What you can download from LinkedIn

LinkedIn lets you save your own profile information in two ways: as a PDF file that looks like a resume, or as a complete data file that includes everything LinkedIn stores about you — messages, connections, search history, and more. The PDF is what most people want when they need to send their profile to a recruiter or keep a copy for their records. The full data file is useful if you're leaving LinkedIn or want to see exactly what the platform has collected.

Both downloads are free and take just a few clicks. The PDF version appears in your browser within seconds. The complete data file can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to prepare, depending on how much information your account contains, and LinkedIn will email you a download link when it's ready.

Key Takeaways

  • The PDF download creates a single file that looks like a formatted resume and is ready to email or print.
  • The complete data download includes everything LinkedIn has on you — messages, activity history, and connection details — in a folder you can open on your computer.
  • PDF downloads happen instantly in your browser, while full data downloads are emailed to you after LinkedIn processes the request.
  • Both options are found in your account settings under "Data privacy" or "Download your data".

How to download your profile as a PDF

Step 1: Sign into LinkedIn and go to your profile by clicking your photo in the top right corner, then select "View profile".

Step 2: Look for the "More" button (three dots) near the top right of your profile card, just below your banner photo. Click it.

Step 3: Select "Save to PDF" from the menu that appears. Your browser will download the file immediately — it will land in your Downloads folder with a name like "FirstName_LastName_Profile.pdf".

The PDF includes your headline, summary, experience, education, skills, and recommendations. It does not include your photo, connections list, or messages. If you need those details, use the full data download instead.

How to download your complete LinkedIn data

Step 1: Click your photo in the top right corner and select "Settings and privacy".

Step 2: Click "Data privacy" in the left menu.

Step 3: Look for the section labeled "Download your data" or "Get a copy of your data". Click the button to request your download.

Step 4: LinkedIn will ask you to confirm your password. Enter it and click "Request archive".

LinkedIn will now prepare your file. You'll see a message saying your request is being processed. Check your email — LinkedIn will send you a link when the file is ready, usually within a few hours but sometimes up to 24 hours for large accounts. The email will come from LinkedIn and include a download link that stays active for a limited time.

Step 5: When you receive the email, click the download link. You'll get a ZIP file (a compressed folder) containing your data in CSV and JSON formats — these are plain text files you can open in Excel, Google Sheets, or a text editor.

What's in each download and how to use it

The PDF download is formatted like a resume and works best when you need to send your profile to someone quickly. You can email it, print it, or save it to your computer as a backup. Most recruiters and hiring managers recognize it immediately. The downside is that it only shows your professional information — no messages, no full connection details, and no activity history.

The complete data download includes everything: your profile information, all your messages and conversations, your full connections list with their details, your search history, your activity log, and any endorsements or recommendations. This is the right choice if you want a complete record of your account or if you're planning to leave LinkedIn and want to keep your data. The files are in formats that spreadsheet programs can read, so you can search through them or organize them however you want.

If you just need to share your profile with one person, the PDF is faster and simpler. If you need a complete backup or want to see everything LinkedIn knows about you, request the full data download.

Troubleshooting common problems

The PDF button isn't showing: Make sure you're on your own profile, not someone else's. You can only download your own profile as a PDF. If you're on your profile and still don't see the "More" button, try refreshing the page or logging out and back in.

The data download email didn't arrive: Check your spam or junk folder — sometimes LinkedIn's emails get filtered. If it's not there, go back to Settings and Privacy > Data privacy and request the download again. LinkedIn will send a new link. If you requested the download more than a week ago, the link may have expired and you'll need to request it again.

The ZIP file won't open: Your computer should be able to open ZIP files without extra software — on Windows, right-click and select "Extract all", and on Mac, double-click it. If that doesn't work, you may need to download free software like 7-Zip (Windows) or The Unarchiver (Mac).

The files inside the ZIP are hard to read: Open them with Excel, Google Sheets, or a text editor like Notepad. CSV files (comma-separated values) open best in spreadsheet programs. If you open them in a text editor, you'll see the raw data with commas between fields, which is harder to read but still usable.

Keeping your downloaded profile up to date

Your LinkedIn profile changes over time as you add new jobs, skills, and recommendations. The PDF and data files you download are snapshots — they show what was on your account at the moment you downloaded them. If you update your profile later, those files won't change automatically.

If you need a current version, download it again. There's no limit to how many times you can download your profile as a PDF. For the complete data download, you can request a new copy whenever you want, though LinkedIn may ask you to wait a few days between requests on very large accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download someone else's LinkedIn profile?

No. You can only download your own profile as a PDF or request your own data file. You cannot download another person's profile, even if they're a connection. You can take a screenshot of their profile or print it from your browser, but LinkedIn doesn't offer an official download for other people's profiles.

Will downloading my profile delete it?

No. Downloading your profile creates a copy on your computer. Your profile stays on LinkedIn exactly as it was. The download is just a backup or a file you can share — it doesn't change anything on your account.

Is the data file safe to open?

Yes. The data file comes directly from LinkedIn and contains only your own information in standard formats like CSV and JSON. These are plain text files that any spreadsheet program or text editor can open safely. There's no risk in opening them.

How long does LinkedIn keep my data file available for download?

LinkedIn sends you a download link in an email, and that link usually stays active for about a week. After that, you'll need to request a new data download if you want another copy. The PDF download is available immediately and you can save it right away.

Can I use the PDF to update my resume?

The PDF is formatted like a resume, but it's not a traditional resume file. You can use it as a template — copy the text into a Word document or Google Doc and reformat it however you want. Many people take the PDF and edit it to match their preferred resume style or to add information LinkedIn doesn't display.