ThreadPDF Getting Started Guide
Save Gmail emails and threads to PDF in about 60 seconds. Here's exactly where to find everything and how it works.
The most important thing to know
ThreadPDF does not add an icon to your Gmail toolbar. Instead, a blue “Download Selected” button appears in the bottom-right corner of the screen the moment you select one or more emails. If you don't see it yet, you probably just haven't selected any emails — tick a checkbox and it'll appear.
Reconnect an existing installation
Keep the same ThreadPDF extension and your current subscription. Relay now handles sign-in and Gmail permission. You may need to reconnect once, but you do not need a paid Relay plan or another ThreadPDF purchase.
- Keep ThreadPDF updated and enabled in Chrome. Review and accept its Relay site-access permission if Chrome requests it.
- Open Relay sign-in in the same Chrome profile as Gmail. Use the matching Google account and complete the authenticator check if prompted.
- Close old ThreadPDF sign-in windows, reload Gmail, select one conversation, and click Download Selected to start a fresh export.
- If Google asks for Gmail access, choose that same account and approve the connection. Try one small PDF before a larger export.
Signing into Relay and granting Gmail access are separate steps. If an old attempt ends on the dashboard, return to Gmail and start a new export. If you are still stuck, contact support with the exact error and whether it appears in Gmail or Relay.
Set up in 60 seconds
Six quick steps from install to your first export
Install the extension
Add ThreadPDF from the Chrome Web Store. If you already have it, keep the same extension. Chrome normally updates it automatically; accept the Relay site-access permission if Chrome asks before re-enabling it.
Open Gmail and reload the tab
If Gmail was already open when you installed, refresh the page (⌘/Ctrl + R) once so the extension loads into your inbox.
Select the emails you want
In your inbox, tick the checkbox on the left of one or more emails or threads — the same checkboxes you'd use to archive several at once.
Sign in and connect Gmail
Click the blue Download Selected button. Sign into Relay with the same Google account you use in Gmail, complete the authenticator check if prompted, and approve Gmail access if requested. Return to the export window to continue.
Choose your format and options
Pick PDF, HTML, or plain text. Toggle attachments on or off, and choose whether threads combine into one file or export separately.
Download instantly
Your export downloads straight to your computer as a single file or a ZIP bundle with attachments included. Nothing is uploaded to a server.
Export options
Once the export dialog opens, you can tailor exactly what you get
PDF, HTML, or plain text
PDF is the default and best for archiving or sharing. HTML preserves the original formatting for the web, and plain text is the lightest option for search and storage.
Combine or separate threads
Merge every selected thread into one continuous PDF, or export each thread as its own file — handy when you need one document per matter or client.
Include attachments
Bundle the original attachments alongside your export in a ZIP, so you keep a complete record of every conversation and its files.
Everything stays on your device
ThreadPDF processes your emails and attachments entirely inside your browser. Nothing is uploaded to Switch Labs or any third-party server, so sensitive data never leaves your machine — ideal for legal, healthcare, finance, and compliance-heavy work.
Troubleshooting
The quick fixes for the questions we hear most
Still stuck?
We're happy to help you get up and running. Reach out and we'll walk you through it.