How to Export Slack Data and View It with ViewExport

Slack lets Workspace Admins export messages in a ZIP archive of JSON files. This guide shows how to export Slack data by plan type (Free, Pro, Business+, Enterprise Grid), and how to view it easily with ViewExport.com, a tool for browsing Slack JSON exports.

Note: Only Workspace Owners or Admins can export data. Regular members must ask an admin.

Step-by-Step: Exporting Your Slack Data

Slack’s export tool works differently depending on your plan:

Free & Pro: Export includes only public channels. Free plan excludes files older than 90 days and limits visible messages. (source)

Business+ & Enterprise Grid: With Compliance Export enabled and approved, Admins can include private channels and DMs. Otherwise, same limits as Pro. (source)

Exports come as ZIP files of JSONs (one per channel, plus metadata). These include links to shared files, not the files themselves.

How to Export

In Slack, click your workspace name > Tools & Settings > Workspace Settings (opens in browser).

Click Import/Export Data.

Choose a date range or export all history.

(If eligible) Choose All channels and conversations to include DMs/private messages.

Click Start Export.

Slack emails a link when done.

Visit the export page, click Download, and save the ZIP file.

Unzip it to see folders and JSON files. Private messages only appear if Compliance Export is enabled.

Note: DMs and private channel messages require Compliance Export access.

Using ViewExport.com to Read Slack Exports

Slack JSONs are hard to read manually. ViewExport.com turns them into a readable, searchable archive—no coding required.

How to Use ViewExport

Choose a plan and register for an account.

Upload your Slack export ZIP.

Configure remaining settings.

View conversations in a chat-style interface.

ViewExport shows messages by channel or DM thread, formatted like Slack. You can scroll, search, and browse easily.

Features

Full-text search across channels

Filter by user or date

Export or print threads as PDFs for records or legal needs

Tip: This saves hours compared to digging through JSONs manually. It’s ideal for audits, compliance, or migrations.

Who Should Use Slack Exports + ViewExport?

• Legal Teams & eDiscovery: For investigations or compliance, use Slack’s Compliance Export and ViewExport to search, filter, and export threads as PDFs. (source)
• Community Leaders Leaving Slack (e.g. to Circle.so): Export archives to preserve history as you migrate. Slack’s Free plan limits access to 90-day history. (source)
• Free Plan Users: Avoid data loss beyond 90 days. Regular exports + ViewExport keep everything accessible. (source)
• Companies Switching to Teams or Discord: Export your Slack data for safekeeping, migration, or reference. Use ViewExport to locate and document key info.

What's next?

Now you know how to export Slack data and how to read Slack exports with ViewExport.com. Whether for compliance, backups, or migration, this tool makes JSON exports readable and useful.

No more raw files. Just searchable, shareable conversations.

Start your account now. Happy archiving!