How to Import EML Files into Thunderbird? A Complete Guide
If you are looking forward to import EML files into Thunderbird, you are on the right page. In this article, we will explain multiple approaches including manual and automated to help you import EML files into Thunderbird accounts with attachments on Windows and Mac machines, according to your requirements.
Many businesses and professional users that deal with EML files in their day-to-day lives often need to transfer EML files to Thunderbird. However, due to several issues, they need help to do it. So, keep reading this article to find out simple methods to easily convert EML to Thunderbird.
Why Import EML Files to Thunderbird?
- EML files are a standard format that stores individual email messages. Importing them into Thunderbird helps users to access all their emails at one place.
- When migrating from any email client that supports EML format (like Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail etc ) ensures that users don’t lose any of their old data.
- Thunderbird is a very popular free open-source email client that offers advanced email management features to help businesses and professionals easily organize their email data.
- By transferring EML to Thunderbird, users can also access, view and read their email even without having a stable internet connection.
- Thunderbird supports a variety of powerful add-ons and extensions that enhance functionality and personalization in managing emails.
Perquisites for Importing EML files to Thunderbird
Mozilla Thunderbird Installed: Either choose the manual or the automated approach to convert EML to Thunderbird. You must have already installed the Thunderbird email client. Secondly, for using the DIY approach, at least one account must be configured in your Thunderbird profile.
Backup EML Files Data: In case of any sudden disaster, it is always recommended to keep a copy of the EML files stored on your device. This will help us get the situation back to normal in case of any disaster.
EML Files Must Be in a Healthy Format: For converting EML files into Thunderbird while keeping formatting, metadata, & attachments. It is required that your EML file data be in a healthy format.
Must Have Sufficient Disk Space: To complete the process of importing EML to Thunderbird smoothly and without any errors. It is always suggested to maintain a sufficient free disk space to flawlessly convert EML into Thunderbird.
How to Transfer EML to Thunderbird Account Manually?
There are two possible manual methods to import EML to Thunderbird. Using the simple drag-and-drop method by dragging EML files from your local filter in Thunderbird or for bulk, using the ImportExportTools NG add-on. We have explained each method with a proper step-by-step guide. Follow them as explained.
Method 1: Import EML to Thunderbird Using Drag & Drop
- Launch Thunderbird and open the folder in which you want to import EML files.
- Right-click > > New Folder, to create a new folder with a different name.
- After entering the Folder Name, select OK.
- Now, navigate to the EML file locations and select them.
- Last, drag and drop those files directly into Thunderbird.
That’s it, you are done. This method is only ideal to transfer a few EML files.
Read Also: Ultimate Guide to Resolve Thunderbird Open Message in Conversation Missing
Method 2: Convert EML to Thunderbird Using ImportExportTools NG
- Open Thunderbird > Select Add-ons and Themes option from the menu.
- Use the search option to find ImportExportTools NG.
- Select Thunderbird > Click Add to Thunderbird then Restart Thunderbird.
- Once done, right-click on the folder in Thunderbird where you want the EML files to appear. Press Enter.
- Now, select the ImportExportTools NG > Import all messages from a directory option..
- Then, select the EML Files and choose Open to begin the procedure.
Thunderbird will import those EML files automatically. This method can work for users having many EML files or subfolders.
Limitations of Manual Methods
While these manual methods are free but they do hold multiple drawbacks that we have listed below:
- Manual ways increase the chance of data loss.
- They do not preserve attachments and header information while transferring EML to Thunderbird.
- May result in complex procedures for non-technical users.
- These manual methods are not a suitable solution for users having large EML files.
- Thunderbird may become unresponsive or hang if you drag a huge amount of EML files all together.
Pro Solution to Batch Import EML to Thunderbird with Attachments
The manual methods requires several steps to transfer EML files to Thunderbird especially when the user has the bulk of data. For bulk transition, you need the repeat the process multiple times. However, to save time and get a satisfying result, you should use the BitRecover EML Converter Tool import EML to thunderbird with attachments in bulk. It is an expert-tested and tried solution to import EML files to Thunderbird at once without losing a single data.
The tool allows you to instantly import all the EML files into Thunderbird account without losing any information and the original formatting. The tool lets you import EML to Lotus Notes, Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express, Zoho Mail, Zarafa, DreamMail, etc. Moreover, this EML to Thunderbird Converter offers different features such as selecting the required folder, importing EML to Thunderbird in bulk, choosing the desired path, variety of saving options, advanced filters, etc. So, download the tool and test its free demo version.
Compelling Features of the tool
- This converter comes with dual options for choosing .eml files as well as folders having batch .eml files.
- This application gives the ability to import EML files into Thunderbird easily in bulk without losing any information.
- Also, the tool preserves all email items while transferring all the data.
- The tool maintains folders and subfolder structures while converting EML to Thunderbird.
- It can be installed in various international languages and users can use it in their language.
- This tool allows you to save your resultant data to the desirable storage location.
- It is fully compatible with all versions of Windows and macOS whether you are using latest or old editions.
How to Import EML Files into Thunderbird Quickly? Steps
Simply follow the below steps to transfer EML files to Thunderbird easily in bulk with all data:
- Start EML to Thunderbird tool, it gives dual options like Select Files or Select Folder to load EML files in the software panel, choose an option.

- Select EML files and hit on Next button to continue.

- Choose Thunderbird as the saving format and press Convert button to start the migration.

- Import EML files into Thunderbird easily and watch it live.

- After completing the process, open Thunderbird to read .eml files as shown in the screenshot.

Frequently Asked Questions
Que 1 – Can Thunderbird open EML files easily?
Ans – Yes, you can download the tool and upload your EML file. Now select Thunderbird as the saving option and click on Convert.
Que 2 – Can I import EML mail to Thunderbird including attachments?
Ans – Yes, of course, the tool imports along with the attachments and other important items.
Que 3 – Can I install this software on Windows 10 computer?
Ans – Yes, this tool is compatible with all the latest as well as previous Windows OS.
Que 4 – Does this software permit to import EML files into Thunderbird in bulk?
Ans – Yes, it is capable of converting in bulk, saving time and effort.
Also Read: How to Import EML Files into Lotus Notes?
Final Words
At last, we just hope that the above guide was helpful for you to import EML files into Thunderbird. We provide you with manual methods that will let you transfer EML files to Thunderbird but you may not transfer the entire data through this process especially if you have bulk files. For a hassle-free EML to Thunderbird migration, we suggested a tool that will help you to move all EML files to Thunderbird with all data including emails, attachments, and other attributes on both Mac and Windows devices.