How to export iMessage to PDF
A step-by-step guide to turning an iMessage conversation into a clean, searchable PDF — without uploading your messages to a server.
Want to preserve an iMessage conversation as a readable file? This guide walks through exporting messages to PDF with iExport. Everything runs in your browser — your messages are never uploaded.
What you need
- An iMessage database file (chat.db) from an iPhone backup, or an export from macOS.
- A modern browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox).
- A few minutes — large conversations may take a bit longer.
Step by step
- Open iexport.app and pick the iMessage source.
- Drag your message file into the window. The file is read locally by the browser.
- Wait for the conversation list to appear and pick the one you want to export.
- Choose a date range — the entire conversation or a specific start-to-end period.
- Preview. Confirm senders, dates, and attachments look right.
- Click Download PDF. Checkout happens the first time you download.
PDF or HTML — which should you pick?
PDF is best for reading, printing, and sharing — layout and fonts are locked, so it looks the same everywhere. HTML is better if you want to search the text or open the file in a browser later. You can generate both from the same preview.
Very large conversations
iExport handles conversations with tens of thousands of messages. Use the date range picker if you only need a subset — preview and export run faster, and the PDF is easier to archive.
Security and privacy
Your messages are not uploaded to a server. Parsing and PDF generation happen in the browser. The only thing that leaves your machine is an anonymized payment when you buy the export.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I export group conversations?
- Yes. iExport supports one-to-one and group chats. Sender names are shown for every message.
- Do I get images and attachments?
- Yes — when they exist in the source file. Check the preview to confirm what's available.
- Can I export from an iCloud backup?
- You need the message file available locally. [CONFIRM FEATURE] Direct iCloud export is not supported from the browser.
- Why does downloading cost money?
- Import and preview are free. The price covers export, running the service, and further development.
- Can I get a refund if something goes wrong?
- Yes — see the refund page or contact us and we'll make it right.
Related articles
- How to save an entire iMessage conversationHave a conversation that spans years and thousands of messages? Here's how to make a complete, archive-friendly export.
- Why local browser processing is safer for private messagesWhat does it actually mean that messages are processed locally? This article explains what happens technically — and why it matters for your privacy.