Export Skype chat history to text file is one of the easiest ways to preserve your old Skype conversations in a readable format. Since Skype has been retired, many users want to save their personal and business chats before they become inaccessible. While Microsoft allows users to download Skype data as a JSON file, it does not provide a direct option to export conversations as a TXT document. 

You can manually convert the exported data or use a dedicated utility to export Skype chat to PDF or other readable formats like plain text without losing important details. Let's look at each method in detail.

Can You Export Skype Conversation to a Text File?

Yes, you can export Skype chat history to a text file, but it requires an extra step. The exported Skype conversations are typically downloaded in JSON format, which stores chat data in a structured way rather than as plain text. To make the conversations easier to read, print, or archive, you'll need to convert JSON file to TXT document after exporting it. This gives you a simple, searchable file that can be opened on almost any device.

Here are the key points to know:

• Skype conversations are exported as a JSON file, not TXT.
• A text file is easier to read, search, print, and share.
• The exported JSON file contains messages, timestamps, and other chat details.
• You need to convert the JSON file into TXT format after downloading it.
• TXT files can be opened using Notepad, TextEdit, or any standard text editor.
• Keeping a text copy of your chats is useful for personal records, business documentation, or future reference.

Why Export Skype Chat History to Text File?

A TXT file is supported on almost every operating system and device. It is lightweight, searchable, and easy to archive.

Common reasons include:

• Keep personal conversations as backups.
• Save business discussions for documentation.
• Print important conversations.
• Share chats with colleagues or legal teams.
• Open conversations without special software.
• Store conversations for future reference.

If your Skype chats contain years of communication, converting them into a readable document makes searching much easier.

Method 1: Export Skype Chat History to TXT File Manually

If you only need to save a few Skype conversations, you can use the official export option and then manually convert the downloaded file into a readable text document. This method is free, but it takes extra time because Skype exports conversations in JSON format instead of plain text.

Step 1: Request Your Skype Data

• Visit the Skype Export page.
• Sign in with your Skype or Microsoft account.
• Select Conversations or choose Conversations and Files if you also want attachments.
• Click Submit Request.

Step 2: Download the Exported Archive

• Wait until your export request is processed.
• Download the ZIP archive once it becomes available.
• Extract the ZIP file to access the exported data.

Step 3: Export JSON into Plain TXT

Since the exported file is not human-readable, you'll need to:

• Open the JSON file in a text editor or code editor.
• Copy only the message content.
• Remove JSON syntax, metadata, and formatting.
• Save the cleaned content as a .txt file.

Your Skype conversations are now stored in a plain text document that can be opened on almost any device.

Drawbacks of Using the Manual Method

• No direct option to export chats as TXT.
• Requires editing complex JSON data.
• Time-consuming for large chat histories.
• Difficult to maintain the original conversation order.
• Not suitable for batch conversion.
• Formatting and timestamps may require manual cleanup.

Method 2: Export Skype Conversation to Text- Expert Solution

If you have multiple Skype conversations or large JSON files, using a dedicated converter is a much more convenient option. Instead of manually editing JSON data, the software automatically converts the exported Skype files into readable text documents while preserving the chat structure.

The SysTools JSON Chat Converter Tool is designed to convert JSON files into multiple output formats, including TXT. It processes large files with ease, maintains the original message sequence, and eliminates the need for manual formatting.

Steps to Export Skype Chats to TXT

1. Install and launch the offline automated software.
2. Click Add Files or Add Folder to import the exported Skype JSON files.
3. Preview the loaded conversations before conversion.
4. Select TXT as the output format.
5. Choose the destination location for the converted files.
6. Click Convert to start the process.

Within a few moments, the software generates clean and readable text files that preserve your Skype conversations.

Benefits of Using the Automated Method

• Converts Skype JSON files directly into TXT.
• Supports batch conversion of multiple files.
• Preserves message order and timestamps.
• Handles large JSON files without performance issues.
• Preview feature before conversion.
• Maintains the source file without modifications.
• Simple interface suitable for both beginners and professionals.
• Saves considerable time compared to manual editing.

For users who need to archive years of Skype conversations or convert multiple exported files, the automated method offers a faster and more organized way to create readable text documents.

Tips to Preserve Skype Chat Data

To avoid losing valuable conversations, keep these tips in mind:

• Download your Skype data as soon as possible.
• Keep the original JSON backup.
• Store files in multiple locations.
• Verify converted TXT files after conversion.
• Organize conversations by date or project.
• Back up important attachments separately.

These simple practices help ensure your archived chats remain accessible over time.

Conclusion!

Export Skype chat history to text file is the best way to keep your conversations readable and accessible after downloading them from Microsoft's export service. Although the official method provides chats only in JSON format, converting them into TXT makes searching, sharing, printing, and archiving much easier.

 If you only have a few files, manual conversion may be enough. For larger chat archives or batch processing, the offline desktop-based Tool offers a faster way to convert Skype JSON files into clean text documents while preserving the original conversation structure.