WhatsApp has become one of the most commonly used messaging platforms globally, both for personal and professional communication. As the volume of data shared through the app grows, so does the need for archiving and backing up conversations—especially for legal, organizational, or sentimental purposes. Exporting WhatsApp chats to PDF or text files is an excellent solution to preserve important conversations, but doing it manually can be time-consuming and inefficient. That’s where specialized tools come into play.
TLDR: Exporting WhatsApp conversations to PDF or text files is crucial for preserving personal memories or keeping official records. While WhatsApp offers basic export functionality, several third-party tools provide enhanced options such as bulk export, better formatting, and in some cases, added security and automation. Below are the five most recommended tools for quickly and effectively exporting WhatsApp chats. Each tool was chosen for its reliability, ease of use, and added features beyond WhatsApp’s default capabilities.
1. iTransor for WhatsApp
iTransor for WhatsApp by iMyFone is widely considered one of the best tools for exporting WhatsApp messages. It is designed specifically for WhatsApp data management, offering capabilities for transferring, backing up, restoring, and exporting chats across multiple formats, including PDF and TXT.
Key Features:
- Direct export of chats to PDF, HTML, or TXT formats
- Supports both Android and iOS devices
- Export individual or group chats selectively
- Includes media attachments in exports
Pros: Easy to use, clean output formatting, includes multimedia support.
Cons: Requires downloading software, not free (offers a trial version).
Best for: Professionals needing a reliable and clean export of large volumes of chat data.
2. ChatMover
ChatMover is another purpose-built solution by Foneazy that focuses on WhatsApp data management. It offers a user-friendly interface and is particularly strong in letting users preview chats before export, making it ideal for users who want accuracy and customization in their exports.
Key Features:
- Supports export to PDF, Excel, and TXT formats
- Allows you to search specific keywords before export
- Compatible with both Android and iOS
- Enables batch export with media files
Pros: Allows content preview, keyword search, and customized export.
Cons: Must be installed on a computer and is paid software.
Best for: Those seeking more control over what gets exported and how.
3. MobileTrans – WhatsApp Transfer
MobileTrans by Wondershare is not only a WhatsApp export tool but also a data migration platform that supports over 6,000 phone models. It excels at cross-platform transfers and enables users to export WhatsApp messages to readable formats like TXT and PDF.
Key Features:
- Exports conversations with images, videos, and documents
- Data can be backed up to a PC before exporting
- One-click transfer and export functionality
- Supports multiple backup and restore options
Pros: Trusted brand, simple user interface, multifunctional tool.
Cons: PDF export requires a few additional steps, such as saving HTML and converting it manually.
Best for: Users who want an all-in-one data management solution for exporting and backing up WhatsApp chats.
4. Email Chat Feature (Built-in WhatsApp Option)
WhatsApp itself includes a simple but effective way to export chats: the built-in “Email Chat” feature. Although limited compared to third-party applications, it allows users to send a copy of their conversation to an email address in *.txt format, optionally including media attachments.
How It Works:
- Open the chat you want to export
- Tap the three-dot menu and select “More” then “Export Chat”
- Choose to include or exclude media
- Select your email client to send the chat file
Pros: Completely free, no software installation needed.
Cons: Limited formatting, only exports in TXT, no batch export, not ideal for long chats.
Best for: Users needing a quick, no-cost way to preserve individual chat logs.
5. Export WhatsApp Chat to PDF (Using WPS Office or Word)
This method involves exporting your chat using the built-in email feature and then converting the exported TXT file to PDF using document editors like WPS Office or Microsoft Word. While this isn’t a dedicated app, it proves effective for casual users.
Steps:
- Use the built-in email export feature in WhatsApp to send the chat to yourself
- Download the TXT file on a desktop or mobile
- Open the file in a word processor like Word or WPS Office
- Save or export the document as a PDF
Pros: Free if you already have access to document editors, preserves more formatting if edited manually.
Cons: Time-consuming, not suited for batch conversion, formatting may require adjustment.
Best for: Users exporting few chats and proficient with document processing tools.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re exporting WhatsApp chats for legal documentation, business records, or personal backups, choosing the right tool can make a significant difference in terms of efficiency, formatting, and accuracy. While WhatsApp’s own export feature is suitable for quick and straightforward needs, third-party tools like iTransor for WhatsApp, ChatMover, and MobileTrans offer greater customization, better formatting, and bulk export capabilities.
If you’re handling sensitive or large volumes of data, investing in a purpose-built tool is worth the consideration. However, for those with occasional needs, using WhatsApp’s email export and converting the file manually can still yield acceptable results.
Whatever method you choose, be sure to store exported files securely and ensure data privacy, especially when dealing with conversations that include personal or confidential information.
Summary of Recommendations
- iTransor for WhatsApp – Best for professionals, high-quality exports
- ChatMover – Best for those wanting control and previews
- MobileTrans – Best all-in-one data management solution
- WhatsApp’s Email Feature – Best free, quick, and simple method
- WPS/Word Method – Best for casual users converting to PDF manually
Ultimately, your choice should depend on the volume of your data, the format you need, and your preferences for automation versus hands-on editing.
