What Programs Open EML files? Best 6 Methods Explained
Many users often search for “what programs open EML files?”. In this article, we have mentioned some email clients, applications and a free professional solution that will help you open EML files in a hassle-free way. Whether you have received EML files as attachments, exported them from backup or any other reasons, this guide covers everything you need to know. So, let’s get started.
Programs that Open EML files
There are several programs that can open EML files depending upon your operating system and use case. Below, we have explained the most commonly used applications that help to view EML files in a few steps.
1. Microsoft Outlook
It is one of the most popular and standalone email platforms that is used to open EML files on Windows OS systems. It allows users to send, receive and manage emails in PST or OST file format.
How Outlook opens EML files?
- Open Outlook.
- Locate the EML file on your system.
- Drag and drop EML files in Outlook.
- Double-click and view EML file data.
Limitations:
- Outlook must be installed on user system.
- Not a good idea for large EML files.
- Drag and drop can lose data originality.
2. Thunderbird
Thunderbird is a free and open source email client that supports EML files on Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems. It allows users to view, manage and open EML files with attachments.
How Does It Work?
- Open Thunderbird and the folder where you want to view EML file.
- Navigate EML files on your computer.
- Simply, drag and drop those files into the selected folder.
- Double-click to read EML files data.
Limitations:
- Require Thunderbird installation on your device.
- Cannot open multiple EML files at once.
- May slow down due to large EML files size.
3. Apple Mail (Mac Mail)
Apple Mail is the default email client for macOS that allows users to send and recover emails.
Steps to Perform
- Locate .eml files on your system.
- Right-click > Open With.
- Choose Mail.app (default) as an option.
Limitations:
- Only available on macOS systems.
- Do not support batch opening EML files.
- Folder hierarchy may not be preserved.
- Users need to open EML files individually one-by-one.
4. eM Client
eM Client is a desktop email client that is available on both Windows and macOS. It allows users to open and view EML files with attachments and support configuration of Outlook or Thunderbird email accounts.
Steps to Read EML files
- Open eM Client on your system.
- Locate EML files that you want to view.
- Simply drag and drop them in the eM Client.
- Now, you can access your selected EML files.
Limitations:
- Requires Outlook or Thunderbird account.
- Not an ideal option to bulk view files.
- Users need to upgrade the version as the free version has limited features.
- Beginner users can face difficulties while configuring and setting up.
5. Notepad
This is a basic text editor that open EML files as plain text files. Notepad does not display attachments and emails properly, it shows raw email content.
How to View EML files in Notepad?
- Locate your .eml files.
- Right-click and select Open With.
- Choose Notepad. It will directly open your files.
Limitations:
- It does not display text in a structured way which makes it difficult to read and analyze.
- Can be complex for home users to read EML data.
- Do not support viewing images and hyperlinks.
- Users need to open EML files one at a time.
Bonus Method: Open EML files without an Email Client
If you want a safe and hassle-free way to open EML files without installing or configuring any email client, then trust BitRecover EML Viewer. It is a free, practical and reliable solution that allows all users to open and read EML files directly without requiring Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail etc. Using this tool, users can easily browse EML files and view complete details without missing any information, in a clear and readable format.
It is a standalone application with a user-friendly interface that provides a smooth and flexible experience to users when it comes to read EML files data. In addition, this is an offline tool and operates without internet connectivity on all systems. So, download it now.
Quick Steps to View EML files using a Pro Tool
- Download and install the dedicated tool on your system.
- Navigate to Open and select EML files.
- Now, click on the EML message and read its data.
- To view specific EML files, click on Search option and set filters.
Key Features of the Above Automated Software
- Completely free and offline tool with simple GUI.
- Allow users to bulk open EML files at once.
- Users can preview email body, header and metadata in original form.
- Support viewing EML attachments without any data alteration.
- Ensures data security and privacy even in offline mode.
- Compatible with all versions of Windows OS.
- Offer users fast speed performance with accurate results.
- Do not impose file size restrictions. Users can open large EML files risk-free.
- This tool has built-in read-mode that allows all users to easily read EML files while saving time.
Comparison between Applications that Open EML files
| Features | Outlook Desktop | Thunderbird | Apple Mail | eM Client | EML Viewer |
| Free to use | Limited | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Technical configuration required | High | High | High | High | Not required |
| Suitable for large EML files | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Standalone | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Offline Access | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Batch Support | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| View email headers & metadata | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | Yes |
Conclusion
The process to open EML files can be confusing, complex and risky for users who are not aware of the right approach. Manual methods require an email client installation to view and read EML files, without it users cannot access their EML files. That’s why for a smooth and stress-free process, we recommend the professionals’ trusted solution that we have mentioned in the above article. It supports bulk viewing EML files with accuracy and complete safety. This offers users a peace of mind and control over a large volume of data. The choice is yours, choose the best option that saves your time and effort.