Compare the formats at a glance
| Format | Useful for | Open with |
|---|---|---|
| HTML | Reading a conversation with context | A web browser |
| TXT | Plain-text reading and search | A text editor |
| CSV | Portable rows for import and filtering | A spreadsheet or data tool |
| Excel | Spreadsheet review and organization | A compatible workbook application |
| JSON | Structured processing and integrations | A JSON-aware editor or script |
These formats organize an exported conversation differently. Available attachments can be separate files in the ZIP, so keep the media folder regardless of the main document format.
Use HTML when you want to read the chat
HTML presents a conversation as a page rather than rows of data. It is a practical choice for revisiting a discussion, checking the sequence of messages, or keeping a readable reference archive on your computer.
Extract the ZIP before opening the document. Keep attachments alongside it and test a few media references. If you later print the conversation to PDF, retain the original archive because a printout does not replace its underlying audio, video, or document files.
Use TXT for a simple, portable record
Plain text is easy to open in many editors and useful when you mainly want to search message wording. It can also be convenient for a lightweight reading copy when you do not need a chat-style layout.
Check the encoding if accented characters look wrong. Keep timestamps and sender labels with the messages so the text remains understandable. A text file may refer to attachments, but it does not turn those attachments into inline photos or playable audio.
Use CSV or Excel for structured review
A spreadsheet is useful for filtering by sender, inspecting dates, and reviewing messages alongside other records. CSV is a portable interchange format; Excel is convenient for a workbook-based workflow.
Inspect the imported columns before you start analyzing. Check dates, text encoding, and fields that your application might convert automatically. Save filtered or edited copies separately from the original export so you can go back to the source conversation.
Use JSON when another tool needs the data
JSON is a structured data format rather than a reading layout. Choose it when you plan to inspect exported fields programmatically or use the record in a tool that accepts JSON.
Look at the actual exported structure before writing an importer. Do not assume field names, timestamp conventions, or media paths without checking a real sample. Avoid uploading private conversation data to an external analysis service unless you intend that service to receive it.
Choose once, then verify the result
Open WhatsApp Web, select the conversation in ChatVault, choose the appropriate format, and wait for the archive download. Extract it and test the next task you planned: reading a message, filtering a sender, or opening the structured data.
If you need more than one format, keep clearly named archives and note when each was created. Conversations can change between exports, so two files created at different times are not necessarily identical records.
Frequently asked questions
Which format should I choose for reading later?
HTML is a practical first choice for a readable browser-based archive. TXT works well when a simple text document is enough.
Which format works best for spreadsheets?
Choose Excel for a workbook workflow or CSV for portable tabular imports. Inspect date and text interpretation before sorting or editing the data.