> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.messagedesk.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Export a conversation

> Export a single MessageDesk conversation as CSV or PDF from the conversation toolbar. Messages, comments, timestamps, and media are included.

# Export a conversation

Export any individual conversation to **CSV** or **PDF** directly from the conversation toolbar. Use exports for audits, compliance reviews, customer records, or handing context to a stakeholder outside MessageDesk.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/messagedesk/-9iksRepNUJETM6k/images/export-conversation-thread.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=-9iksRepNUJETM6k&q=85&s=e42519d692d6d0bd8d5d846cdf9ea297" alt="Export Conversation Thread" width="1542" height="1344" data-path="images/export-conversation-thread.png" />
</Frame>

<Note>
  Need to export **across many conversations** by date, contact, label, and so on? Use [Data Center → Message History](/settings/workspace-settings/data-center#message-history) instead.
</Note>

***

## Start an export

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/messagedesk/-9iksRepNUJETM6k/images/print-conversation.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=-9iksRepNUJETM6k&q=85&s=06a3dd644166020c08ec90955df6783c" alt="Print Conversation" width="902" height="656" data-path="images/print-conversation.png" />
</Frame>

1. Open the conversation you want to export from the Inbox.
2. In the conversation toolbar, click the **More Options ⋯** menu.
3. Select **Print Conversation**.
4. Choose a format:
   * **CSV.** Best for data and reporting.
   * **PDF.** A shareable, human-readable record of the conversation.

The export runs **asynchronously** in the background. Keep working in MessageDesk while it's preparing.

***

## When your export is ready

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/messagedesk/-9iksRepNUJETM6k/images/export-available.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=-9iksRepNUJETM6k&q=85&s=71eadba8a9f0ed7961d695a8c8352875" alt="Export Available" width="672" height="506" data-path="images/export-available.png" />
</Frame>

When the export finishes, an **Export Available** button appears in the **top nav**. Click it to download your file.

You'll also get a notification on devices where you've enabled them:

* **Push notification** on the MessageDesk mobile app.
* **Browser notification** in the installed app or in Chrome.

Notifications only go to the **user who triggered the export**. They aren't sent to your whole team.

<Tip>
  Manage where you get these notifications in [Notification Preferences](/settings/my-settings/notification-preferences).
</Tip>

***

## Export formats

### CSV

CSV exports contain **message text and metadata**, built for analysis, reporting, and bulk archiving.

Included for each row:

* Message text.
* Direction (inbound / outbound).
* Timestamp.
* Sender / recipient (participant info).
* Channel / phone line.
* Internal **comments** alongside messages.
* Delivery status.

CSV exports **don't** embed media. Use PDF if you need media in the file.

### PDF

PDF exports produce a **shareable, human-readable** record of the full conversation:

* Messages and internal comments interleaved in order.
* Timestamps and participant info on every entry.
* **Renderable media** (images) embedded **inline**.
* **Non-renderable media** (videos and other unsupported file types) replaced with a direct **S3 link to the file** and the note **"Could not load preview"** so the attachment stays accessible from the PDF.

***

## What's included

| Item                               | CSV           | PDF                                |
| ---------------------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| Messages (text)                    | ✅             | ✅                                  |
| Internal comments                  | ✅             | ✅                                  |
| Timestamps                         | ✅             | ✅                                  |
| Participant info                   | ✅             | ✅                                  |
| Direction / channel                | ✅             | ✅                                  |
| Renderable media (images)          | ❌ (text only) | ✅ Embedded inline                  |
| Non-renderable media (video, etc.) | ❌ (text only) | S3 link + "Could not load preview" |

<Note>
  **Deleted messages are still exportable.** Deleting a message in MessageDesk **soft-deletes** it. The record stays on the backend. Exports include soft-deleted messages so the conversation record stays complete for audits and compliance.
</Note>

***

## FAQ

**Who can export a conversation?**\
Anyone with access to the conversation can export it from the **⋯ More Options** menu. Permissions follow your **Inbox Access** for the phone line the conversation lives on. See [Team Management → Permissions](/settings/workspace-settings/team-management#what-each-permission-level-grants-access-to) for the full breakdown.

**How long is the export file available?**\
The **Export Available** button stays in the top nav until you download the file or sign out. If you miss it, re-run the export from the conversation's **⋯** menu.

**Are scheduled messages included?**\
No. Exports include **messages that have actually been sent or received** plus internal comments. Pending scheduled messages haven't been sent yet, so they aren't part of the conversation record. Once a scheduled message sends, it appears in future exports.

**Can I export many conversations at once?**\
Not from the per-conversation toolbar. For workspace-wide filtered exports across date ranges, labels, contacts, or channels, use [Data Center → Message History](/settings/workspace-settings/data-center#message-history).

**Is the export delivered by email?**\
No. Exports stay in MessageDesk. Click the **Export Available** button in the top nav to download.

***

## See also

* [Data Center → Message History](/settings/workspace-settings/data-center#message-history). Workspace-wide search, filter, and export.
* [Notification Preferences](/settings/my-settings/notification-preferences). Manage push and browser notifications for the Export Available alert.
* [Comments, mentions & reactions](/inbox/comments-mentions). What's captured alongside messages in exports.