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?
- When switching from EML-supported email clients like Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express or Apple Mail and importing into Thunderbird helps to ensure that you don’t lose existing email data.
- EML is a standard format that is used to store individual email messages with attachments. Migrating these files to Thunderbird allows users to easily access all messages at one place.
- 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.
Pre-Requisites before 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.
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.
- Preview EML files before importing and hit on Next button to continue.
- Choose Thunderbird from the saving options and press Convert button to start the migration.
- You can watch live conversion process.
- After completing the process, open Thunderbird to read .eml files as shown in the screenshot.
How to Transfer EML to Thunderbird Account Manually?
Here we have listed all the possible manual ways to import EML files to Thunderbird. Follow the step-by-step guide properly as explained below:
Method 1: Drag & Drop EML files (best for few emails)
- Open Thunderbird on your system.
- Select any folder where you want to import EML files.
- Alternate, if you want to create a new folder then simply right-click on the Email ID > select New Folder option from the list and name it accordingly.
- After that, go to the location where EML files are saved. (on your desktop)
- Select them and start dragging-dropping into the selected Thunderbird folder.
Note: If you have an older version of Thunderbird, then you may need to create a new folder under Local Folders rather than under the email ID.
Limitation: This method is only suitable for a small number of EML files. If we drag and drop multiple files at once then it can slow down system performance or lag Thunderbird which can lead to incomplete processes.
Method 2: Convert EML to Thunderbird via ImportExportTools NG (for bulk data)
Phase 1- Install the Add-on in Thunderbird
- Open Thunderbird and go to the main menu.
- Select Add-ons and Themes option.
- In the search bar enter ImportExportTools NG.
- Click Add to Thunderbird and then restart Thunderbird.
Phase 2- Import All EML Messages from a Directory Option
- Now, right-click on the folder to import EML files.
- Select ImportExportTools NG > Import EML Messages > All EML files from a directory and subdirectories option.
- Then, select the entire EML folder from your system.
- That’s it. Now, Thunderbird will import those EML files automatically to the desired folder.
Limitation: This method requires installation of add-on which may lead to confusion or technical hassle for beginner users.
Method 3: Open EML file in Thunderbird with Built-in Feature
- Navigate to EML files that you want to view.
- Simply right-click and choose Open with option.
- Select Thunderbird from the list.
Now you can read EML file data in Thunderbird. However, you can set Thunderbird as default email client from the settings and double-click the EML files to directly open in the Thunderbird application.
Note: With this method, you can only view EML file in Thunderbird. It does not import them into Thunderbird.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Resolve Thunderbird Open Message in Conversation Missing
Comparison Between Manual Methods and Professional Method
| Features | Drag-&-Drop Method | ImportExportTools NG Method | Open EML with Thunderbird Method | Professional EML to Thunderbird Converter |
| Ease-of-Use | Easy but requires manual effort in dragging and dropping each file one-by-one. | Beginner users can feel a bit technical as it requires installing and setups. | Very simple process but has limited functionality. | Support user-friendly interface with simple steps. A suitable tool for all users. |
| Support Bulk Import EML files | No | Yes | Only reliable to view files | Yes it has the ability to batch import files with no data loss. |
| Preservation of Attachments | This method has high risk of losing attachments | It generally keeps attachments with the message. | Allow to read attachments but not import them. | Guarantees 100% preservation of attachments throughout the process. |
| Technical Difficulty | Simple but has repetition of steps. | It is a slightly technical process | Zero percentage. It is an easy process. | No, the tool quickly import files without demanding any technical knowledge. |
| Extra Features | No | Only has Add-on feature | No | Yes, it supports multiple advanced features. |
| Speed | Can become slow if you have large EML files. | Faster than drag-and-drop but it may consume time. | It is a quick process for opening one file at a time. | It is a fast and efficient method even when you have a large number of EML files. |
| Data Safety | Interruptions may occur which can affect the files. | Partially safe but depends upon the add-on performance. | Only allow opening files. | Maintains complete data safety as it is an independent tool and performs process on user system. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Que 1 – Can Thunderbird open EML files easily?
Ans – Yes, Thunderbird support EML file format which ensures that users can open EML files in Thunderbird easily.
Que 2 – Can I import EML to Thunderbird with attachments?
Ans – Yes, of course, using the recommended tool you can import EML files to Thunderbird account 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 versions of Windows OS.
Que 4 – Does this software permit to import EML files into Thunderbird in bulk?
Ans – Yes, the software is capable of converting EML files in bulk without resulting in data loss issues and while saving users’ valuable 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. If you face any query related to the software, feel-free to contact our support team.