What is an EML file? Everything You Should Know!

What is an EML File?

EML stands for Electronic Mail File and it is an email format used to save a single email in your machine. It appears with .eml file extension and requires a compatible application to open and view them. Nowadays, a lot of free viewers are available to open and view .eml files independently.

A lot of users demand to extract various emails in this format to further analyze it in some forensics tool or to open it in any supported applications like Windows Mail, Lotus Notes, Mozilla Thunderbird etc. All these emailing clients supports .eml file format and saves there emails with the extension in your device.

Understanding What is an EML Files and the Preview of an Orphan EML File

Whether an email file is actually an EML file or not can be easily judged by looking at its properties. Here is the sample of an EML file structure for better understanding.

If an EML file is genuine then it must preserve all Meta properties as shown in the image above or if any tempering is done then one can easily compare it to analyze the difference. An EML file header reveals everything related to an email message. Thus, even if you are unable to open and view the data due to lack of EML compatible application then simply open it in Notepad and you can see everything associated with the email.

Note: You can easily convert EML to EMLX files with this guide.

Common Uses of EML Files

There are some common issues for using of EML files are mentioned below:

1. Archiving Emails:

EML files are utilized to store and manage single email messages for later use. As they are ideal for long-term storage due to their simple, readable format.

2. Email Migration or Backup:

They facilitate the transfer of emails between email clients or backup important messages without requiring complete mailbox archives.

3. Legal and Forensic Use:

EML files retain metadata and are commonly employed as legal records or in cyber investigations because of their reliability and auditability.

4. Sharing Individual Emails:

Rather than redirecting, users can share EML files to provide precise duplicates of emails, along with attachments and layout. 

How does EML differ from Other File Formats?

EML is differ from other file formats in different following ways which are mentioned below:

What is an EML File and the Ways to Open and Access it?

There are various ways that can help you open your email files. The best way would be to use an email client or program that complies with RFC-822. For opening your files, you can use a bunch of email clients or operating systems. Take a quick look at them.

1. Opening Files Using Windows OS

• Open your email on the email client that you are using in Windows OS.
• Double-click on the file to open it.
• Right-click on the email and hit Download. 
• Save the file in any folder.

2. How to Open EML Files in a Supported Email Client?

• Go to your Gmail account.
• Locate the EML file you want to access.
• Click on the email to open it. 
• View the file and its content.

3. Access Your EML Files in the Browser

• Use Google Drive to open EML files in Google Chrome Browser.
• Choose the New button and click on the File Upload option.
• Select the file that you are looking for to upload.
• Once uploaded, click on the file to open it.
• The Google Docs viewer will open the file.

4. Opening Your Emails in Microsoft 365

• For this process, you must use the EML to PST conversion tool by Magus Tools. 

• Download the software and browse for the files to open EML files into Office 365.
• Select the destination path via Browse function.
• Choose the File Format as PST and hit Convert. 

Upsides and Downsides of EML File 

How to Save Emails as EML File Format?

Depending on situations, a lot of users need to convert emails in MS Outlook, Lotus Notes, Zimbra, and OST to EML file format.

Some of the requirements could be:

1. You have to import emails into Thunderbird or any supported application
2. You want to analyse the email header in a notepad file to understand its structure
3. You simply want to back up the emails in a widely acceptable email file format
4. For moving the emails from your office computer to home PC

Besides these scenarios, there could be many possibilities where conversion to EML can be needed and for this you can either convert emails manually or use any appropriate tool.

Final Words on What is an EML File and How to Open One

Manual conversion of emails into EML file format depends upon the source type. This means, if you have to export emails from Thunderbird, Outlook Express, Lotus Notes, Windows Mails, Windows Live Mail, Seamonkey, etc. into EML format then simple drag and drop method will work. But in case of OST or PST to EML conversion, one has to go for some appropriate paid solutions.

Paid solutions not just help you in simplifying the conversion but save your time which you can further utilize to improve your work productivity. Since EML is a widely used format it can be easily imported or exported into plethora of emailing applications; which makes it a versatile emailing format.

FAQ’s 

Q1. Can I open an EML file on my phone?

Yes, through the use of supported apps or emails clients on both Android and iOS. 

Q2. Is an EML file editable?

Yes, with the help of text editors, but care must be taken to preserve the structure. 

Q3. How do I convert an EML file to a readable format?

By using email clients or tools to convert it to PDF, HTML, or MSG formats. 

Q4. Are EML files secure?

EML files may be safe, but it is essential to scan unknown ones for malware or phishing attempts.