Chronology builder
Last reviewed 1 November 2026
PD27A caps a chronology at 10 pages in an e-bundle (para 8.1). Drop your WhatsApp export below, pick a date range and senders, and see how many printed pages those messages take. It runs on your device and nothing is uploaded.
How to read the count
- Pages come from the same A4, 12-point, 1.5-spacing layout VaultXT uses to make packs, so the count is exact for that layout. Another program will differ.
- It counts the messages only. A pack adds a front sheet.
- A chronology is not the chat. Each entry is one sentence, pointing to a bundle page (para 7.10(f)). The count shows how much you need to pick or summarise.
- Para 5.2 says text and WhatsApp messages must not go in the bundle unless the court directs otherwise. Read the family court bundle guide first.
Limits it compares against
| Item | Limit | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Chronology | 10 pages, unless the court directs | Para 8.1 |
| PDF e-bundle | 350 A4 pages | Para 11.2 |
| Body text size | 12 point or larger | Para 11.2(k) |
England and Wales family proceedings, PD27A in force 2 March 2026. A 24 March 2026 amendment is not reviewed here. The full list is in the PD27A chronology and e-bundle checklist, or run the bundle checklist.
Steps
- Choose your export (.txt or .zip). Need the file? See how to export a WhatsApp chat.
- Set From and To dates.
- Untick any sender you don't want.
- Read the page count. It updates as you change things.
- Make a pack from the same file, then check it. Solicitor? See how packs work with clients. To see a finished pack first, open the sample pack.
Questions people ask
Is my chat uploaded?
No. The file is read in your browser tab and nothing is sent anywhere.
Does 10 pages mean I can print 10 pages of chat?
No. The cap is on the chronology, which is one sentence per entry. Messages are usually left out of the bundle unless the court directs.
General information only, not legal advice. VaultXT is not a law firm and cannot promise any court will accept a document.