How to save a WhatsApp chat as a PDF

Save a readable PDF from a WhatsApp export.

Export the chat from WhatsApp, open the ZIP in Chat Archive, then use the PDF option in the chat details screen.

Download on the App StoreOpen a WhatsApp export ZIP

Quick answer

Open the imported chat, tap More, open Details, then tap PDF under Export. Chat Archive creates the PDF from the imported archive and shows progress while it works.

Chat Archive PDF preview screen

Ready to make the PDF?

Open the WhatsApp export ZIP, preview the pages, then choose whether to save, share, print, or export.

For legal, official, or compliance use, confirm the required format.

Download on the App Store

The steps in Chat Archive

Start after you have imported the WhatsApp export ZIP.

  1. Open the imported chat

    Choose the chat you already opened from a WhatsApp export ZIP.

  2. Tap More

    Use the More button in the chat toolbar.

  3. Open Details

    The Details screen shows tools, export options, and archive information.

  4. Tap PDF under Export

    The PDF row is for messages and attachments.

  5. Wait for Exporting PDF

    Chat Archive shows progress while it renders the PDF.

  6. Review the PDF

    When the PDF is ready, preview the pages before creating a copy.

  7. Save, share, or print

    After preview, use the available export options to save to Files, send to another app, or print. Chat Archive may ask you to unlock full access before completing those actions.

Before you start

For the best PDF, export the WhatsApp chat with media, open the ZIP in Chat Archive, and check that the messages, attachments, and voice messages you care about are included.

What the PDF can include

The PDF can include a cover, export summary, participant information, chronological chat bubbles, dates, message IDs, an attachment index, attachment previews, and available voice transcripts.

Before you save, share, or print

Open the PDF preview and check the parts of the conversation that matter.

  1. Messages

    Confirm important messages, names, dates, and context are readable.

  2. Media and files

    If attachments matter, make sure the chat was exported with media and that key files appear.

  3. Voice messages

    Play important audio and review available transcripts.

  4. Pages

    Make sure the PDF includes what you need before saving, sharing, or printing.

When to include media

For a simple reference, text and dates may be enough. For a fuller PDF, export with media so Chat Archive can include available photos, files, voice messages, and attachment previews.

Preview first

You can inspect the generated PDF before deciding whether to save, share, print, or export it. Completing those actions may require full access.

Keep the ZIP too

The PDF is the readable document. The ZIP is the original WhatsApp export package. Keep the ZIP somewhere you trust if the archive matters.

Formal use

Chat Archive creates a readable PDF for review and reference. It does not certify, notarize, authenticate, or prove that a conversation is complete.

Private content

A PDF can include private messages, contact details, photos, documents, and sensitive context. Chat Archive processes imported chat content on your iPhone.

Before you save or share the PDF