What are the best ways to print text messages for court?
Last reviewed 1 November 2026
The best way depends on the thread. Screenshots do for a handful of messages. For a long thread, use an export tool that keeps dates and senders on every message.
We make VaultXT, so we've listed where it fits and where it doesn't. Rival details are as published on 31 October 2026.
The options
| Option | Good for | Catch (31 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshots | A few messages, photos, layout | Times show only if you reveal them first; hard to number |
| Built-in export | WhatsApp: a text file | Not a PDF. We know of no Messages export on iPhone |
| iMazing | iPhone and WhatsApp to PDF, Excel/CSV or text | Computer install; Messages trial capped at 25 items; price not checked |
| Decipher TextMessage | iPhone texts to PDF on Mac or Windows | Price not shown on the page we fetched |
| ThreadRecap | WhatsApp, especially voice messages | WhatsApp focus; price shown after a free overview |
| ChatToCourt | WhatsApp to a dated PDF | Priced per document; WhatsApp only (iMessage "coming soon") |
| VaultXT | A pack from WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, SMS or iMessage CSV | From US$7; no direct iPhone access |
Where VaultXT fits
You pick the messages and get dated, numbered pages, a timeline and the full chat. Your chat is read on your device. Check a pack confirms quotes match the chat.
Where it doesn't
- iMessage needs a CSV from iMazing first. If you only want a straight iPhone-to-PDF, iMazing or Decipher do that directly.
- Five messages and nobody disputing them? A screenshot is cheaper. See screenshot or export.
- Mostly voice notes? ThreadRecap is built around them.
- Android SMS: you still need the SMS Backup & Restore app first.
Which should I pick?
- Short, undisputed: screenshots.
- Long iPhone thread, one tool: iMazing or Decipher.
- WhatsApp to a dated PDF: ChatToCourt.
- Voice notes: ThreadRecap.
- Selected messages, a timeline and a bundle layout: VaultXT.
More: how to print text messages for court, iMessage to PDF.
Questions people ask
Do I need an app at all?
Not for a few messages. For a long thread, an export keeps the date and sender on every line.
Can any of these promise a court will accept the result?
No. Courts set their own rules, so ask yours.
General information only, not legal advice. VaultXT is not a law firm and can't promise any court will accept a document. Courts set their own rules, so ask yours.