What is Past for iChat?
Last updated: 2026-07-18

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Past for iChat: Open old iChat chat log files on new macOS versions.


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Past for iChat is a little application to open and view old chat log files created by Apple's iChat application on macOS Big Sur and later.


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Past for iChat is a little application to open and view old chat log files created by Apple's iChat application on macOS Big Sur and later. iChat was the predecessor of the new and improved Messages.app in macOS 11, which doesn’t support opening iChat files anymore.

The application can export chat logs to Markdown, HTML, PDF, or a folder of images, and includes a Quick Look plugin for previewing chat logs in Finder, Spotlight or other applications. It is localized in English, German, Spanish, and French.


Feature Overview
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- Open old iChat .chat and .ichat files
- Show images and file attachments embedded in chats; drag attachments out to save, or preview them with Quick Look
- Works with iChat files created by different services, including AIM and Jabber
- Integrates into macOS Spotlight and Finder using Quick Look
- Export chat logs to Markdown, HTML, PDF, or a folder of images


Cost
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Past for iChat is available as a $14.99 one-time purchase.


Links
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Website: https://zeezide.de/en/products/past/


Contact
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Get in touch with any questions: info@zeezide.de