Moving to a new password manager sounds like a big job, but it usually takes about ten minutes. This guide covers the steps that are the same for everyone, and the specifics for each source.
Before you start
- Make sure you can unlock your old manager. You will need it to export.
- Create your NettForge account and choose a long master password (see how to make a strong password). Keep the Recovery Kit.
- Do this on a computer you trust, not a shared one.
The same four steps for everyone
- Export from the old manager (details below).
- Import in NettForge: open the menu, choose Import and Export, then Bring your passwords over, and pick where you are coming from.
- Check a few important logins, and look through your folders.
- Delete the exported file and empty your recycle bin. It is not encrypted.
Where you are coming from
Chrome or Edge
Open the browser's password settings and choose Export passwords. Save the CSV, import it as "Chrome / Edge", then turn off the browser's offer to save passwords. More in browser vs dedicated password manager.
Bitwarden
In Bitwarden choose Tools, then Export vault, and pick .json. The JSON keeps 2FA codes, folders and custom fields. Import it as "Bitwarden". Compare the two in NettForge vs Bitwarden.
1Password
In the 1Password desktop app choose File, then Export and pick your account, then export as CSV. Import it as "1Password". See NettForge vs 1Password.
LastPass
In LastPass choose Advanced Options, then Export and save the CSV. Import it as "LastPass". More in LastPass alternative.
KeePass
In KeePass choose File, then Export and pick CSV (KeePass). Import it as "KeePass".
Anything else
Export a spreadsheet with columns like Name, Username, Password, URL. If it has a Folder column, NettForge rebuilds your folders. Import it as "Other / CSV".
After the move
- Install the NettForge browser extension and sign in, so your logins fill automatically.
- Turn off autofill in the old manager and in your browser, so there is only one place saving passwords.
- Keep the old account for about a month before closing it, in case something was missed.
- Open the Security score. It will show weak, reused and old passwords, which is the perfect time to fix them.
- Set up 2FA codes in NettForge for accounts whose codes did not move across.
Want to know what you are trusting? Read what is a zero-knowledge password manager. Not sure which manager is right? See the comparison.
Questions people ask
The file is not encrypted, so anyone who can open it can read every password. Export, import straight away, then delete the file and empty your recycle bin. Do not email it or put it in cloud storage.
It depends on the source. Bitwarden's JSON export keeps 2FA codes. CSV exports from most other managers do not include them, so you may need to set up 2FA again in NettForge for those accounts.
If your export has a Folder column, NettForge rebuilds your folders when you import. Otherwise items land in a folder you choose.