Updated July 2025 – Discover exactly what you’ll get when you download your Facebook data and how to open and manage it.
Downloading your Facebook archive gives you access to a complete record of your time on the platform – from your photos and comments to messages and activity logs. But what’s actually inside that ZIP file?
In this article, we break down the contents of your Facebook data export, explain what each file means, and show you how to open and organize everything securely.
Why Should You Check Your Facebook Archive?
Understanding what Facebook stores about you is valuable for many reasons:
- You can review old photos, posts, or messages
- You might be planning to delete your account and want a copy first
- You’re curious about what data Facebook tracks
- You want to move your content to another platform
- You care about digital privacy and transparency
Whatever your reason – knowing what’s inside the archive helps you stay in control of your online presence.
What You’ll Receive: ZIP File Format
Once you request your archive at facebook.com/dyi, Facebook will generate a ZIP file. This file will likely be several hundred megabytes (or more) in size, depending on your account history.
💡 Tip:
Use WinZip to extract the file and pCloud to store it safely in the cloud.
Breakdown: Folders and File Types in Your Archive
Here’s what’s typically included in your Facebook archive:
posts_and_comments/
Contains:
- All your posts
- Photo & video captions
- Comments you’ve written
- Replies & thread history
Files: your_posts.html, comments.json
messages/ (Messenger)
Contains:
- Private conversations (group & individual)
- Images, stickers, voice notes
- Message timestamps
- Message requests
Files: inbox/, each thread in a subfolder
Format: .html, .json, media in original formats
friends_and_followers/
Contains:
- Your friend list
- Who follows you
- People you follow
- Sent/received friend requests
- Removed/unfriended accounts
Files: friends.html, followed_by.json
photos_and_videos/
Contains:
- Uploaded photos & videos
- Metadata (timestamps, device info)
- Album organization
- Media from posts and messages
Files: Original .jpg, .mp4, plus JSON for context
profile_information/
Contains:
- Your full profile details:
- Name, bio, birthday, contact info
- Education, work history, location
- Previous usernames & emails
File: profile_information.json / about_you.html
Other Data Sections
Depending on what you selected during export, you may also receive:
- Reactions & likes
- Group activity
- Pages you admin
- Event history
- Location logs
- Search history
- Advertisers who’ve uploaded your contact info
HTML vs. JSON: Which Format Should You Choose?
Facebook allows you to export your data in:
| Format | Best for |
|---|---|
| HTML | Easy to browse in your browser – great for personal use |
| JSON | Best for developers or those who want to analyze data technically |
If you’re unsure, choose HTML – it’s easier to view and understand.
Tools to Open & Manage Your Data
Your archive contains a lot of information – here’s how to handle it:
✅ WinZip
Unzip large files easily and browse folders in a clean interface.
✅ pCloud
Store your full Facebook archive online with 10 GB of free encrypted cloud space.
✅ EaseUS Todo Backup
Set automatic backups so you never lose your exported data.
Is Your Facebook Archive Secure?
Yes – as long as:
- You download it directly from facebook.com/dyi
- You don’t share the ZIP file
- You store it with encrypted backup tools (like pCloud or external hard drives)
⚠️ Never upload your archive to untrusted services or share it via unsecured email.
Final Thoughts
Your Facebook data archive is a detailed digital record of your life on the platform. Inside, you’ll find everything from photos and messages to search history and ad interactions.
Reviewing it helps you understand your digital footprint – and gives you control over what you keep, delete, or store safely for the future.
🔘 Download Your Facebook Archive Now →
🔐 Open it with WinZip and store it with pCloud