← Back to all guidesClaude stores every conversation you have had, but the export is easy to miss — it is tucked inside Privacy settings rather than a dedicated data page. The archive arrives quickly but the download link expires fast. This guide covers exactly what is included, what is not, and how to make sense of the JSON once you have it.
What Claude stores
- Full text of every conversation — your messages and Claude responses
- Timestamps for each message
- Account and profile information
- Usage metadata
- Note: Projects data and memory are NOT included in the standard export
What is not in the export
Two important things are missing from the standard Claude export: Projects and memory.
Export your memory separately — it is not included in the standard export. Projects also need to be managed manually inside the app.
How to request the export
- Open claude.ai and sign in.
- Click your initials or profile icon in the bottom-left corner.
- Select Settings.
- Navigate to the Privacy section.
- Click Export Data.
- Confirm when prompted.
- Wait for the email from Anthropic — usually arrives within minutes.
- Download the archive immediately — the link expires after 24 hours.
What is inside the archive
- conversations.json — your full conversation history
- Account metadata and profile info
- Usage logs
How to read the export
- Open the JSON file in a browser tab for a collapsible tree view
- Use jsonviewer.stack.hu or jsoncrack.com for a cleaner interface
- Write a simple Python script to extract and print conversations as plain text
- The structure is similar to ChatGPT exports — if you have a ChatGPT converter script it will likely work with minor adjustments
What to do about Projects
Projects are not included in the export. If you use Projects heavily, the practical approach is to copy key project instructions and context into a local document before closing or leaving the platform.
This is worth doing even if you are not switching — Projects can accumulate important context that is worth preserving.
Team and Enterprise accounts
- Individual users export their own data via the Privacy settings described above
- Team and Enterprise workspace data requires the workspace owner or admin to request an org-wide export via Organisation Settings
- Individual conversation exports still work per-user even on paid plans
Where to store it
- Save in a folder named claude-2026-04 alongside other AI tool exports
- If any conversations contain sensitive content, use ProtonDrive (go.getproton.me/SH2aK) for encrypted off-site storage
- Keep a second copy in pCloud (partner.pcloud.com/r/155235) or on an external drive if treating as a long-term archive
Quick version
If you want the short checklist instead of the full guide, use the service page.
FAQ
How long does it take to get the Claude export?
Usually within minutes. The download link expires after 24 hours so download it immediately.
Does the export include Projects?
No. Projects data is not included in the standard export. Manage and copy Projects content manually inside the app.
Does the export include memory?
No. Memory entries are not in the export. Review and manage memory inside Settings > Memory.
Can I read the JSON without technical tools?
Open it in a browser tab for a basic readable tree view, or use a free tool like jsonviewer.stack.hu.
Does exporting delete my Claude conversations?
No. Exporting creates a copy and does not remove anything from your account.
What if I am on a Team plan?
Individual exports work the same way. Org-wide exports require the workspace admin to request separately from Organisation Settings.