ThreadProof vs Decipher TextMessage

These two tools solve different halves of the same problem. One packages what you can see on your phone; the other reads what is stored inside a computer backup of that phone.

This page describes both fairly. Decipher TextMessage is made by a different company and this comparison is based on its publicly documented behaviour rather than any relationship with them.

Steps

1. Decide whether deletion is at issue. If deleted messages matter, a backup-reading tool is the direction to look. Screenshots only capture what is on the device now.
2. Decide whether you have a computer. Backup-based software needs a computer and a full device backup. ThreadProof needs only the phone browser.
3. Decide what the output must look like. A screenshot shows the screen as the parties saw it. A backup report shows records rendered by software.
4. Consider privacy. ThreadProof processes images in your browser and uploads nothing. A desktop tool keeps data on your computer, which is also local, but requires making a full backup first.
5. Pick the packaging you need. If you need a cover page, numbering, redaction, and a hash appendix in one file, that is what ThreadProof produces by default.

What to include

• The conversation captured in continuous ranges.
• A cover page naming the source and method.
• Page numbers with a total.
• A redaction log.
• A hash appendix.

Common mistakes

• Buying extraction software for a twenty-message dispute.
• Relying on screenshots when deletion is the central issue.
• Presenting a raw database report with no cover page or numbering.
• Mixing outputs from two tools in one unlabelled file.
• Assuming either tool makes a document acceptable anywhere in particular.

What the PDF should contain

• Cover page naming the tool and method used.
• Chronological message pages.
• Page numbers with a total.
• Redaction log.
• Hash appendix.

Frequently asked questions

Is ThreadProof a replacement for Decipher TextMessage?

No. They do different jobs. ThreadProof packages screenshots into a numbered exhibit in your browser; Decipher reads an iPhone backup on a computer and can sometimes surface deleted messages.

Which one recovers deleted messages?

Backup-reading software can sometimes recover messages that are no longer on the device. Screenshots cannot, because they capture only what is currently displayed.

Do I need a computer for ThreadProof?

No. It runs in the phone browser and generates the PDF on the device.

Which produces a more presentable document?

ThreadProof outputs a paginated exhibit with a cover page, redaction log, and hash appendix. A backup report generally needs further formatting before it is handed to anyone.

Can I use both?

Yes. Keep them as separate labelled exhibits and state on each cover page which method produced it.

Summary

• Screenshots into a numbered PDF versus a desktop backup reader; different jobs.
• Use backup software when deleted messages or very large volumes matter.
• Use ThreadProof when you want a packaged exhibit today, on the phone, with nothing uploaded.

ThreadProof helps you format and organise documents. Nothing here is legal advice, and ThreadProof makes no representation about how any document will be treated by any court, agency, or other body. Rules differ by place and by matter. Questions: abe.mainlinesites@gmail.com.