Learn Simpe Steps to Convert MBOX to EML

MBOX file stands for Mailbox, which is a widely used file format for storing collections of mail messages in a single, continuous, plain-text file. The file is human-readable, containing headers, body text, and MIME-encoded attachments. It is used frequently for migrating or backing up emails between different platforms.

Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Entourage, Eudora, etc., are different email clients that utilize MBOX format files for storing and organizing their mailbox data. On the other hand, EML is a convenient file format used for archiving and backing up data.

There are many instances where you need to convert your MBOX file data into EML file format. It ensures data is accessible in different email platforms, such as Windows Live Mail, Microsoft Outlook Express, etc., easily.

Explore this user-friendly guide and know the accurate way of converting MBOX files into EML format. But before that, let’s know about the EML file and primary reasons to convert MBOX to EML.

What is an EML file?

An EML file is a standard, plain-text file format used to store individual email messages, including the subject, sender, recipients, date, and body content. Developed for compliance with RFC-822 standards, these files often include attachments. Commonly used for archiving emails, exporting messages from webmail, or storing individual, important emails outside of an inbox. EML is a more secure and advanced file format for storing single emails.

Now, let’s discuss why MBOX to EML conversion is important.

Why convert MBOX to EML?

EML files provide various additional benefits that encourage users to convert their MBOX files into EML. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Better management and sharing: EML file stores emails individually which makes it easy to share, whereas MBOX stores emails in a single file making it difficult for users to share them.
• Wide compatibility: Various email clients like Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Windows Live Mail support EML files, thus making it more compatible in comparison with MBOX files as it is majorly supported by Mozilla Thunderbird and Apple Mail only.
• Secure file format: EML files are less risky as compared to MBOX files and occupies less space due to its selective extraction of emails.
• Switching platform: When users switch from Thunderbird, Apple Mail, etc. to another email client, then they need to convert MBOX to EML.
• Creating backup: Sorting and saving MBOX file data individually in EML format allows you to create a secure backup copy.

Manual Methods to convert MBOX to EML

To convert MBOX to EML manually, you can use Thunderbird for it. Thunderbird provides multiple options to easily convert MBOX files. Follow the below listed methods:

Method 1. Use the Save As option

Thunderbird offers a Save As option to export emails one-by-one in EML file format. Here’s how to save your necessary emails in an EML file format:

Step 1: Open Thunderbird and navigate to the folder containing the messages.

Step 2: Select the email(s) you want to export, right-click on them, and click on Save As.

Step 3: Select a destination folder on your computer and click Save.

Step 4: The emails will be saved in .eml format.

Method 2. Use the Drag and Drop option

Additionally, you can easily use drag-and-drop feature to export your Thunderbird emails (MBOX) in EML file format. Let’s start dragging and dropping your emails:

Step 1: Open Thunderbird, select your email.

Step 2: Drag-and-Drop to your local drive or any specific folder.

Step 3: Your email will be saved in EML file format.

Method 3. Use the ImportExportTool add-on

Thunderbird offers an extensive ImportExportNG add-on that converts MBOX files to EML smoothly. Install the add-on and set up your account to get all your mailbox data into an EML file format on your local computer.

Limitations of manual methods

• You cannot convert multiple folders or large MBOX files at once, making it inefficient for large-scale migration.
• The manual methods require repeating steps (selection, drag-and-drop, saving) for every email.
• High risk of losing email formatting, metadata (CC, BCC, Subject), and attachments during transfer.
• Requires familiarity with Thunderbird and relevant add-ons, which can be complex for non-technical users.

Due to all these limitations, professionals don’t recommend using manual solutions for bulk MBOX to EML conversion.

Professional method to convert MBOX to EML

The manual methods to convert MBOX files to EML require technical knowledge and have some drawbacks as well. For this, we recommend using a dedicated MBOX to EML converter. Kernel for MBOX to PST Converter tool easily converts MBOX files to EML format. Also, it allows users to apply filters based on their needs to remove unnecessary data from the mailbox. Furthermore, it offers several advanced features, including:

• The software allows you to convert MBOX to PST, EML, MSG, PDF, TXT, DBX, HTML, MHTML, etc.
• It supports over 20 email clients, including Apple Mail, Mozilla Thunderbird, PocoMail, PowerMail, Entourage, etc.
• This tool provides a live preview option to view all your converted MBOX files.
• It maintains the original structure and hierarchy of the converted file.
• The tool allows you to add and convert single or multiple MBOX files simultaneously.
• Utilize MBOX to EML converter free version and know the functioning of the software by converting 25 items per folder.

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert MBOX files to EML

Perform the below-mentioned steps to convert your MBOX files to EML using the tool.

Step 1. Download and install Kernel for MBOX to PST Converter.

Step 2. Launch the tool on your system and click Browse option to select MBOX files.

Step 3. Browse for the folder and click OK.

Step 4.Moving ahead, click on the Finish button to proceed.

Note: You have the flexibility to choose either a single MBOX file or multiple files simultaneously, depending on your requirements.

Step 5. Once the scanning is done, all the mailbox items will get listed in the left pane. Click on any email to view its content, then click the Save button.

Step 6. Select EML file as the output format and click Next.

Step 7. Apply filters according to your requirements and click Next to proceed.

Step 8.Provide a location by clicking Browse to save MBOX file into EML; and finally click Finish.

Step 9. After finishing the conversion process, you are ready to utilize the newly converted EML file. Click OK or access the file folder location by selecting the provided active link.

Conclusion

Converting MBOX files to EML manually is not an easy task. It comes with a lot of risk factors and data loss chances. To avoid such circumstances, you can use a reliable automated MBOX to EML converter tool. For this, we recommend using Kernel MBOX Converter tool. This tool can easily convert your MBOX files to various formats, including EML, PST, PDF, etc. It has a user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to use.

FAQs

Q. What is the difference between MBOX files and EML files?

A. In MBOX files, you can store the entire mailbox data. Whereas in EML files, you can store individual emails.

Q. Can I convert MBOX to EML manually?

A. Yes, you can convert MBOX to EML manually with the help of Thunderbird’s Save As option or either by drag and drop.

Q. Can I convert multiple MBOX files into EML format?

A. Yes, Kernel MBOX to EML converter provides the option to add single/multiple MBOX files simultaneously in one go.