Last.fm, a popular music platform, doesn't offer a direct export function for bookmarks. This means getting your bookmarks into a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file requires a bit of work, but it's achievable. This guide will walk you through the process, addressing common questions and providing alternative solutions.
What are Last.fm Bookmarks?
Before diving in, let's clarify what Last.fm bookmarks are. They're essentially a personal collection of artists, albums, or tracks that you've saved for later listening or reference. Unlike your listening history, bookmarks are manually curated by you. Saving them as a CSV allows you to easily manage, analyze, or back them up.
How Can I Export My Last.fm Bookmarks to CSV? There's No Direct Export Function!
This is the core challenge. Last.fm lacks a built-in "Export Bookmarks to CSV" button. The solution involves using a third-party tool or manually extracting the data.
Method 1: Using Browser Developer Tools (Most Reliable)
This is the most reliable method, though it might seem technical. It leverages your browser's built-in developer tools to inspect the webpage and extract the bookmark data. This method requires some comfort navigating your browser's developer tools.
- Open Your Last.fm Bookmarks Page: Log into Last.fm and navigate to your bookmarks page.
- Open Developer Tools: Most browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) use a similar shortcut: right-click anywhere on the page and select "Inspect" or "Inspect Element." Alternatively, you can usually use the keyboard shortcut F12.
- Find the Bookmark Data: The developer tools will show the HTML source code of the page. You'll need to locate the section of the code that displays your bookmarks. This will vary slightly depending on Last.fm's design updates. Look for elements with classes or IDs related to "bookmarks," "saved," or "favorites."
- Extract the Data: Once you find the relevant section, carefully copy the data. It will likely be in a format like JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) or a similar structured data format.
- Convert to CSV: You'll need a tool to convert the JSON or other structured data to CSV. Several online converters and software programs are available. Search for "JSON to CSV converter" to find one that suits you. Paste the copied data into the converter and download the resulting CSV file.
Method 2: Manual Copying and Pasting (Time-Consuming)
This is the least efficient method, but it's viable if you have a small number of bookmarks.
- Open Your Last.fm Bookmarks: Navigate to your bookmarks page.
- Copy and Paste: Manually copy the artist/track/album name and any other relevant details (e.g., album art URL if it's displayed) from each bookmark and paste them into a spreadsheet program like Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel.
- Save as CSV: Once you've copied all your bookmarks, save your spreadsheet file as a CSV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Often Should I Back Up My Last.fm Bookmarks?
Backing up your bookmarks regularly is a good practice. Consider doing it monthly or whenever you significantly update your bookmarks. This safeguards against data loss due to unexpected issues.
Can I Use a Third-Party App to Export My Last.fm Bookmarks?
Currently, there aren't widely known or officially supported third-party apps specifically designed to export Last.fm bookmarks as a CSV. The methods described above are the most practical approaches.
What If My Bookmarks Are Not Displaying Correctly in the Browser Developer Tools?
Last.fm's website structure can change, potentially affecting the location of the bookmark data within the developer tools. If you're having trouble locating the data, try refreshing the page or searching for keywords related to "bookmarks" within the developer tools' search function.
Can I Import My CSV Back into Last.fm?
Unfortunately, Last.fm does not provide a function to import bookmarks from a CSV. The CSV is primarily for backup and external analysis.
This guide provides the most effective methods to save your Last.fm bookmarks as a CSV. Remember to exercise caution when using developer tools, and always back up your data regularly.
