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Updated Mar 2026

How to Export Your Reading List to Markdown, CSV, or HTML in 2026

Move your saved articles and highlights out of the browser and into your workflow. Export as JSON, Markdown, HTML, or CSV for Obsidian, Notion, Google Sheets, or any tool you use.

Beginner
5 minutes
6 steps

Before You Start

  • Google Chrome browser (desktop)
  • ReadMonkey Pro installed from the Chrome Web Store
  • Saved articles in your ReadMonkey library
1

Open the ReadMonkey Pro side panel

Click the ReadMonkey Pro icon in your Chrome toolbar and open the side panel. Your saved articles appear in the Articles tab, and your highlights appear in the Highlights tab. Before exporting, make sure the articles you want to export are saved and properly tagged — tags and highlights are included in the export.

ReadMonkey Pro side panel showing the Articles tab with saved articles

Screenshot of the side panel open with the Articles tab active, showing a list of saved articles with tags visible.

2

Choose what to export: single article or entire library

ReadMonkey Pro supports two export scopes. To export a single article, open it in the distraction-free reader and use the export option from the reader toolbar. To export your entire library, use the export button in the side panel. Library export includes all saved articles with their metadata, tags, highlights, and notes — perfect for backups or migrating your data to another tool.
Pro Tip

If you only need highlights and annotations (not full article text), use the Highlights tab export instead. This produces a focused export of just your highlighted passages and attached notes across all articles.

Export options showing single article vs library export in ReadMonkey Pro

Screenshot showing the export button in both the reader toolbar (for single article) and the side panel (for full library), with both options labeled.

3

Select your export format

Choose the format that matches your destination tool. JSON is available to all users and contains the most complete data structure — ideal for programmatic use or backups. Pro users unlock three additional formats: Markdown produces clean, readable files perfect for Obsidian, Notion, or any Markdown-based knowledge tool. HTML creates formatted web pages suitable for archiving or sharing. CSV generates tabular data that opens directly in Google Sheets, Excel, or any spreadsheet application.

ReadMonkey Pro export format selection showing JSON, Markdown, HTML, and CSV options

Screenshot of the export dialog with format options displayed as selectable buttons or a dropdown, showing JSON (free), Markdown (Pro), HTML (Pro), and CSV (Pro).

4

Export your highlights separately

In addition to full article export, ReadMonkey Pro lets you export highlights independently from the Highlights tab. This aggregation export collects all highlighted passages and attached notes across your library into a single file. Each entry includes the highlighted text, the color used, your note (if any), the source article title, and the article URL. This is especially useful for creating study guides, research notes, or annotated bibliographies without exporting full article content.

Exporting aggregated highlights from the Highlights tab in ReadMonkey Pro

Screenshot of the Highlights tab with the export option visible, showing a preview of aggregated highlights from multiple articles with colors and notes.

5

Import into your workflow

Take your exported file and import it into your preferred tool. For Obsidian: save the Markdown file directly into your vault folder — highlights become blockquotes, notes become inline text, and metadata appears in frontmatter. For Notion: use the Import option and select Markdown. For Google Sheets: open the CSV file directly or use File > Import. For Zotero or reference managers: use the JSON export and parse the structured data. Each format is designed to be directly compatible with its target tools without manual formatting.
Pro Tip

Create a dedicated folder in Obsidian called 'ReadMonkey Exports' or similar. Each time you export, save into this folder. Over time, it becomes a searchable archive of everything you have read and annotated.

Importing a ReadMonkey Pro Markdown export into Obsidian

Screenshot showing an Obsidian vault with a ReadMonkey export file open, displaying formatted highlights, notes, and article metadata in a clean Markdown view.

6

Set up a regular export routine

Make exporting part of your workflow to keep your knowledge base current. A weekly or biweekly export ensures your highlights and articles are always backed up and accessible in your external tools. Export your library on a consistent schedule — Friday afternoons work well for weekly reviews. This also serves as a backup: even if you clear your Chrome storage or switch devices, your exported files preserve your reading history and annotations.
Pro Tip

Pair your export routine with a library review. Before exporting, scan your library for articles you have finished reading and ensure they are properly tagged and highlighted. A clean, well-tagged library produces more useful exports.

A well-organized export folder showing weekly ReadMonkey Pro exports

Screenshot of a file explorer showing a folder with dated export files (e.g., 'readmonkey-export-2026-03-01.md'), demonstrating a regular export routine.

Summary

You now have a complete export workflow for moving your reading data out of the browser and into your knowledge management tools. ReadMonkey Pro supports JSON export for all users and unlocks Markdown, HTML, and CSV for Pro users. Export individual articles from the reader, your entire library from the side panel, or just your highlights from the Highlights tab. Markdown exports integrate seamlessly with Obsidian and Notion, CSV works with Google Sheets and Excel, and HTML provides formatted archives. Combined with a regular export routine, this ensures your reading notes, highlights, and annotations are always backed up and accessible in the tools where you do your real work.

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Related Guides

How to Save and Organize Articles with ReadMonkey ProHow to Build a Research Library with ReadMonkey Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

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Export Your Reading Data Anywhere

ReadMonkey Pro exports articles and highlights as Markdown, CSV, HTML, or JSON. Take your reading data into Obsidian, Notion, or Google Sheets. Free to install.

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