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Flagship guidePublished Last reviewed 15 min read

How to combine messages from multiple apps into one place

Step-by-step exports for WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Gmail, Outlook, Android SMS, iPhone SMS, OurFamilyWizard, AppClose, coParenter, and any CSV. Most sections link to the platform’s own help page so you can verify each step at the source.

Written by Tom Malick, founder of CustodyComms.

If you are co-parenting, your record is probably scattered across text messages, WhatsApp, email, and a co-parenting app. When you need a specific exchange, or have to hand everything to your lawyer, you end up bouncing between screens and taking screenshots.

There is a cleaner way. Each platform below has a built-in “download my data” feature. Use those, keep the originals untouched, and organize from one place.

Most sections in this guide link to the platform’s own help page so you can verify the instructions at the source. The “With CustodyComms” line at the end of each section explains how the file you just downloaded fits into a single merged timeline you can search, filter, and document.

At a glance

What each platform actually exports

Skim the matrix, then jump to the platform you need.

Before you start

Four practices that make every step easier

  • Export at the source

    Use each platform's own download feature. Copy and paste, retyping, or screenshots throw away the metadata that makes the timeline trustworthy later.

  • Keep originals untouched

    Treat the file you download as the master copy. Do your work on a duplicate. If a question comes up, the original is still on disk, byte-for-byte.

  • Pull the full date range

    Choose All time when the platform offers it. If a date filter is required, pick the widest range that covers your matter so you do not have to repeat the export.

  • Know the format you are getting

    Co-parenting apps usually emit PDF reports. Phones and email emit text-based formats. Both are useful, but they get organized differently. The sections below tell you what to expect.

WhatsApp

Exports as TXT (plus optional media)

WhatsApp has a built-in export that runs per chat. The output is a plain-text transcript with timestamps, plus an optional bundle of attachments.

  1. Open the chat you want to export.
  2. Tap the three dots in the top right of the chat header.
  3. Choose More, then Export chat.
  4. Pick Without media or Include media.
  5. Save the file or share it to a destination you control.
Heads up
Message-count caps apply

WhatsApp exports are capped per chat. Reported limits sit around 40,000 messages without media and 10,000 with media, but the exact figure varies by device and app version. For long histories, expect to export in pieces and verify the date range at the top and bottom of each file.

Note
Don't see Export chat?

WhatsApp ships privacy controls that let either party disable exports for a chat. If the option is missing, the other side may have advanced privacy turned on.

With CustodyComms

We parse the .txt timestamps and senders into the timeline. Each message keeps the source label so you can filter to WhatsApp only, or merge it with iMessage, OFW, and email side by side.

WhatsApp official export guide (opens in a new tab)

Facebook Messenger

Exports as HTML or JSON via Accounts Center

Meta lets you download your information, including Messenger conversations, through Accounts Center. HTML is easier to read; JSON is easier to process.

  1. Sign in to Accounts Center on facebook.com or messenger.com.
  2. Open Your information and permissions.
  3. Choose Download your information.
  4. Create a new export and select Messages.
  5. Pick a date range and a format (HTML or JSON).
  6. Submit the request and wait for the download link to arrive by email.
Note
Encrypted chats handle differently

Messenger has been rolling out end-to-end encryption with options like Secure Storage. Older messages and newer encrypted ones may appear in different parts of your download, or not at all if Secure Storage is locked.

With CustodyComms

The desktop app reads the HTML version of the export, so choose HTML when you request it. The demo on this site reads both the HTML and the JSON versions.

Facebook official export guide (opens in a new tab)

Gmail

Exports as MBOX via Google Takeout

Google Takeout is the standard way to export Gmail in bulk. The output is an MBOX archive, a long-standing email format that any modern parser can read.

  1. Open Google Takeout while signed in to the account you want to export.
  2. Click Deselect all, then scroll down and check Mail.
  3. Use All Mail data included to pick specific labels, or leave it for everything.
  4. Choose Next step and pick a delivery method, file format, and size cap.
  5. Submit the export. Large mailboxes can take hours; you receive a download link when ready.
With CustodyComms

We read the MBOX as-is, parse threads by Message-ID, and keep attachments paired with their parent emails. Filtering by sender or label after import is a one-click operation.

How to download your Gmail data (opens in a new tab)

Outlook

Individual messages saved as .eml

CustodyComms does not open Outlook's mailbox files (.pst or .ost). It reads email saved as .eml files, one file per message, and Outlook on the web can save any message that way.

