How to Convert MBOX File to CSV | Step-by-Step Tutorial

Why Convert MBOX to CSV Online?

Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and other email clients widely support MBOX files. To access the data with database applications like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or others, perform MBOX to CSV conversion. Some other pointers to clarify it are:

• CSV files organize data in rows and columns making it easy to browse through messages, dates, etc.
• Comma Separated Value (CSV) files as the name suggests store data separated by commas. So, easy to edit, access, and share.
• Cannot use plain text MBOX files for data sorting and analysis purposes like a CSV file.
• CSV files are easily interoperable in databases and integrate well with CRM systems.

Convert MBOX File to CSV: Best Ways

There is a manual solution and a professional tool to convert your MBOX files into CSV format. Use these methods as per the technical abilities and preferences.

Export MBOX Files to CSV Manually

The manual method involves the use of the Thunderbird application. It has a built-in option to change MBOX to CSV. Follow these steps:

1. Run the Thunderbird application by Mozilla on the PC.
2. Go to Menu and click on Add-ons and Themes.
3. Further, search for ImportExportTools NG and add it to the application. (If not already installed.)
4. Now, close Thunderbird and then, reopen it.
5. After that, move to the folder containing MBOX files and right-click it.
6. Select ImportExportTools NG and then, Export All Messages in the Folder.
7. Next, choose the Spreadsheet (CSV format) to save the MBOX messages.
8. Thereafter, select the location to save the resultant CSV and click Export or Save to complete.

Alternatively, you can follow these steps to convert the MBOX file to CSV:

1. Run Mozilla Thunderbird and open the Address Book.
2. Afterward, click the Tools menu and choose for Export option.
3. Provide a filename and the destination to save the files.
4. In the end, press Save to finish the conversion.

Shortcomings of the Manual Method

Although manual methods are free, users must be aware of the possible challenges they may encounter.

• First, the method is not at all suitable for bulk MBOX file conversion.
• It is time-consuming and high chance of data loss or corruption.
• Most email clients don’t have built-in options for direct conversion. So, users need additional tools.
• No options for customization of the MBOX data before conversion to CSV.

It is better to use an expert tool to overcome these limitations and perform a hassle-free MBOX conversion.

Automated Tool to Convert MBOX File to CSV

SysInfo MBOX Converter is a powerful utility for instant conversion of bulk MBOX files and folders. It allows batch processing with no limitations on file size and instantly saves data as CSV. The tool additionally, converts MBOX files into other formats such as PST, PDF, EML, XLS, JSON, DOC, etc. Also, you can choose to import MBOX files into email clients like Gmail, Office 365, IMAP, iCloud, and many more. Furthermore, other key features of this comprehensive tool are:

• Preserve original data formatting, integrity, and folder structure.
• Highly supports MBOX files for all email clients.
• Enables users to recover deleted emails from Thunderbird.
• Provides preview of meta properties, email content, attachments, etc.
• Allows duplicate removal, data filtration, attachments exclusion, and more.

Working Steps to Convert MBOX to CSV

1. Run the MBOX Exporter utility and select a radio file option. Click Next.
2. Add the MBOX files and folders to the software window and tap Next.
3. Further, check the tree structure preview of MBOX folders and subfolders.
4. Select the needed folders to convert and click the Next button.
5. Afterward, tap file formats and select CSV from the menu.
6. Apply the built-in filters on the output file and give Path to Save it.
7. At last, click the Convert button to complete changing MBOX to CSV.

Conclusion

To sum up, it seems like a daunting task, but it is very easy to convert MBOX file to CSV. All you need is appropriate methods and tools to perform the conversion. In this guide, we learned several advantages of CSV file format over MBOX. And browse through three ways of MBOX file conversion. If you are a techie and have less number of MBOX files, go for the free manual method. Otherwise, use a professional tool for secure and speedy conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Lovely Baghel

Lovely specializes in technical writing for SysInfoTools Software and has over 2 year of experience writing blogs, and articles about databases & backup, email recovery, email migration & management solutions. Her passion is researching and developing content that helps Office users, professionals, administrators, enterprises, and novices solve multiple problems.