How to export one chat to PDF, CSV, or TXT on Mac

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

Mac 5 steps · Updated

What you need

  • TextPort for Mac, set up with Messages access

On Mac, exporting is one shortcut. Pick a chat, press Command-E, and save.

Steps

  1. 1

    Click the chat

    Open TextPort. Click the chat in the list on the left (1). Its messages show on the right.

    TextPort for Mac with a chat selected in the list and the Export button in the toolbar
  2. 2

    Press Command-E

    Or click Export in the toolbar (2). Or right-click the chat in the list and click Export. The Export Conversation sheet opens.

  3. 3

    Pick a format

    Click PDF (1) for a document. Click Spreadsheet (2) for a CSV file that opens in Excel or Numbers. Click Text File (3) for plain text. Attachments (4) gives you a ZIP of the photos and files. A save window opens.

    The Export Conversation sheet with PDF, Spreadsheet, Text File, and Attachments
  4. 4

    Pick a place and click Export

    Choose a folder like Desktop or Documents. Click Export.

  5. 5

    Click Show in Finder

    When the export is done, the sheet says Export complete. Click Show in Finder to see the file.

Done

Your chat is saved as a file on your Mac.

Tips

  • Only need some dates? Click the date filter above the messages first. Then click Export in the toolbar. That export keeps the date filter.

  • Want to print instead? Press Command-P. See the print guide.

Questions

TextPort

Start exporting your messages

Available for iPhone, Mac, and Windows. No computer required.

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