  1. Sign in to Outlook on the web: outlook.com, or your work or school Outlook in a browser.
  2. Open the message you want to keep.
  3. Choose More actions, then Download.
  4. If you are offered a choice of format, pick EML. Repeat for each message you need.
Heads up
Not .msg, .pst or .ost

CustodyComms reads .eml files and MBOX archives. It does not read .msg, .pst or .ost files, so a mailbox exported from the Outlook desktop app cannot be imported as it is.

With CustodyComms

We read each .eml file as it is, keep its original headers, and place the message on the same timeline as everything else you import.

Microsoft: save an Outlook message as a .eml file (opens in a new tab)

Android text messages

Exports as XML, CSV, PDF, or HTML (via a third-party app)

Android does not ship a universal built-in SMS export. The reliable path is a third-party tool that writes to XML or CSV, both of which are easy to parse and easy to verify.

  1. Install a reputable backup app such as SMS Backup and Restore or SMS Backup, Print and Restore.
  2. Grant the SMS and storage permissions the app requests.
  3. Choose Back up messages and pick XML for the most complete record, or CSV / PDF if you also want a human-readable copy.
  4. Save the file to a destination you control: local storage, Google Drive, or a USB transfer.
  5. Verify the file opens cleanly before you delete the working copy on the phone.
Note
Pricing changes

Most third-party SMS exporters use a free tier with paid unlocks for full features (PDF, scheduling, large archives). Confirm the current pricing on the Play Store listing before you commit.

With CustodyComms

We accept XML and CSV directly, including MMS and group threads. Each message keeps its sender, recipient, and timestamp, so a year-long thread reads as one continuous conversation.

SMS Backup and Restore on Google Play (opens in a new tab)

iPhone text messages

Exports as CSV, PDF, or TXT (via a desktop tool)

Apple does not ship an iMessage export feature. The path that works is a desktop tool that reads an iPhone backup and emits a portable file format.

iMazing (Mac and Windows)

iMazing can export iPhone Messages to PDF, CSV, and other formats. The free trial caps Messages export at 25 items, and iMazing has moved from device licenses to subscription pricing. Confirm the current plan that fits your matter size before you start.

Decipher TextMessage (Mac and Windows)

Decipher TextMessage is a one-time-purchase desktop tool currently listed at $29.99 USD. Pricing can change, so check the vendor site at the time of purchase.

With CustodyComms

We accept the CSV the desktop tool emits, parse it into the timeline, and reassemble attachments alongside the message they belong to. PDF works for review but loses the parseable structure, so prefer CSV when both are offered.

iMazing export guide (opens in a new tab)

OurFamilyWizard

Exports as PDF reports

OurFamilyWizard generates PDF reports of your messages on demand. Reports are unlimited and free within the platform.

  1. Sign in to OurFamilyWizard on the web.
  2. Open the Messages section.
  3. Set the date range you need.
  4. Choose Download or the report option offered for your account.
  5. Generate the PDF and save it locally.
Note
What OFW guarantees

Per OFW's own documentation, messages on the platform are timestamped and cannot be edited or deleted after sending. Reports are unlimited and always free within the account.

With CustodyComms

OFW PDFs use a consistent header structure that we parse line by line. Each message goes into the timeline keyed to its original timestamp, alongside iMessage, WhatsApp, and email if you have them.

OurFamilyWizard message report help (opens in a new tab)

AppClose

Exports as PDF or email

AppClose has two distinct export paths: parents export their own chats from the mobile app, and professionals (attorneys, mediators) request a chat export from a client through AppClose Pro.

Mobile app (exporting your own chats)

Use this when you are a co-parent on AppClose and you need a copy of a thread you participated in.

  1. Open the chat in the AppClose app.
  2. Tap the down arrow next to the member name to open chat options.
  3. Choose Export.
  4. Pick the date range you need and confirm the export.

AppClose Pro (for professionals)

If you are an attorney or mediator using AppClose Pro to access a client's chats, the export is gated by a client-approval workflow.

  1. Request access or an export from inside AppClose Pro.
  2. The client receives a prompt to approve or decline.
  3. On approval, the client can set an access window of up to 90 days.
  4. AppClose delivers the export by email link once the workflow completes.
With CustodyComms

AppClose PDFs are formatted records, so we treat them as a primary source: each message goes into the merged timeline with its original timestamp and the AppClose source label.

AppClose chat export support (opens in a new tab)

coParenter

Exports as one PDF transcript per subject thread

coParenter records messages with timestamps and prevents edits and deletions on the platform. Conversation history exports as a transcript.

  1. Open coParenter on your mobile device. Web download is not supported.
  2. Find the subject thread you want.
  3. Use the export option in the thread menu.
  4. Save the resulting PDF transcript.
  5. Repeat for every subject thread you need. coParenter writes one PDF per thread.
Heads up
One PDF per thread

If you have a long matter with many threads, plan for a stack of files. We can ingest them all together; it just takes a few minutes longer than a single archive.

