Easy Steps to Convert from Thunderbird to EML Messages

Mozilla Thunderbird is a free,open-source email client used globally by Windows,Mac OS X,and Linux users. The app gives permission to configure with multiple other email clients by using IMAP &POP3 servers. Thunderbird stores mails and messages in the MBOX file format by default. Users who wish to open Thunderbird data in EML file format can choose manual conversion or migration through a third app. EML is a versatile file extension supporting Apple Mail,WLM and multiple other email clients across MAC,Windows or Linux. It provides the user cross platform portability to access emails in different operating system.

Quick Tip:Before starting the conversion process,make sure to back up your Thunderbird email clients to avoid potential conflicts.

Manual Techniques

To begin,we will examine two primary manual approaches that the user can select,the method that best aligns with their data volume and technical comfort level.

Export Thunderbird to EML using the “Save As”or “Save Selected Message”feature.

Furthermore,the “Save as”technique remains the best built-in option. Because it requires no external plugins and is highly efficient for exporting a limited number of messages. This is the easiest manual method to export MBOX to EML. There is no other software required to save Thunderbird emails. This method is ideal for converting a small number of emails.

Thunderbird “Save As”feature

Select the targeted emails (press Ctrl+ A to select entire messages of the current folder) that you would like to export and click right on email messages that you want to export,choose the “Save As”option from the list.

Thunderbird Save As

Now choose the desired output location in the system to save the newly built EML file.

select output folder

Using the “Save Selected Message”Feature

Select the required mails that you want to export and right click on selected mails,choose the option “Save Selected Messages”and then choose the file format.

Save Selected Messages

Now select the desirable output location in the system.

select output location

Benefits of Using Save Selected Messages:

  • Convert multiple emails at once
  • Maintain email formatting and attachments
  • Preserve email metadata
  • No need for additional software

Export Thunderbird to EML Using Free ImportExportTools NG Add-on

Mozilla Thunderbird provides a free ImportExportTools NG that allows you to perform conversion. This method is useful when you need to convert a large number of emails or folders in bulk.

Firstly,install the free add-on in your system:

Open the Thunderbird app,move the cursor to the Tools menu,and from the drop-down menu select “Add-On.”

Thunderbird Tools Add-On

Choose “Install Add-on from file ”from the settings icon.

Install Add-on from file

From the download location,select “importexporttools_ng-current-tb.xpi ”and then the “Open ”tab.

select xpi file

Press the tab “Install Now.”

Install Now

Finally hit the “Restart Now”tab.

Restart Now

Pro Tip:After installing the add-on,the user might need to restart Thunderbird for using all features. If you don't see the ImportExportTools NG option,try restarting again.

Using Thunderbird ImportExportTools NG

Open your Thunderbird app,select the folder you wish to export,and then right click on the following folder,select ImportExportTools NG,next choose “Export all Messages in the folder”and then EML format.

Export all Messages EML

Now choose the desired folder to save the output.

save output folder

Note:You can use the Search and Export option in ImportExportTools NG to locate and transfer the required file.

System Requirements for Import Export Tools NG:

  • It is compatible with all versions of Mozilla Thunderbird,including v115 and the latest releases.
  • At least 100MB free disk space
  • Stable internet connection for add-on installation
  • Administrator privileges for installation

Final Words

However,the users handling large-scale migrations,the Softaken MBOX to EML Converteris the professional choice. It also provides users with a secure,error-free environment for data transfers.