February 9, 2026 • ~7 min read

How to Print iMessage Conversations (Step-by-Step)

Three practical ways to print iMessages — from quick screenshots to clean PDF exports for long threads.

Tutorial iMessage Print PDF
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If you're searching for how to print iMessage conversations, you probably need a readable copy of a text thread for a specific reason — court, personal records, or preserving an important conversation.

The catch: iMessage doesn't include a "Print Conversation" button. But you can still get a clean printed copy using one of the methods below.

Quick recommendation

If it's a short thread, screenshots are fine. If it's a long conversation (hundreds or thousands of messages), exporting a properly formatted PDF is usually the simplest way to print without spending hours stitching images together.

Can you print iMessages directly from your iPhone?

Not directly. iMessage on iPhone doesn't offer a native print option. To print, you'll either use screenshots, copy/paste from a Mac, or export to a PDF and print that.

Method 1: Print iMessages using screenshots

This is the quickest manual approach — best for short conversations or a small set of messages.

Step-by-step

  1. Open the conversation in Messages on your iPhone.
  2. Take screenshots of the messages you need.
  3. Transfer the screenshots to your computer (AirDrop, iCloud Photos, or email).
  4. Insert screenshots into a document (Pages, Word, or Google Docs) in the correct order.
  5. Export or print the document.

When screenshots work well

  • You only need a few messages
  • You don't care about a perfectly continuous layout

Downsides

  • Time-consuming for long threads
  • Easy to miss context between screenshots
  • Hard to produce a "clean" document

Method 2: Copy and paste iMessages into a document (Mac)

If you use iMessage on a Mac, you can copy some messages into a document and print from there. This can be fine for small chunks, but formatting often needs cleanup.

Step-by-step

  1. Open the Messages app on your Mac.
  2. Select the conversation.
  3. Highlight the portion you need and copy it.
  4. Paste into Pages or Word.
  5. Fix spacing/timestamps as needed, then export as PDF or print.

Heads up

Copy/paste often loses the "message bubble" look and can make timestamps harder to read. For long threads, you'll usually spend more time cleaning formatting than you expect.

Method 3: Export and print a properly formatted PDF (recommended for long threads)

If you want a clean, continuous document that's easy to print — especially for long conversations — the most reliable route is to export the conversation as a formatted PDF, then print that.

Step-by-step (PDF export → print)

  1. Install ChatKeepsake on your computer.
  2. Load your conversations and select the thread you want.
  3. Choose an optional date range (helpful if the conversation is very long).
  4. Export to PDF.
  5. Open the PDF and print it (or save it for your records).
Want the simplest "print-ready" result?

Exporting to a PDF gives you a clean document that prints well—without stitching screenshots together.

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(Tip: If you're making a physical book, ChatKeepsake includes a binding margin option for printing.)

For a broader comparison of export approaches, see: How to Export iPhone Messages to PDF (Complete Guide) .

How to print iMessages for court

If you're printing messages for legal reasons, the goal is clarity: a chronological thread that's easy to read, with timestamps that don't look stitched together or incomplete.

For legal use, prioritize:

  • Readable timestamps
  • Complete context (avoid missing sections)
  • Clear ordering
  • A format that prints cleanly on standard paper

If messages will be submitted as evidence, check requirements with your attorney or local court.

If you need a deeper walkthrough specifically for legal documentation, read: How to Archive iMessages for Legal Purposes .

Quick FAQ

Can I print iMessage conversations directly from my iPhone?

There isn't a built-in "Print Conversation" option in iMessage on iPhone. For short threads, screenshots work. For long conversations, exporting a formatted PDF from a computer is usually cleaner.

What's the cleanest way to print a long iMessage thread?

Exporting the conversation as a properly formatted PDF is typically the cleanest option. It avoids stitching screenshots and keeps the conversation readable across many pages.

Do printed iMessages include timestamps?

Screenshots include timestamps where they appear in the thread. For consistent timestamps throughout a long conversation, a formatted PDF export is usually the most reliable.

Can I print iMessages for court?

Often, yes. Make sure your printed copy is clear, chronological, and includes readable timestamps. If messages are being used as evidence, consult your attorney for requirements in your jurisdiction.

Troubleshooting?

If you're stuck on things like Full Disk Access, missing attachments, encrypted iPhone backups, or message loading issues, your Support page covers those in detail: ChatKeepsake Support & FAQ.

New to loading messages? Start here: Loading Databases Guide .