Quick Answer: How to Export Slack Messages

Non-admins: See alternative methods below.

Whether you need to export Slack conversations for compliance, legal holds, moving to another platform, or just want a permanent record, this guide explains how to export Slack data across all plans—Free, Pro, Business+, and Enterprise Grid.

We'll also cover the limitations of each Slack plan, non-admin workarounds, and how to actually read the exported data (spoiler: Slack exports in JSON, which isn't human-readable without tools).

Export Capabilities by Slack Plan

What you can export depends on your Slack plan:

Export Methods by Slack Plan

For Free, Pro, and Business+ Plans

These plans use Slack's Standard Export:

1. Go to slack.com/services/export (must be signed in as Owner/Admin)
2. Select Export Date Range
3. Choose export type:

1. Click Start Export
2. Slack emails you a download link (usually within minutes to hours)
3. Download the .zip file containing JSON files

Limitations:

• Only exports public channels
• No private channels or DMs
• No real-time export (requires manual request each time)

For Enterprise Grid Plans

Enterprise Grid has two export options:

Option 1: Standard Export (Same as Above)

Use slack.com/services/export to export public channels.

Option 2: Discovery API (Advanced)

For private channels and DMs, use the Discovery API:

1. Request access from Slack (requires legal justification, e.g., litigation, compliance investigation)
2. Set up API credentials
3. Use API calls to export specific channels, DMs, or workspace-wide data
4. Process JSON exports (same format as Standard Export)

When to use:

• Legal holds or eDiscovery
• Internal investigations
• Compliance audits requiring full message history

Note: Discovery API access is not automatic. Slack reviews requests and may deny access without proper justification.

Exporting for Subpoenas & Legal Requests

If you receive a subpoena or court order demanding Slack data, proper export and preservation is critical. You'll need to export private channels, DMs, and metadata that may not be included in standard exports - and you must do it immediately to avoid spoliation sanctions. Our Slack subpoena response guide covers the complete legal process, including objections, review workflows, and production formats that courts will accept.

Non-Admin Export Methods

If you're not an admin, your options are limited but not zero:

1. Copy-Paste (Manual)

• Best for: Small amounts of data
• How: Scroll through the channel, select messages, copy, paste into a document
• Limitations: Time-consuming, no metadata, no file attachments

2. Browser Extensions

• Best for: Quick exports of visible messages
• How: Install a browser extension, open Slack in browser, export visible content
• Limitations: Inconsistent quality; may break with Slack updates; security concerns

Export Formats: JSON vs TXT

JSON Format (Default)

Slack exports in JSON (JavaScript Object Notation):

• Structure: Organized by channel → date → messages
• Includes: Full metadata (timestamps, user IDs, reactions, edits, thread IDs)
• Readable: ❌ Not human-readable without tools

Example JSON snippet:

{
 "type": "message",
 "user": "U1234ABCD",
 "text": "Hey team, the Q4 report is ready.",
 "ts": "1672531200.000000"
}


When to use JSON:

• You need full metadata (legal/compliance use cases)
• You're importing into an eDiscovery or analytics tool
• You want to preserve message structure (threads, reactions)

TXT Format (Alternative)

Some third-party tools (like ViewExport) convert JSON to plain text or HTML:

• Structure: Formatted as readable conversations
• Includes: Timestamps, usernames, message content
• Readable: ✅ Yes

When to use TXT/HTML:

• You just want to read the messages
• You're sharing with non-technical stakeholders
• You don't need advanced metadata

How to Read Slack Export Files

Raw Slack exports are not human-readable. Here's how to view them:

Method 1: Use ViewExport (Easiest)

1. Go to ViewExport
2. Upload your Slack export .zip file
3. Search, filter, and export to PDF/HTML/TXT

Why ViewExport:

• Instant search across all messages
• Threaded conversations displayed correctly
• Export to readable formats (PDF, CSV, HTML)
• No coding required

Method 2: Text Editor (Manual)

1. Unzip the export
2. Open JSON files in a text editor (VS Code, Sublime, Notepad++)
3. Search for keywords using Ctrl+F

Limitations:

• Tedious for large exports
• Requires understanding of JSON syntax
• No visual threading or formatting

Troubleshooting Common Export Issues

1. "Export denied" (Not an admin)

Solution: Ask your Workspace Owner/Admin to grant you export permissions or request the export on your behalf.

