How to Convert MBOX to EML Format? Best Techniques

If you have been using Mozilla Thunderbird for years, and all your emails are stored in MBOX format. But now you decide to shift to Windows Live Mail or Outlook Express, which do not support MBOX but work smoothly with EML files. So, instead of losing your old MBOX data files, you must convert MBOX to EML. We will learn this conversion with the native approach or by using the MBOX Converter Tool. This tool allows users to convert files by providing accurate results with full accuracy.

Why We Convert MBOX Files to EML?

These are the key pointers to identify the need for this conversion.

• Structure: MBOX obtains multiple emails in a single file, but EML saves each email in an individual file.
• Email Management: Managing EML files is easy compared to MBOX files.
• Easy to Share: EML files are easy to share because of their small size, but MBOX files are not easy to share because of their large size.
• Good Backup Option: EML files take up less storage due to their small size, which makes them a good backup option.
• Wider Platform: EML files support more platforms as compared to MBOX.

Solutions to Convert MBOX to EML

Here, you will see two manual solutions and one advanced utility solution. The manual methods are suitable for users with small-sized MBOX files and basic needs, but they can be time-consuming and require technical steps.

Manual Solutions to Export MBOX to EML

This is the native approach to transform your MBOX file to the EML file format. And, we are going to use the Mozilla Thunderbird email client in the given manual methods. Let’s go through the steps of the methods defined below.

1 – Export MBOX to EML Files Using the Save as Option

1. To start, download and run the Thunderbird application.
2. Then, set up your email account.
3. After your email loads, open the mailbox folder.
4. Now, select each email you want to convert.
5. Afterwards, right-click on selected emails >> Save as option.
6. Select the folder to save the converted email.
7. Finally, click on Save and complete the process.

2 – Convert MBOX to EML Files Using Thunderbird Add-on

• To begin, download and set up the Thunderbird application.
• Then, go to Settings >> Add-ons and themes.
• Search for “ImportExportTool NG” and click on Add to Thunderbird.
• Now, restart the Thunderbird application.
• Right-click the folder to export to EML format.
• Then, choose “ImportExportTool NG” from the list.
• Thereafter, click “Export all messages in the folder” and choose the “EML Message Format” option.
• Then, select the directory where you want to save the converted emails 
• Finally, click Select Folder to start the process.

Restrictions With Manual Methods

• The manual process will be time-consuming for multiple MBOX files or large mailboxes.
• There is a high chance of data loss or corruption during conversion if steps are not followed carefully.
• You need to install and configure a supported email client (like Thunderbird) to perform the conversion.
• It does not provide bulk conversion support, which makes it difficult for business or enterprise-level migration.

Professional Solution to Convert MBOX to EML

This method is an effective solution for bulk conversion and fast execution. Here we will use the MBOX Converter Tool. This tool is designed for converting MBOX files to EML format. Moreover, you can also convert MBOX to CSV with the same tool.

Steps to Export MBOX to EML with the Tool

1. To commence, download and install the MBOX Converter Tool.
2. Then, go for the Select Files/Select Folder option.
3. Here, choose & open the MBOX file.
4. After adding the file, click Next to proceed.
5. Now, tick the folder and click preview to preview the files, and hit Next.
6. After that, choose EML as the saving option and apply other filters, and hit Convert and end the process.

Benefits of Using an MBOX to EML Converter Tool

• Bulk Conversion Support – Easily Convert MBOX to CSV in one go, saving time and effort.
• Preserves Data Integrity – Ensures that email formatting, metadata, headers, and attachments remain intact.
• No Technical Expertise Required – Tools come with a simple interface, making the process smooth even for non-technical users.
• Fast & Efficient – Automated conversion is much quicker compared to manual methods.
• Advanced Filter Options – Many tools allow filtering by date, subject, sender, or folder to export only the required emails.
• Reduced Risk of Errors – Minimizes the chances of email loss, corruption, or misplacement during migration.

Conclusion

Convert MBOX to EML is often necessary when switching email platforms or sharing individual emails. While manual techniques are available, they come with limitations such as time consumption, data risk, and lack of batch support. To ensure a safe, quick, and accurate conversion, using a reliable MBOX to EML Converter Tool is a better choice, especially for professionals or organizations handling large volumes of data.

Frequently Asked Questions

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