Query macOS iMessage database (chat.db) via SQLite. Decode NSAttributedString messages, handle tapbacks, search conversations. TRIGGERS - imessage, chat.db, messages database, text messages, iMessage history, NSAttributedString, attributedBody
Quickly install imessage-query AI skill to your development environment via command line
Source: terrylica/cc-skills.
Query the macOS iMessage SQLite database (/Library/Messages/chat.db) to retrieve conversation history, decode messages stored in binary format, and build sourced timelines with precise timestamps.
IMPORTANT: Many iMessage messages have a NULL or empty text column but contain valid, recoverable text in the attributedBody column. This is NOT because they are voice messages — iOS stores dictated messages, messages with rich formatting, and some regular messages in attributedBody as an NSAttributedString binary blob.
| 0 | > 100 bytes | Dictated/rich text — recoverable via decode script | | 1 | any | Attachment (image, file, voice memo) — text may be in attributedBody too | | 0 | < 50 bytes | Tapback reaction or system message — usually noise |
Stable fields and commands for AI/search citations.
npx skills add https://github.com/terrylica/cc-skills --skill imessage-queryQuery macOS iMessage database (chat.db) via SQLite. Decode NSAttributedString messages, handle tapbacks, search conversations. TRIGGERS - imessage, chat.db, messages database, text messages, iMessage history, NSAttributedString, attributedBody Source: terrylica/cc-skills.
Open your terminal or command line tool (Terminal, iTerm, Windows Terminal, etc.) Copy and run this command: npx skills add https://github.com/terrylica/cc-skills --skill imessage-query Once installed, the skill will be automatically configured in your AI coding environment and ready to use in Claude Code, Cursor, or OpenClaw
https://github.com/terrylica/cc-skills