Browser extensions promise one-click ChatGPT exports, but they add a heavy permission footprint and run code in the background. The ChatGPT Exporter userscript keeps everything on the page, open-sourced, and easy to audit.
This page compares core criteria — privacy, formats, maintenance, and speed — so you can choose the workflow that fits.
| Dimension | ChatGPT Exporter (userscript) | Chrome extensions (ChatGPT Exporter, ExportGPT, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Install footprint | Userscript manager only. No background processes. | Extension install (service workers, background scripts, updates via Chrome Web Store). |
| Permissions | Runs in active tab. Review the source before enabling. | Often request broad permissions (clipboard, network, multiple domains). |
| Formats | Markdown, PDF, HTML, Gemini Markdown (open roadmap for more). | Varies: PDF/MD/TXT/JSON depending on the extension. |
| Output quality | Clean Markdown heading hierarchy, code fences, smart pagination for PDF. | Inconsistent Markdown formatting; some rely on screenshots. |
| Updates | Auto-notified via userscript manager; changelog on GitHub. | Depends on author; update lag while stores approve new versions. |
| Auditability | Single-file script on GitHub and GreasyFork. | Source sometimes obfuscated or unavailable. |
Audit the code before every run and keep it in version control. No hidden background activity.
Need Markdown for notes and PDF for sharing? Install both userscripts, switch with one click.
Use the console method when you or teammates can’t install extensions.
Install the open-source userscript, keep data local, and export Markdown or PDF instantly.
Install Markdown userscript Install PDF userscript