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Convert Thunderbird MBOX to EML Files in Bulk

Mark Wills ~ Modified: 11-03-2022 ~ Convert ~ 6 Minutes Reading

Are you looking for a way to convert Thunderbird MBOX files to EML files? Do you want a completely free solution that you may use manually? If yes, you may put your trust in us; we will provide you with all the options for converting your Thunderbird emails to EML format.

Well, MBOX files are extremely advantageous when used in conjunction with Thunderbird. However, the issue with this format is that it only supports a small number of specialized accounts. Whereas EML is a format that is compatible with a large number of clients and is recommended for storing emails. Additionally, there are some other perks to consider.

If you are seeking conversion in reverse, read our free EML to MBOX conversion guide.

Contents

Let us begin when you are ready.

Why Should You Convert Thunderbird MBOX to EML Files?

  • Improved Email Application Compatibility

MBOX is incompatible with a large number of email clients, including Microsoft Outlook, Windows Live Mail, and DreamMail, among others. However, the EML file format is compatible with all of these email programs.

  • The EML file format is compatible with browsers and text editors.

An EML file is formatted similarly to an MHT file. This enables the Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera browsers to open EML files by replacing the .eml extension with .mht. Additionally, you may browse an EML file using a text editor such as Microsoft Notepad or any other text editor. However, the MBOX file format is incompatible with browsers.

Thus, these are some of the reasons to convert Thunderbird to EML files. As a result, we now give you proven and cost-effective techniques for completing it. Have a look at the approaches described below.

Proven Manual Methods to Export Thunderbird to EML Files

There are 3 free methods to get this done. The first one is simple and direct while the second one requires you to use a Thunderbird add-on. But, both are equally effective in getting EML files hassle-free.

Note: We are assuming that the MBOX file data is present in your Mozilla Thunderbird email client. If not, then add MBOX file into Thunderbird first, then proceed with the manual methods.

Free Method 1: Utilize Thunderbird’s “Save As” feature.

  • Open the MBOX folder in Thunderbird that you want to export to EML.
  • Choose the email messages that you wish to convert. You may select all emails in a folder by using the keyboard shortcut CTRL+A.
    select all emails
  • Right-click on the emails you want to save >> Select Save As.
    click save as option
  • Now, navigate to the place where you want to save the EML files and click Select Folder.
    select folder to convert thunderbird mbox to eml
  • It will save the Thunderbird messages in EML files.

Free Method 2: Utilizing ImportExportTools NG Add-on

Typically, Mozilla Thunderbird provides a free Add-on called ImportExportTools NG, which is extensively used in Thunderbird to do numerous functions. To use this free Add-On, you must first download and install ImportExportTools NG on your machine.

Simple Installation Procedure for ImportExportTools Add-On: –

  • From the menu bar, select Tools >> Select Add-ons.
    click tools click add ons
  • Search for ImportExportTool from the search bar in the Extensions tab. search for add-on
  • To add ImportExportTools NG to Thunderbird, click Add to Thunderbird. add add-on t thunderbird
  • The message ‘Add ImportExportTools NG?’ is shown. Select Add.
    click add button
  • Then, click the Install Now | Restart Now buttons.
    click restart now button

Using the Add-On Convert Thunderbird MBOX to EML Format

  • Launch Mozilla Thunderbird >> Choose the desired folder.
  • Right-click the chosen Folder and select ImportExportTools NG.
  • Go on to select Export all messages in the folder, then click on EML format.
  • After that, select the folder where you want to save the converted EML files and press the Select Folder button.
    click importexporttool and select eml

Free Method 3: Utilize “Save Selected Message” option in Thunderbird

This method also requires the ImportExportTools NG add-on to export Thunderbird emails to EML file.. If it is not installed, then you will not get the “Save selected message” option in Mozilla Thunderbird.

  • Select needed emails using CTRL+A for all emails or CTRL and the desired email selection for specific emails.
    select all emails
  • Right-click on emails >> Select “Save Selected Message” >> From the options, select EML format.
    click save selected message and click eml
  • At last, select a folder in which to save the resulting EML files and click Select Folder.
    select folder

Thus, using your Thunderbird email client, this is how you may convert MBOX to EML for free.

Difficulties That Manual Methods May Present

While the manual procedures outlined above are effective, they do have a few drawbacks:

  • Mozilla Thunderbird is required for conversion.
  • Cannot operate on orphan MBOX files.
  • It does not maintain the folder structure and hierarchy of mailboxes.
  • The manual methods are limited to exporting messages from a single Thunderbird mailbox to EML format. As a result, exporting all MBOX mail folders using the program might be a lengthy procedure.

Therefore, if you’re unsure whether to use the manual technique after viewing it, we can settle your concerns. All you need to do is use the professional software up ahead.

Professional Way to Convert MBOX to EML Files in Bulk

You may export Thunderbird emails to EML using the NXT Software. It’s an incredible approach that converts MBOX to EML files in bulk without needing Thunderbird or any other email client.

In fact, this software can convert MBOX regardless of its origin. Whether it belongs to Thunderbird or any other email client, you will have no problem processing it with this tool.

This product is also available as a free demo version which will help you get familiar with the tool’s working and features. Although the free demo limits the number of email messages you can export, it is more than enough to let you decide whether you want to opt for the full license or not.

Other functionalities of the software related to Thunderbird mailboxes:

In Conclusion

You may now convert Thunderbird MBOX to EML files in bulk with ease. We’ve provided you with the most effective technique for accomplishing this. It’s completely free and requires that you utilize your Thunderbird account and its built-in capabilities via an Add-on. Therefore, you may review all of the procedures listed above and read them carefully to ensure that you do not encounter any difficulties while exporting Thunderbird to EML file format.