The most commonly used file formats to store email messages are EML and MBOX formats. But there are rare cases when users might want to convert EML files to MBOX format.
EML file format, as we all know, is a text based file format wherein email messages are stored. These email messages include the body, headers, attachments, etc.
On the other hand, the MBOX files are basically Mailbox files that consist of multiple emails in a single file.
Being a single message file, it might be difficult to store bulk EML files and organize them. One of the reasons why users want to learn how to convert EML to MBOX.
Now, both the file formats are compatible and supported in Thunderbird and Apple Mail. So why would users want to make the transfer?
Well, there is the issue of only one email being stored per file. But, that is not it. There are plenty others. Let’s find out!
What Are the Reasons to Convert EML Files to MBOX Format?
The reasons include:
- As compared to EML, MBOX files work in a better way with different email clients and systems
- It becomes easier to manage your EML files in the MBOX file format itself
- MBOX is most-commonly used to save and keep a backup of emails
- Users can easily migrate their emails to webmail services
- Get a strong and long-lasting backup of the emails after converting EML to MBOX
Good enough reasons to migrate? Then, let’s move on to the migration steps.
How to Convert EML to MBOX File Format in Thunderbird and Mac Manually?
While applications Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail offer support for the EML format, having an entire folder of emails is better for organizing them. Thus, users want to convert their files in bulk to MBOX format.
There are two manual methods using different email clients that allow converting EML files to MBOX format. The first method is by using Thunderbird, and the second one works on MacOS via Apple Mail. But first thing’s first, if you do not have Mozilla Thunderbird, install it.
Follow the synchronization steps that the email client shares and then start converting your EML files.
Manual Method 1: Convert EML Files to MBOX Using Thunderbird Application
After configuring your email client, follow these steps for conversion:
1. Create a new folder and import the EML files in them, rename the file to EML.
2. Install the built-in ImportExportToolsNG and launch Thunderbird again.
3. Go to the newly created EML folder and right click on it. Choose ImportExportToolsNG from the menu.
4. After that, choose Import EML Messages from the extended menu.
5. Hit the Individual EML Messages option and transfer the EML files.
6. Now, to convert EML files to MBOX, right-click on the folder again and choose the ImportExportToolsNG.
7. Move towards the Folder Export (MBOX) option and choose As MBOX File.
8. The files will be converted and saved in the Downloads folder.
In case you want to transfer the files to your Mac Mail, you can follow the steps shared below.
Manual Method 2: Convert EML Files to MBOX on Mac Mail
For those users who are already using MacOS, here are the simple steps for you:
1. Open your Apple Mail and go to On My Mac and create a new folder.
2. Now, go to the Mailbox and choose the New Mailbox.
3. Here, you have to open your EML files with Apple Mail using the Finder.
4. In a separate window, select the Move button and export the files to the new folder you made.
5. To convert EML to MBOX, right-click on the folder you made and choose Export Mailbox.
6. A new MBOX folder will be created which is a regular folder.
7. Import this folder to your desired destination.
Seems easy enough?
Well, there are a few drawbacks.
Setbacks of Manually Learning How to Convert EML Files to MBOX
The major disadvantages of using the manual methods for conversion include:
- This process is a very time-consuming method, be it on Thunderbird or Mac
- There is a chance that the app might crash during the conversion process
- Sometimes users lose their precious data while converting bulk emails
- Being a technical process, novice users find it hard to follow
- Since it is a desktop-based method, it is not feasible for users who prefer web-based email clients
Changing your mind about using the manual methods? We have the perfect solution for you to help you migrate EML to MBOX format. How?
Find out below!
Convert EML Files to MBOX Using an Easier and Quicker Solution
That’s right! Magus Tools has brought to you the robust EML Converter tool which is capable of migrating all your EML files in bulk. The software has various features that allow users to export their email files altogether without facing any issues or delays. Jumping to the features of the tool.
Extraordinary Features of Software to Convert EML Files to MBOX Format
- The software allows users to convert EML files in bulk to MBOX
- Keep the file format and metadata maintained during conversion
- No restrictions on the size or number of EML files to convert
- Maintains the folder structure of EML files after converting to MBOX
- Convert EML to EMLX, PST, MSG, and HTML formats also
- Apply Naming Convention feature to change the end file name
- Use the Browse feature to set the destination path as desired
- Migrate single or multiple EML files using Select File or Folder features
With these features, it becomes super easy for users to migrate their email data to the MBOX format quickly. Take a look at the steps now!
Step-Guide to Convert EML Files to MBOX Format Using the Converter Tool
Here is a simple step-by-step process for novice users to follow:
1. Download the conversion tool and launch it on any of your Windows OS machines.
2. Add your EML files or folders by using the Select File or Select Folder features. Click on the Open button after choosing the files for migration.
3. Find a destination location via the Browse feature to save your emails in a specific location.
4. From the Select File Format menu, choose MBOX format.
5. At the end, click on the Convert option to start the process.
Once the files are converted, you will see the following screen. After that, you can easily find and access the converted files in the destination path you set earlier.
Ending Note on How to Convert EML Files to MBOX
There are numerous people who want to migrate their single email files, EML, to a format which can store multiple emails together. MBOX is a file format which does the same. Thus, a lot of users want to know how to convert EML to MBOX. It is possible to migrate the data manually but there are a few drawbacks of these methods. To cure the issue of migrating emails in bulk, we have shared a conversion tool which allows users to migrate the data efficiently. There are various strong features that the tool offers for users to apply for a seamless conversion.
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