How to Import Maildir to Thunderbird | Verified Solutions

Reasons to Import Maildir File to Thunderbird

The Maildir file format stores data in subdirectories like New, Cur, Temp, and Drafts. Whereas Thunderbird directly displays them in the account mailbox. On one side, Maildir contains emails in a single file that are secure and shareable over the network. On the other hand, Thunderbird has many advantages.

The following reasons motivate users to migrate Maildir to Thunderbird:

• Maildir is not an ideal format when switching email clients, so it’s best to change.
• Thunderbird ensures streamlined compatibility and consistency across devices and platforms.
• Change Maildir to Thunderbird for secure backup and preservation for the long term.
• Many emails can be simultaneously viewed in Thunderbird quickly, as compared to Maildir.

Best Ways to Import Maildir to Thunderbird Account

If you are facing issues with the Maildir files, then convert them into Thunderbird for free. However, with the manual method, you have to face some shortfalls. So, instead, you can opt for a professional tool as discussed below.

Manual Maildir to Thunderbird Migration

Follow these steps to perform the conversion in a manual way within the application:

1. On your PC, open Thunderbird and add-on the ImportExportTools NG extension to it.
2. Then, you need to make a new folder in the Thunderbird Local Folders.
3. Once you do so, right-click it and tap on the extension (ImportExportTools NG).
4. Further, choose to Import Messages and press the All Files option in the list.
5. In the end, to import Maildir to Thunderbird, select the Maildir files from your PC and hit Open.

Now, instantly open and view the files in your profile without worries. Repeat the steps for maildir files in different locations and folders. The manual method is easy and quick, but there are other limitations to this free way.

Loopholes of the Manual Method

• Cannot bulk convert Maildir to Thunderbird at once, and if done, may result in data loss.
• The add-on may not be available with all versions of the Thunderbird application.
• Complex procedure and does not involve options for data filtration or duplicate removal.

After learning the manual steps and their limitations. It is clear that a professional tool is a more reliable and secure solution. Let’s learn more about it, how?

Automated Tool to Import Maildir to Thunderbird

SysInfo Maildir Converter is an efficient solution to save Maildir files in Thunderbird. The tool has no requirements or need for technical expertise. It is swift to operate on all Windows OS and keeps the properties, data, and formatting intact. Moreover, advanced features of the comprehensive utility are:

• Preview mail directory emails, attributes, and attachments before migration.
• Filter and migrate emails selectively and remove duplicates from them.
• Import Maildir to Outlook and other email clients like Office 365, Gmail, etc.
• Download Maildir into other file formats such as MBOX, PST, PDF, and more.
• Import all the elements from the Maildir directory and subdirectories at once.

Steps to Import Maildir File to Thunderbird

1. Download and run the Maildir File Converter Tool. Press Continue.
2. Then, choose Maildir files/folders from the PC and press Open. Tap Next.
3. Further, you need to preview and select its folder from the tree format.
4. Click Next and pick the MBOX (Thunderbird format) from the listed options.
5. Afterward, mark those filters required and give a path to save Maildir.
6. At last, hit Convert, and the files will immediately start to move in Thunderbird.

Conclusion

To sum up, we discussed all about Maildir files, the need to import, and the methods. You can use any of the given methods to import Maildir to Thunderbird without trouble. There is no more hassle in the transfer, especially if you go for the professional tool. Hope this helped you perform data migration without difficulties.

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About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.