How to export your Apple Journal entries

Export on iOS 26 or later

Apple's current iPhone guide puts export inside the Journal app and lists it under saving entries as PDF files. Day One's import guide describes the same menu making a folder of entries and media. Open what you get before relying on it.

1. Open the Journal app
2. Choose a journal, or tap All Entries
3. Tap the More button at the top of the screen
4. Tap Export, then choose Export
5. Choose a location in Files, then tap the checkmark

Export on iOS 18

On iOS 18 the export lives in the Settings app, not in Journal. Stay on the screen until it finishes, because Apple warns it may stop if you leave Settings.

1. Open Settings, scroll down and tap Apps
2. Tap Journal, then Export All Journal Entries
3. Enter your passcode if asked, then tap Export
4. When Files opens, choose a place and tap Save
5. Look for a ZIP file called AppleJournalEntries

What the export includes

For the iOS 18 export, Apple says photos, locations and other media you added to each entry are included, all in one ZIP file. You can move that file anywhere and open your entries without the Journal app. If you can't find one of the paths above, try the other, since Apple's help pages describe both.

Why an iPhone backup isn't enough

It's easy to miss. Apple says Journal entries aren't included in unencrypted iPhone backups, and they aren't backed up to iCloud. They are stored in iCloud while you're signed in, which helps when you move to a new iPhone. To keep a full copy, export them or make an encrypted backup on a Mac or PC.

• On a Mac, open Finder, select your iPhone and turn on Encrypt local backup
• On a PC, use the Apple Devices app the same way
• Write down the backup password. Apple says there is no way to restore without it

Save a single entry as a PDF

For one entry you want to print or send, Journal can make a PDF. Tap the More Options button below the entry, tap Print, then tap the Share button and choose Files, Notes or Messages. A PDF is good for reading, but other journal apps can't import it.

Open the export in Dawn Light

In Dawn Light, tap the gear on Today to open Settings, then under Your data tap "Import from Day One or Apple Journal". Choose the ZIP file Journal made, or the folder inside it. Entries keep their dates and photos, and importing the same file twice adds nothing the second time.