Working with OPML
The format for carrying a subscription list between services. Knowing what it does and does not contain saves trouble when you switch.
What it contains
OPML carries the subscription list and folder structure, and nothing else.
- Feed URLs and titles
- Folder (category) structure
- Site URLs, sometimes
What it does not
Read state, stars, tags and rules are not included. That is not a restriction imposed by any particular service — the format simply has no field for them.
So read state never transfers, whichever direction you move. Marking everything read once after importing is the practical approach.
How to export
From the major services:
- Inoreader: Preferences → Import/Export → Export subscriptions
- Feedly: Organize sources → Export OPML
- FreshRSS: Settings → Import/export → Export OPML
- The Old Reader: Settings → Import/Export
Check it before importing
A subscription list built over years accumulates dead feeds and duplicates. Looking at it first means you do not carry them across.
There is a tool here that shows you the contents of an OPML file entirely in your browser. The file is never uploaded.