Step by step
- 1
Start from the full export
Export the whole WhatsApp chat (iPhone: contact or group name, then Export Chat; Android: ⋮, More, Export chat) and keep the original unchanged.
- 2
Paginate the transcript
Create a chronological transcript with page stamps so every timeline entry can point to a page.
- 3
Choose a small set of labels
Use neutral categories such as agreement, payment, custody exchange, missed appointment, acknowledgment, dispute or threat.
- 4
Tag only what matters
Tag the messages that support a point you or your attorney need to make. Fewer, well-chosen entries read better than hundreds.
- 5
Write factual descriptions
Describe each entry in plain words, quoting where useful, and avoid conclusions like 'he lied'.
- 6
Link each entry to its page
Add the page stamp for each message so readers can check the surrounding context.
What a strong timeline looks like
Each row should answer when, who, what category, what was said, and where to find it.
- Date and time, exactly as shown in the export
- Sender
- Label, such as payment or missed appointment
- Short factual summary or quote
- Page reference, such as SMITH-000042
Common pitfalls
Timelines lose credibility when they editorialize, skip inconvenient context or adjust timestamps. Keep time zones as exported and note separately if either person was traveling. Include messages that show acknowledgment or agreement from both sides, not just the ones that help you; your attorney can decide what to emphasize.
Building it with ScanMyChat
ScanMyChat lets you tag messages as payment, threat, agreement, custody exchange, missed appointment, acknowledgment, dispute or a custom label. The package includes the case timeline with page references into the Bates-stamped transcript, plus a timeline CSV you can sort or share. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
A timeline organizes; it doesn't prove
A timeline is a reading aid. It does not authenticate the messages or establish who wrote them, and whether any of it is admissible is for the court to decide under local rules. It is not legal advice, so review it with your attorney before relying on it.
Frequently asked
How long should a timeline be?
Long enough to tell the story and short enough to read in a few minutes. Many useful timelines are one to three pages, with the full transcript behind them.
Can I include messages from multiple chats?
Each ScanMyChat case covers one export file, so you would create a timeline per chat. You can combine the timeline CSVs yourself if needed.
Can I edit tags after exporting?
Yes. Each case includes unlimited re-exports of the same file, so you can refine tags and regenerate.
Related guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Evidence rules vary by jurisdiction — consult an attorney about your matter.