Where did my export go?

To the folder you picked in the save window. That is Documents unless you chose another one. Click Show in folder on the Export complete notice to see it.

Why is the Export button gray?

Click a conversation first. The button also waits while another export of one conversation runs.

Can I export photos too?

Yes. Check Photos and files (ZIP) in the Export window. See the ZIP guide.

How to export a conversation to PDF, CSV, or TXT on Windows

You will get a file of one conversation on your PC, as a PDF, a spreadsheet, or plain text.

Windows 7 steps · Updated Oct 5, 2026

What you need

✓TextPort for Windows, with your iPhone backed up

Steps

1

Click the conversation

Click Messages at the top. Click the conversation in the list on the left (1). Its messages show on the right.
2

Click Export…

It is the blue button at the top right (2). Or press Ctrl+E. The Export window opens.
3

Pick a format

Check PDF (1) to read, print, or share. Check Spreadsheet (CSV) for Excel. Check Text file (TXT) for plain text. You can check more than one.
4

Pick which messages

Under Messages, keep All messages. Or pick Last 30 days, Last 12 months, or Custom range.
5

Click Export…

Click Export… (2) at the bottom. If you picked more than one format, the button says Choose folder and export….
6

Click Save

Windows asks where to save. Documents is fine. Click Save. For more than one file, pick a folder and click Select Folder.
7

Click Open or Show in folder

TextPort says Export complete. Click Open (1) to see the file. Click Show in folder (2) to find it in File Explorer.

Done

Your conversation is saved as a file on your PC.

Tips

You can keep reading while the export runs. A bar at the top shows the progress.
The same person can have an iMessage and an SMS conversation. TextPort shows them as two conversations. The Export window offers to export the other one too.
Every message shows its date and time in the PDF.

Questions

: To the folder you picked in the save window. That is Documents unless you chose another one. Click Show in folder on the Export complete notice to see it.
: Click a conversation first. The button also waits while another export of one conversation runs.
: Yes. Check Photos and files (ZIP) in the Export window. See the ZIP guide.