Easy Steps to Convert from Thunderbird to EML Messages

Mozilla Thunderbird is a free open source globally used by Windows,Mac OSX 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 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 OS.

Quick Tip:Before starting the conversion process,make sure to backup your Thunderbird emails and close any running instances of other email clients to avoid potential conflicts.

Manual Methods

There are two methods to proceed for the task. Choose the one that best suits your needs based on the number of emails you need to convert.

Export Thunderbird to EML using "Save As" or "Save Selected Message" feature

This is the easiest manual method to export MBOX to EML. There is no other software required to save Thunderbird emails to EML. 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 'Save As" option from the list.

open thunderbird

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

select eml folder

Note:When saving multiple emails,Thunderbird will create separate EML files for each message. Make sure to create a dedicated folder to keep your exported files organized.

Using "Save Selected Message" Feature

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

select messages

Now select the desirable output location in system.

select eml folder

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 Add-on

Mozilla Thunderbird provides a free ImportExporttools that allows you to perform conversion. This method is particularly useful when you need to convert a large number of emails or entire folders.

Firstly install the free add-on in your system:

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

open thunderbird

Choose "Install Add-on from file" from the setting icon

add on

From the download location,select "importexporttools-3.2.4.1-sm+tb.xpi" and then "Open" tab

choose folder

Press the tab "Install Now"

addons

Finally hit "Restart Now"tab

restart addon

Pro Tip:After installing the add-on,you might need to restart Thunderbird twice for all features to work properly. If you don't see the ImportExportTools option after the first restart,try restarting again.

Using Thunderbird ImportExporttools

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

import

Now choose the desired folder to save the output

select eml folder

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

System Requirements for ImportExportTools:
  • Thunderbird version 60.0 or later
  • At least 100MB free disk space
  • Stable internet connection for add-on installation
  • Administrator privileges for installation

Final Words

If you want bulk migration assistance,you can use MBOX to EML Converter. The third app is capable in exporting multiple MBOX files to EML at once. It saves your time and provides you with accurate conversion results.

Need Help?If you encounter any issues during the conversion process or have questions about specific features,our technical support team is available to assist you. Don't hesitate to reach out!