# Getting started
Welcome to the getting started page!
Here you'll learn how to use every **DiscordChatExporter** (DCE for short) feature.
For other things you can do with DCE, check out the [Guides ](Readme.md#guides ) section.
If you still have unanswered questions after reading this page or if you have encountered a problem, please visit our [FAQ & Troubleshooting ](Troubleshooting.md ) section.
The information presented on this page is valid for **all** platforms.
## GUI or CLI?
**DCE** has two different versions:
- **Graphical User Interface** (**GUI**) - it's the preferred version for newcomers as it is easy to use.
You can get it by [downloading ](https://github.com/Tyrrrz/DiscordChatExporter/releases/latest ) the `DiscordChatExporter.zip` file.
- **Command-line Interface** (**CLI**) - offers greater flexibility and more features for advanced users, such as export scheduling, ID lists, and more specific date ranges.
You can get it by [downloading ](https://github.com/Tyrrrz/DiscordChatExporter/releases/latest ) the `DiscordChatExporter.CLI.zip` file.
If you're not comfortable with **Windows'** Command-line (cmd), please choose the GUI.
[**macOS** ](MacOS.md ), [**Linux** ](Linux.md ) and [**Docker** ](Docker.md ) users can only use the CLI version.
There are dedicated guides for each version:
- [Using the GUI ](Using-the-GUI.md )
- [Using the CLI ](Using-the-CLI.md )
## File formats
### HTML
The HTML format replicates Discord's interface, making it the most user-friendly option.
It's the best format for attachment preview and sharing.
You can open `.html` files with a web browser, such as Google Chrome.
> **Warning**:
> If a picture is deleted, or if a user changes its avatar, the respective images will no longer be displayed.
> Export using the "Download referenced assets" (`--media`) option to avoid this.
### Plain Text
< img src = "https://i.imgur.com/PbUyRXD.png" height = "400" / >
The Plain Text format is the best option for archiving due to its small size.
You can open `.txt` files with a text editor, such as Notepad.
### JSON
< img src = "https://i.imgur.com/FAeSA4O.png" height = "400" / >
The JSON format contains more technical information and is easily parsable.
You can open `.json` files with a text editor, such as Notepad.
### CSV
The CSV format allows for easy parsing of the chat log. Depending on your needs, the JSON format might be better.
You can open `.csv` files with a text editor, such as Notepad, or a spreadsheet app, like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
