Convert EML to MBOX Mailbox Format to Access them Easily
If you are looking forward to convert EML to MBOX using easy steps. This guide provides a detailed discussion on exporting EML to MBOX. If you are transitioning from EML email clients to MBOX archive standards, you can follow the solutions in this article. However, over time, you may need to convert EML to MBOX for certain reasons such as, managing your emails, for backup, migration or compatibility.
In this guide, you will get to explore how to export EML to MBOX and why this process is so important. We will discuss all the possible solutions to complete this whole procedure accurately which will be helpful for both technical and a non-technical user as they cam easily convert emails from .eml to .mbox . For a better understanding and results, you need to stick to the end of this blog.
EML vs MBOX
EML files are the individual email messages that are saved in a plain text format that includes the message body, sender & receiver’s information, subject, attachments, etc. Popular email clients such as Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express, Mozilla Thunderbird and Apple Mail often save emails as EML files.
Whereas, MBOX files on the other hand are single file that stores multiple email messages in a concatenated text format. Popular email clients such as Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Eudora, and Opera Mail use the MBOX file format to store and save your whole mailbox data.
Quick Answer: How to Convert EML to MBOX File Format?
To convert EML to MBOX format, you can either convert manually using Thunderbird for Windows and Apple Mail for Mac users. You can export EML files to MBOX using manual methods, but they come with a lot of limitations like data loss, corruption, security issues, time-consuming, and many more.
On the other hand, you can use an automated software to convert EML files to MBOX easily in one go. Using a professional EML to MBOX converter can save you time and effort. It prevents your data from permanent loss and corruption, and keeps the original structure of the database files intact. Now, let’s study deeply on this topic and understand both approaches to decide which is the best choice for your crucial data conversion.
Reasons to Convert EML to MBOX
- MBOX works better with different email programs and systems than EML.
- It lets you keep multiple EML files together in one easy-to-manage MBOX file.
- MBOX is commonly used for saving and backing up emails.
- It also helps move emails to webmail services.
- Converting EML to MBOX makes a strong, long-lasting backup of your emails.
How to Export EML to MBOX Manually?
Application like Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail allows you to convert EML to MBOX format. Let’s throw some light on the manual methods working steps:
Manual Method 1: Convert EML Files to MBOX Using Thunderbird
Step 1: Use Mozilla Thunderbird to Sync an Account
- Install Mozilla Thunderbird on your PC.
- In Thunderbird, set up your email address.
- In the left pane, right-click on the local folder.
- Transfer your EML files to a new folder that you created.
- Mozilla Thunderbird has added your EML files.
Step 2: Following Synchronization, Convert EML Files to MBOX
- Select “Add-ons and Themes” after going to “Account Settings.”
- Find “ImportExportTools NG” by searching.
- Choose “Thunderbird Add to.”
- Press and hold the EML folder. and select “ImportExportTools NG” option.
- Click on the export a folder option.
- Select where you want the folder to be saved.
- You can convert EML to MBOX in this way.
Manual Method 2: Export EML Files to MBOX Using Apple Mail
- Open Apple Mail and create a new folder under “On My Mac.”
- Go to Mailbox and select New Mailbox.
- In Finder, open the EML files with Apple Mail.
- In a separate window, choose to Move and move the EML files to an existing mailbox or the new folder you made.
- Right-click the EML folder you want to convert to MBOX and select Export Mailbox.
- This will create an MBOX folder, which looks like a regular folder in Finder.
- You can import this MBOX folder into another app that supports it or zip it to move it to its final destination.
Limitations of Using the Manual Approach
- Manual methods mentioned allow you to import EML files one by one, which makes this process time-consuming. Manually converting multiple data files one by one can lead to permanent data loss, corruption, and errors.
- It does not offer any sort of special features or advanced filters to specify the files and then convert them. This makes it difficult for the users to convert EML files to MBOX selectively.
- While converting manually, the original folder hierarchy and structure of the files are disturbed. It does not keep the metadata and properties of the original files intact during the conversion process.
- As we know that Thunderbird works on both Windows and Mac, but it requires the installation of add-ons. On the other hand, Apple Mail only works on macOS. This limits the overall flexibility and makes it difficult to access and manage the database files.
- Complex structure and a long process, which makes it difficult for non-technical users to convert EML to MBOX.