With CustodyComms

We accept the per-thread PDFs, parse each one, and merge them into a single chronological timeline so you can read across threads instead of opening dozens of files.

Email coParenter support

TalkingParents

Exports as a Complete Message Record PDF

TalkingParents records every message and call with timestamps and prevents edits or deletions on the platform. The Complete Message Record export packages your account history as a single PDF, with each message tagged by sender and timestamp down to the second.

  1. Sign in to TalkingParents on the web.
  2. Open the Records section.
  3. Request a Complete Message Record. The platform queues the file and emails when it is ready.
  4. Download the PDF when you receive the notification.
  5. Keep the original PDF file unchanged before importing it.
Note
TalkingParents records carry their own integrity story

The PDF includes an authentication code on the cover page and a complete subject-by-subject history with read receipts and call logs. We import the file as-is and compute SHA-256 on the original so any later question about whether something changed has a documented answer.

With CustodyComms

We parse the Complete Message Record PDF, read each subject thread chronologically, and merge it into your unified timeline alongside your other sources. Sender names, timestamps (with seconds), read receipts, calls, and attachments all carry through.

TalkingParents Records help (opens in a new tab)

Any platform with a CSV

Exports as CSV (auto-mapped when we recognize your file, manual mapping otherwise)

If your app is not on this list but it can export to CSV, you are still in good shape. CSV is the universal interchange format for messaging data, and our column mapper handles the rest — automatically when we recognize the format, manually when we do not.

  1. In the source app, find Export, Download my data, or a similar option.
  2. Pick CSV when offered. If only PDF or HTML is available, take what you can get and keep the originals; we can usually parse those too.
  3. Open the CSV once and check that each row is one message. If a single message spans multiple rows, set Newlines preserve in cells before re-exporting.
  4. Save the file. CustodyComms will read the headers and a sample of rows: if it recognizes the layout (Signal, Discord, WhatsApp, iMessage, Android SMS, Universal Message Schema, or any layout with a clear timestamp + sender + body) it pre-fills the mapping for you to confirm; otherwise you map columns to sender, recipient, timestamp, and body yourself with drag-and-drop. You can always click "Map Manually" to override the auto-mapping.
With CustodyComms

The column mapper auto-detects six named platform formats at high confidence and falls back to a generic timestamp + sender + body detector at moderate confidence. When neither fires, you map columns manually with drag-and-drop chips. It handles unusual date formats, quoted bodies, and direction columns for two-person conversations. If you hit a format we cannot read, send a sample to support@custodycomms.com and we will add it.

Email support@custodycomms.com

Once you have your exports

Ten files in, one timeline out

After running the exports above, you end up with a stack of PDFs, TXT files, MBOX archives, and CSVs. The next problem is making them readable as one record instead of ten siloed files.

  • One chronological timeline across every source you imported.
  • One search box that covers the whole archive, not one app at a time.
  • A way to tag, flag, or annotate the moments that matter without editing originals.
  • Clean exports for review or attorney handoff while the originals stay untouched on disk.

That is what CustodyComms does. You bring the exports in once; the rest of the matter happens inside one searchable record.

FAQs

Common questions, answered briefly

  • What if I have years of messages?
    Export everything at once if the platform allows it. If it does not, run the export in chunks (year by year). The single most important rule: keep the original files untouched and work from copies. That way, if a step ever needs to be redone, the source is still on disk in the exact form the platform produced.
  • Is my data secure?
    CustodyComms processes your records locally on your computer. The defaults that matter most are the ones outside of any tool: full-disk encryption, a backup you control, and limited access to the device. Pair that with the practices in this guide (originals untouched, work from copies) and the rest is straightforward.
  • What if my app is not listed?
    If you can export to CSV, TXT, MBOX, HTML, or PDF, you are usually in good shape. CSV in particular travels well because our column mapper handles unusual layouts. If you are stuck on a format, email support@custodycomms.com with a sample and we will add it.
  • Should I export everything, or only the parts that matter?
    Export everything. Filtering is cheap inside the timeline; re-exporting is expensive. Keep the master archive complete, then build narrower views from it as your matter develops.

Sources and disclaimers

Sources checked . Each link to another website in this article was opened in a browser on that date. Export features and pricing change over time; check the platform’s own documentation for the most current instructions.

All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them. CustodyComms is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the platforms mentioned in this article.

CustodyComms is a software tool that organizes digital communications into formatted documents. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your matter.

Written by Tom Malick, founder of CustodyComms.

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