2. JSON files won't open

Solution: JSON files aren't meant to be "opened" like documents. Use ViewExport or a JSON viewer.

3. Missing messages in export

Possible causes:

• Messages were deleted before export
• Retention policy auto-deleted old messages
• Private channels require Discovery API (Enterprise Grid)

4. Files not included in export

Solution: Slack exports contain links to files, not the files themselves. Download files separately before they're deleted.

5. Export taking too long

Why: Large workspaces with years of data can take hours.

Solution: Break exports into smaller date ranges.

6. Can't find the download link

Solution: Check your email spam folder. The link expires after 7 days, so download promptly.

Export Methods Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need admin access to export Slack?

For official exports: Yes, you need to be a Workspace Owner or Admin.

Can I export private channels on the Free plan?

No. Only Business+ and Enterprise Grid support private channel exports (with restrictions).

Are deleted messages included in exports?

Usually yes, if the export was created after the message was posted. But if a message was deleted before the export, it won't be included.

How do I read JSON exports?

Use ViewExport, a free JSON viewer, or a text editor. JSON isn't human-readable on its own.

Can I export just one channel?

No (not via Standard Export). Slack exports the entire workspace. Use the Discovery API (Enterprise Grid) for granular control.

How long does a Slack export take?

• Small workspace (< 10k messages): Minutes
• Medium workspace (10k–100k messages): 15–60 minutes
• Large workspace (>100k messages): Hours

Can I schedule automatic exports?

Not natively. Use third-party tools like ViewExport or build a custom solution with the Slack API.

Do exports include edit history?

Yes, if you use the Discovery API (Enterprise Grid). Standard exports show only the latest version of edited messages.

Are exports free?

Yes, Slack's native export is free. Third-party tools may charge.

What's the difference between Corporate and Compliance Export?

None (functionally). The names differ by region for regulatory reasons.

Best Practices for Exporting Slack Data

1. Export Regularly

Don't wait until you need the data. Export quarterly or before major events (layoffs, audits, litigation).

2. Store Exports Securely

Slack exports contain sensitive data. Encrypt and store them in secure locations (encrypted drives, secure cloud storage).

3. Document Your Export Process

If exporting for legal reasons, document:

• Who requested the export
• Date range exported
• Channels included
• Custodian of the data

4. Test Exports Before You Need Them

Run a test export to ensure you understand the process and can access the data when needed.

5. Know Your Legal Obligations

If subject to regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.), understand your data retention and export requirements. Work with legal counsel.

When to Use ViewExport

You should consider ViewExport if:

• You need to search Slack exports quickly
• You're handling eDiscovery or legal holds
• You need to convert JSON to readable formats (PDF, HTML)
• You want to share exports with non-technical stakeholders
• You're tired of manually scrolling through JSON files

ViewExport vs. Slack's native export:

• Slack export: Raw JSON, no search, technical users only
• ViewExport: Searchable, readable, exportable, accessible to anyone

👉 Try ViewExport free

Conclusion

Exporting Slack conversations is straightforward if you're an admin on Free/Pro/Business+ (public channels only) or Enterprise Grid (full access with Discovery API).

Key takeaways:

• Admins can export via slack.com/services/export
• Slack exports in JSON (not human-readable without tools)
• Use ViewExport to search and read exports easily
• Enterprise Grid gets full access via Discovery API (with approval)

Need help managing Slack exports? Contact us or start a free trial of ViewExport.