How to export or print a text conversation from iPhone

There may be reasons that you want to save, export, or print a text conversation from your iPhone. It could be for a court appearance, pending complaint, other legal matter, or backup for future reference. And even though you may back up Messages on iPhone, there could be a particular conversation you want to be sure to capture.

Here, we’ll show you various ways to export or save your conversation, which in turn can allow you to print it from your iPhone or computer.

Select All Texts in Messages on iPhone

Export or print a text conversation from iPhone

Save the conversation as an image

To capture an entire text conversation in one location, you can use an image. We have a helpful tutorial on how to screenshot an entire text thread using an app called Picsew and included a few similar tools as well.

With Picsew, you simply capture separate screenshots of each portion of the text conversation. Then, stitch them together so that you have the entire thread in one image. Save the image to your Photos, and you’re set.

PicSew Preview and Finished on iPhone

Send, share, or print the image

Once you do the above, you can easily share, send, or print the image for your intended purpose. Open the image in Photos and tap the Share button. Then send it to a specific app, share it with someone, save it to Files, or Print it.

Photo Share Print or Save to Files on iPhone

Copy and paste the conversation

If you don’t need to show the bubbles, emojis, and text conversation exactly as it displays on your device, use a simple copy/paste into an email, note, or another document. It may simply be the words that you want to hold onto as a reference.

You can copy a single part of the conversation or the portions you pick, here’s how.

Copy one message

Select a specific part of the message by tapping and holding the message bubble. When the menu appears, tap Copy. Then head to the destination app to paste the copied conversation text from your clipboard.

Messages Copy Single Text on iPhone

Copy several messages

1) Tap and hold one message bubble.

2) When the menu appears, select More.

3) Mark the circles with checkmarks for the portions you want to copy.

4) Choose the Forward arrow on the bottom right. This will place all selected messages into a new text.

5) If your intent is to share it with someone, address the text and send it on its way. Otherwise, double-tap inside the text, select it all and select either Copy to paste it somewhere specific or Share to paste it directly in Mail, message, Notes, or other connected apps.

Messages Select All and Copy or Share on iPhone

After you do one of the above, you can save or print the text conversation as you normally would, depending on the destination you pasted the text.

Export as a PDF or print

If you paste the text conversation into a Pages document on your iPhone, you can export it as a PDF or print it easily from the app. With the document open in Pages, tap the three dots at the top. Tap Export > PDF to send it or save it to Files or Print to select your printer and number of copies.

Pages Export PDF or Print on iPhone

If you paste the text into Notes, you can print it from there in a few taps. With the note open, tap the three dots at the top and select Send a Copy and then Print.

Notes Send a Copy to Print on iPhone

Check out our tutorial for printing from iPhone and iPad for additional options.

Export or print the conversation from iPhone with your computer

One more method to consider is using your computer and an app called iMazing. With iMazing, you simply connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC and then print the conversation from Messages or export it as a PDF, CSV, or text document.

Print messages from iMazing

While you can easily do these things with iMazing, the app is more than that. It’s a complete device management tool and handy for backups and transfers too.

Take a look at iMazing’s features, free trial, and purchase options on the iMazing website. And be sure to review our article for using it to export or print your text conversation should you decide to give it a try.

Print conversations on iPhone

While Apple does not currently offer a simple way to print a conversation from Messages on iPhone, you do have options. Create an image, save the conversation to a document, or use a third-party tool. Then email it to whoever requests it, print it for a court appearance, or save it to your computer for when you need it.

Do you have another method to save, export, or print a text conversation from your iPhone? If so, please share it below!

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