OPML Import and Export: The Complete Guide

Published January 2026 · 6 min read

OPML is the universal format for sharing RSS feed subscriptions. Whether you're switching RSS readers, backing up your feeds, or sharing recommendations with friends, understanding OPML is essential. This guide explains everything you need to know.

What is OPML?

OPML stands for "Outline Processor Markup Language." While it was designed for general outline data, it's become the standard format for exchanging RSS feed lists. An OPML file contains:

  • Feed titles
  • Feed URLs
  • Website URLs
  • Category/folder organization

OPML files typically have a .opml or .xml extension and can be opened in any text editor.

Why OPML Matters

OPML provides several important benefits:

Data Portability

Unlike proprietary formats, OPML works with virtually every RSS reader. You're never locked into a single service—your feed list can move with you.

Backup and Recovery

Regularly exporting OPML provides a backup of your carefully curated feed collection. If you lose data or switch devices, you can restore everything instantly.

Sharing Collections

Want to share your favorite tech feeds with a colleague? Export an OPML file and they can import your entire collection in seconds.

Cross-Platform Sync

For local-first readers without cloud sync (like our free RSS Feed Reader), OPML lets you transfer subscriptions between devices.

How to Export OPML

Exporting varies by reader, but the general process is similar:

From RSS Feed Reader (This Site)

  1. Open the reader at rss-feed-reader.com
  2. Click "Export OPML" in the sidebar footer
  3. A file downloads automatically to your computer

From Feedly

  1. Go to feedly.com/i/opml
  2. Click "Download Your Feedly OPML"
  3. Save the downloaded file

From Inoreader

  1. Go to Preferences → Import/Export
  2. Click "Export OPML"
  3. Download the file

From NewsBlur

  1. Click the gear icon → Import/Export
  2. Select "Export OPML"
  3. Save the file

How to Import OPML

Importing is equally straightforward:

To RSS Feed Reader (This Site)

  1. Open the reader at rss-feed-reader.com
  2. Click "Import OPML" in the sidebar footer
  3. Select your OPML file
  4. Feeds are added automatically, including any category structure

General Process

Most RSS readers have an Import option in their settings or menu. Look for:

  • Settings → Import
  • Add Content → Import OPML
  • File → Import Subscriptions

Understanding OPML Structure

Here's what an OPML file looks like inside:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<opml version="2.0">
  <head>
    <title>My RSS Feeds</title>
  </head>
  <body>
    <outline text="Technology">
      <outline type="rss" text="Ars Technica"
        xmlUrl="https://feeds.arstechnica.com/arstechnica/index"
        htmlUrl="https://arstechnica.com"/>
      <outline type="rss" text="Hacker News"
        xmlUrl="https://news.ycombinator.com/rss"
        htmlUrl="https://news.ycombinator.com"/>
    </outline>
    <outline text="News">
      <outline type="rss" text="BBC News"
        xmlUrl="http://feeds.bbci.co.uk/news/rss.xml"
        htmlUrl="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news"/>
    </outline>
  </body>
</opml>

Key elements:

  • text: The display name
  • xmlUrl: The RSS feed URL
  • htmlUrl: The website URL
  • Nested outline elements represent folders/categories

Best Practices for OPML Management

Regular Backups

Export your OPML monthly or whenever you make significant changes. Store backups in cloud storage like Dropbox or Google Drive for safekeeping.

Organize Before Exporting

Categories in your reader translate to folders in OPML. A well-organized feed list exports to a well-organized OPML file.

Review After Importing

After importing an OPML file, check that all feeds loaded correctly. Some feeds may have moved or become inactive.

Version Your Exports

Name your OPML files with dates (e.g., feeds-2026-01-15.opml) so you can track changes over time.

Troubleshooting OPML Issues

Import Shows Zero Feeds

The file might be corrupted or in a non-standard format. Open it in a text editor and verify it contains <opml> and <outline> tags.

Categories Not Preserved

Some readers flatten category structures during import. You may need to reorganize feeds manually after importing.

Duplicate Feeds

Importing the same OPML file twice may create duplicates. Most readers don't automatically deduplicate, so check before importing.

Feed Titles Missing

If imported feeds show URLs instead of titles, the reader will typically update titles after fetching the feeds.

Sharing OPML Collections

OPML files are great for sharing curated feed collections:

  • Create a "starter pack" OPML for topics you're knowledgeable about
  • Share with colleagues to get everyone on the same information sources
  • Publish themed OPML files on your blog for others to use

Some communities maintain shared OPML files for specific topics—search for "[topic] RSS OPML" to find curated collections.

Conclusion

OPML is a simple but powerful format that ensures you're never locked into a single RSS reader. Regular exports protect your feed collection, and imports make switching readers painless. Take a few minutes today to export your current subscriptions—future you will thank you.

Try our free RSS Feed Reader with full OPML import and export support. Your feeds, always portable.

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