# How do I search X archive DMs as evidence?

> To find a specific DM, open the archive ZIP in TweetArchive and use the Messages search: it shows every matching message with its date, time (UTC on hover), sender, and message ID. Keep the original ZIP untouched, and export the conversation to CSV/JSON or the offline HTML copy. This is a readable copy, not a certified forensic report.

## Step by step

1. **Keep the original ZIP unchanged.** Store a copy of the archive exactly as you downloaded it. Work from a copy.
2. **Open the copy in TweetArchive.** Nothing is uploaded, so sensitive messages stay on your device.
3. **Search messages.** Search by words. Each result shows the conversation, sender, and timestamp.
4. **Open the conversation.** Click a result to jump to the message in context. Hover the time to see UTC and the message ID.
5. **Export.** Download CSV/JSON (message ID, conversation ID, sender ID, UTC time, text) or an offline HTML copy.

Open the tool: https://tweetarchive.fyi/#app (runs in your browser; the ZIP is not uploaded; free preview, $19 one-time for everything).

## Honest limitations

- TweetArchive is not a forensic tool, and exports are not certified evidence. Ask a lawyer how evidence should be collected in your case.
- Usernames of other people may be missing from the archive; their numeric IDs are shown instead.
- TweetArchive is not affiliated with X Corp.

## FAQ

### Will a screenshot or export hold up in court?

We cannot say. TweetArchive is not a forensic service and does not certify anything. Talk to a lawyer about how to preserve evidence.

### Does TweetArchive change my archive?

No. It only reads the ZIP. Exports are new files.

### Can I see the exact time of a message?

Yes. Times show in your local time; hover to see the UTC timestamp and message ID from the archive.

### Should I upload DMs to an online viewer?

Be careful with any site that uploads your DMs. TweetArchive does not upload them; everything runs in your browser.

## Related

- [How to download your official X archive](https://tweetarchive.fyi/download-x-archive.md)
- [Privacy](https://tweetarchive.fyi/privacy/)

## Sources

- [The Verge: How to download an archive of your Twitter data (updated Nov 14, 2022)](https://www.theverge.com/23453703/twitter-archive-download-how-to-tweets)
- [Ars Technica: How to download a backup copy of your Twitter data (Oct 28, 2022)](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/10/how-to-download-a-backup-copy-of-your-twitter-data-or-deactivate-your-account/)
- [twitter-archive-parser by Tim Hutton (GitHub)](https://github.com/timhutton/twitter-archive-parser)
- [alkihis/twitter-archive-reader: file structures](https://github.com/alkihis/twitter-archive-reader)

TweetArchive is an independent tool made by Cedano Labs LLC. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by X Corp. “X” and “Twitter” are trademarks of X Corp., used here only to describe the archive format the tool reads. TweetArchive is not a forensic lab or a legal service, and its exports are not certified evidence.