes browser bookmarks through a server you run and a browser extension you install. The server keeps bookmarks in an SQLite3 database, which can be hosted locally, on an intranet, or on the internet. To connect the extension, enter the server hostname, port, and PIN; the local defaults are port 8888 and PIN 12345. The project describes Firefox and Vivaldi as semi-officially supported. Chrome, Opera, and Edge may work, but their support is uncertain. When you download bookmarks, ymarks replaces the browser’s existing bookmarks with those on the server rather than merging them incrementally.

ymarks is a free, single-user system; its FAQ says you cannot add another user. The maker says this design aims to reduce complexity and increase privacy. A precompiled server binary is offered for Windows, while users of other operating systems are directed to build from source. There is no mobile Firefox version. The project’s license is CDDL-1.0, and its homepage cautions that downloads may not be as thoroughly tested as users expect.

Who it suits

ymarks suits someone who wants to synchronize browser bookmarks through a server they control, with storage on a local machine, intranet, or internet host. It is designed for one user and has browser-extension support, with Firefox and Vivaldi identified as semi-officially supported.

Limits

The free plan is for one user, and additional users cannot be added. Bookmark downloads replace the browser’s existing bookmarks rather than updating them incrementally.

Getting started

1. Visit https://ymarks.org/.
2. Install the browser extension.
3. Run the server component; a precompiled binary is offered for Windows, while other operating systems require building from source.
4. Enter the server hostname, port, and PIN in the extension; the listed local defaults are port 8888 and PIN 12345.
5. Use a browser identified as supported or potentially compatible; Firefox and Vivaldi are semi-officially supported.

Verdict

Choose ymarks if you want free bookmark synchronization through a server you run and need a single-user setup. Look elsewhere if you need multi-user access, mobile Firefox support, or incremental bookmark updates.