Turning a WhatsApp .zip Export Into Searchable, Court-Ready Evidence
WhatsApp's built-in 'Export chat' produces a flat .txt file that strips timestamps and is nearly unusable for legal proceedings. This guide explains how to convert that export into a threaded, timestamped, exportable timeline with proper metadata — entirely in your browser without uploading anything to a third-party server.
Key Topics Covered
WhatsApp .txt export format limitations
Parsing _chat.txt message threads
Reconstructing timestamps and sender attribution
Exporting as searchable CSV and PDF timeline
Court-readiness requirements for digital chat evidence