Getting started

Welcome to the getting started page! Here you'll learn how to use every DiscordChatExporter (DCE for short) feature. For other things you can do with DCE, check out the Guides section.

If you still have unanswered questions after reading this page or if you have encountered a problem, please visit our FAQ & Troubleshooting section.

The information presented on this page is valid for all platforms.

GUI or CLI?

DCE has two different versions:

Graphical User Interface (GUI) - it's the preferred version for newcomers as it is easy to use. You can get it by downloading the DiscordChatExporter.*.zip file.
Command-line Interface (CLI) - offers greater flexibility and more features for advanced users, such as export scheduling, ID lists, and more specific date ranges. You can get it by downloading the DiscordChatExporter.Cli.*.zip file.

There are dedicated guides for each version:

File formats

HTML

The HTML format replicates Discord's interface, making it the most user-friendly option. It's the best format for attachment preview and sharing. You can open .html files with a web browser, such as Google Chrome.

[!WARNING] If a picture is deleted, or if a user changes its avatar, the respective images will no longer be displayed. Export using the "Download assets" (--media) option to avoid this.

Plain Text

The Plain Text format formats messages as plain text, and has the smallest size. You can open .txt files with a text editor, such as Notepad.

JSON

The JSON format contains more technical information and is easily parsable. You can open .json files with a text editor, such as Notepad.

CSV

The CSV format allows for easy parsing of the chat log. Depending on your needs, the JSON format might be better. You can open .csv files with a text editor, such as Notepad, or a spreadsheet app, like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.