- Manual methods come with limitations that you cannot convert EML files in bulk. Free email clients like these slow down or become unresponsive while trying to export large data files. This limits professionals from using this method to prevent their crucial data from getting corrupted or lost.
Recommended Tool to Convert EML to MBOX File in Bulk
Use an all-in-one BitRecover EML Converter software that offers an easy option for converting EML files to MBOX format in batch, so users can save their valuable time and effort. This application is also known as the best EML to MBOX Converter because it has the functionality to combine various EML files to a single MBOX file. There is no file size and file quantity limitation for completing the procedure, so just go with the excellent technique.
What Makes EML to MBOX Converter So Demanding?
- It offers dual options to choose .eml files. You can choose from “Select File” or “Select Folders”.
- It preserves the originality and formatting of your data very well.
- Provides you the demo edition before opting for the licensed version to test and understand all the features.
- It completes the whole process without wasting much time.
- Allows you to convert EML files to MBOX selectively according to your needs.
- You can choose a destination location to save your resultant data.
- Allows you to Export EML to MBOX in bulk. Which saves a lot of time and effort.
How to Convert EML to MBOX Format in Batch?
After downloading the suggested software anyone can easily combine various EML files into a single MBOX file by following a few simple steps as given below.
- Run EML to MBOX Converter and choose one option from Select Files or Select Folder to load .eml files in the software panel.
- Now select all or required emails from software panel and press click on the Next button.
- Select MBOX as the saving format, and if you want to change the destination path, then choose Destination path and your required file name; afterwards, press the Next button.
- You can also select your required advanced filters to organize and convert your EML files into MBOX specifically.
- Lastly, click on the Convert button to convert EML to MBOX.
Manual vs Automated Approach: Clear Comparison
Criteria | Manual Approach | Automated Solution |
Batch Conversion | It is not possible to convert in bulk using the manual way. | You can convert multiple files in bulk at once. |
Conversion Speed | Takes time, as every file has to be converted one by one. | Does not take time. It is converted in just 5 easy steps. |
Advanced Filters | No advanced filters or features to specify and organize data files. | Convert data on your own terms, using the advanced features. |
Original Structure Preservation | The original structure and hierarchy get disturbed while manually exporting. | Keeps the data files’ structure and metadata intact. |
Ease of Use | A complex user interface that requires technical knowledge to export data. | Its user-friendly interface requires no technical knowledge. |
Compatibility | Compatible with specific email clients and requires the installation of Thunderbird and Apple Mail on the system. | Supports: Windows OS 11, 10, 8, 7, etc, and Mac OS Sequoia, High Sierra, EL Capitan, Yosemite, etc. |
Final Words
We hope the above four methods were helpful for you to convert EML to MBOX. However, the EML file to MBOX converter is really the best tool, which is specially designed to convert EML files to MBOX mailbox format in bulk. So it is helpful for users to save time and effort. Before purchasing the tool, users can test it as it comes with a free demo edition. One of the best features of this product is that it is compatible with all latest as well old Windows Operating systems. The company provides a 30-day money-back guarantee in case of software failure so enjoy the conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1: Is there any limitation to converting EML to MBOX format?
There is no limitation to export EML to MBOX format as the tool permits to convert unlimited files without size limitation.
Q 2: Does it maintain email attachments while converting EML file to MBOX format?
Yes, we have already mentioned this point in software features as the tool is capable to convert EML to MBOX including attachments.
Q 3: Can you please suggest me that after converting EML to MBOX format which email clients allow to import resultant MBOX file?
There are various email clients available in this digital world that allow importing resultant MBOX files, but here we are mentioning only a few major email clients with screenshots of the import option.
- Mozilla Thunderbird – After downloading a freeware add-on, Mozilla Thunderbird gives facility to import mailboxes by clicking on Import MBOX file option as shown in the screenshot.
- Apple Mail – Apple Mail (Mac Mail) email client also gives freedom to import mailboxes via choosing Import data from files in MBOX format which is beneficial for users.
- Eudora Mail – Run Eudora Mail email client and click on Tools and after that choose Import option to load resultant MBOX files as shown in the screenshot.
- SeaMonkey – SeaMonkey is similar to Mozilla Thunderbird so first download free add-on (ImportExport Tools) after that you can import mailboxes in SeaMonkey as you can see in the given screenshot.