ChatGPT guide

How to export your ChatGPT chat history

If you want to export your ChatGPT chat history — to back it up, search old conversations, or move it to another tool — there are several ways to do it. This guide covers all of them, from the official OpenAI export to browser extensions and automatic solutions.

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The official OpenAI export

  • Log in to ChatGPT → click your profile picture → Settings → Data Controls → Export data.
  • OpenAI emails you a download link. The ZIP contains a JSON file with all your conversations plus a readable HTML version.
  • Limitation: exports all conversations at once, not individual ones. JSON format isn't easy to search. Only available every few days.

Chrome extension exports

  • ChatGPT Exporter: adds an Export button to the ChatGPT interface. Supports Markdown, PDF, JSON. Most widely used.
  • ExportGPT: similar formats, more on paid plans.
  • Both require manual trigger per conversation — you have to remember to export before closing the tab.

One-click summaries with thredly

  • Manual exports give you a raw transcript you still have to read. thredly is a Chrome extension that adds a Summarize button inside ChatGPT, Claude, and DeepSeek. Click it on the threads worth keeping and thredly stores a structured summary to your account, ready to reuse. Summaries are private to you, expire automatically, and the thredly team cannot read their contents.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Can I export just one ChatGPT conversation without a third-party tool?

Not via the official export — that always exports everything. For single conversations, use a Chrome extension like ChatGPT Exporter, or use the Share → Copy feature.

Does exporting delete my chat history?

No — exporting is just a copy. Your conversations remain in ChatGPT's sidebar as normal.