If you’re an Apple user, your Messages app likely has far more data than you realize, including business discussions, travel details, receipts, and even personal memories. Though accessing these messages across any device is simple enough, exporting your messages into a clean, shareable format isn’t as easy. For casual users, it’s annoying, but for professionals, such as legal, data entry, or administrative roles, it can be costly.
There are options on macOS to print messages to PDF, but it’s not really designed (or intended) to export conversations in a way that’s organized. Today, we’re taking a look at how to use Messages Export Pro to export your Apple Messages into a variety of readable formats. We’ll also offer guidance on choosing the best format for your needs.
Save Your Message History with Messages Export Pro
Developed by Wide Angle Software, Messages Export Pro gives Mac users the tools to export SMS, MMS, RCS, and iMessage conversations directly from the Messages app into PDF, CSV, or TXT files.Â
One of the most convenient features about Messages Export Pro is that it works with conversations that are already synced to your Mac — no iPhone connections or creating backups beforehand. If your conversation appears in the Messages app on your Mac, you can select it in Messages Export Pro and export it in your preferred format.
To ensure your full message history is available on your Mac, enable Messages in iCloud on all your Apple devices (Mac, iPhone, etc.).
Download and Setup Messages Export Pro
The first step is to Download it for Free from the Mac App Store and you’ll be ready to begin exporting. When you first launch Messages Export Pro, you will need to allow it to grant access to your Contacts and Messages within macOS.Â
This ensures that the app displays the right contact names during export. macOS will prompt you to give the proper permissions, and once you’re done, the app automatically loads all available conversations. Because this access is strictly local, your data remains entirely private: all message processing and file generation happen locally on your Mac, ensuring your conversations are never uploaded to or shared with Wide Angle Software or any third party.
How to Export Mac Messages Directly as PDF or CSV
Exporting is an easy 5-step process:
- Open Messages Export Pro on your Mac.
- Choose the conversation you want to export from the sidebar.
- Choose your export format: PDF, CSV, or TXT
- Select a save location.
- Export the conversation.
Once the conversation is saved, it functions like any other file on your computer. This includes being able to open it, print it, share it, or archive it.
Which Export Format Is Best?
Messages Export Pro offers users a variety of options, and what you go with largely depends on your plans for conversations afterwards.
For readability, PDF is best. Like the Apple Messages app, your conversations appear chat-style, making them easy to read or print. Another advantage to PDF exports is embedded images, emoji reactions, and timestamps. You can even export audio message transcriptions. PDF is the way to go if you’re looking for familiarity, and it’s great for professionals, especially those in HR, legal, or administrative roles that need clear records.
CSV
CSV, on the other hand, focuses more on data. It’s going to look less like a conversation, and more like rows and columns of messages suited for Microsoft Excel or Apple Numbers. Those wanting to filter, search, organize, or sort their messages should likely start here. CSV is going to be great for those in data management roles that need the data of text cleanly organized.
TXT
Those looking for the simplest option should consider TXT, as this saves messages in a plain-text form, including the relevant metadata. It’s good for basic backups and long-term storage.
Keep in mind that with Messages Export Pro, TXT exports and saving attachments are free, but you’ll need an in-app purchase for PDF and CSV exports. A single, one-off in-app purchase of $19.99 provides permanent access to all app features.
What’s Including in an Export?
What information is included is largely going to depend on the format. However, Messages Export Pro can preserve a wide range of content, including:
- Message text
- Sender details and timestamps
- Emojis and reactions
- Polls
- Images and attachments
- Audio message transcriptions
The app can even save attached photos, videos, and other shared media separately to your Mac, which can be great for those looking to preserve complete conversations rather than just the text.
How to Export Messages on iPhone
Something to keep in mind is that Message Export Pro is specifically for conversations available in your Mac Messages app. For those looking to export Messages directly from an iPhone or iPad, TouchCopy is Wide Angle Software’s alternative solution for message exporting from iOS devices.Â
TouchCopy supports exporting SMS, RCS, WhatsApp, LINE, and iMessage conversations to Mac or PC while also supporting additional export formats (including HTML). It also handles media such as photos and music, providing a comprehensive iPhone backup solution for both Mac and PC.
Is Messages Export Pro Right for You?
If you regularly use the Messages app and need to keep a record of important conversations,Messages Export Pro removes the hassle. Â Available to download for free from the Mac App Store, the app greatly simplifies the export process by allowing you to save messages as PDF, CSV, or TXT files directly from your Mac in a few simple clicks.Â
If you don’t want to rely on macOS workarounds or endless printing screenshots but still need printable records, searchable message data, or even a simple backup solution, Messages Export Pro is going to have your bases covered.
I downloaded this software and paid approximately $20 for the PDF capabilities. I then chose a message with 8 pictures. The PDF that this software produced only captured 4 of them.
How to I complain to the software manufacture? Barring that, how do I cancel my subscription and get my money back?