Export Telegram Chats to PDF

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Telegram

700M+ active users

Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging service known for its speed, security, and large file sharing capabilities. It offers both personal and group chats with advanced features.

Fully Supported

Available in Complete tier

Full support for Telegram exports via our Complete and Professional tiers. Upload your Telegram HTML or JSON export and we'll convert it to a beautifully formatted PDF.

Native Export Capabilities

Availability:

Export Available

Export Quality:

Excellent

Telegram Desktop offers robust export functionality through Settings > Advanced > Export Telegram data. Exports include messages and media in JSON or HTML format.

Supported Formats:

JSONHTMLMedia files

Key Differences from WhatsApp

  • Cloud-based storage (messages stored on Telegram servers)
  • Supports much larger file sizes (2GB vs WhatsApp's 16MB)
  • Secret chats with end-to-end encryption separate from regular chats
  • Channels for broadcasting to unlimited subscribers
  • Bots and automation capabilities
  • Edit messages after sending
  • No phone number required for contacts (username system)

How to Export Telegram Chats

Requirements:

  • Telegram Desktop application installed
  • Access to the chat you want to export
  • Sufficient storage space for media files
1

Open Telegram Desktop

Launch the Telegram Desktop application on your computer. The export feature is only available in the desktop version, not mobile apps.

2

Access Export Settings

Click the menu icon (three lines) → Settings → Advanced → Export Telegram data

3

Select Chat

Choose whether to export a personal chat, group, or channel. Select the specific conversation you want to export.

4

Configure Export Options

Select format (HTML or JSON), choose media types to include, set date range, and configure size limits.

5

Start Export

Click 'Export' and wait for the process to complete. Large chats may take several minutes.

6

Locate Exported Files

Find your export in the Downloads > Telegram Desktop > exports folder. Contains HTML/JSON files and a media subfolder.

Unique Features to Preserve

Unlimited cloud storage for messages
Voice chats and video conferences
Polls, quizzes, and countdown timers
File sharing up to 2GB per file
Animated stickers and custom emoji
Channels for one-to-many broadcasting
Powerful bot ecosystem
Self-destructing messages in secret chats

Limitations & Challenges

  • Export only available on desktop, not mobile
  • HTML export requires manual conversion to PDF
  • JSON format requires technical knowledge to parse
  • Secret chats cannot be exported (by design)
  • No built-in PDF export option
  • Large exports can be slow
  • Media files exported separately (not embedded)

Best Use Cases for Telegram

  • Business team communication requiring large file sharing
  • Public channels for announcements and broadcasting
  • Communities requiring advanced moderation tools
  • Privacy-focused communication (secret chats)
  • Cross-platform synchronization (cloud-based)
  • Bot integration and automation needs

Converting to PDF

Manual Process:

Telegram exports to HTML or JSON. You'll need to convert the HTML file to PDF using browser print function or specialized tools. Media must be manually included.

ChatToPDF Solution:

ChatToPDF can process Telegram exports and create professional PDF documents with proper formatting and embedded media.

Advantages:

  • Automatic media embedding
  • Professional chat bubble formatting
  • All messages in a single PDF
  • Searchable text
  • Properly formatted timestamps

Alternative Solutions

Browser Print to PDF

Pros:

Free, works with HTML exports

Cons:

Poor formatting, media not embedded, difficult to use

Third-party HTML to PDF

Pros:

Automated conversion

Cons:

Generic formatting, doesn't understand chat structure

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Telegram's built-in export feature is only available in the Desktop application. You must use Telegram Desktop to export your chats.

Related Platforms

Ready to Convert Your Telegram Chats?

Upload your Telegram export and get a professional PDF in minutes

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