imessage-query

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 |