How to Convert MBOX to EML in Bulk | Your Ultimate Guide

Need for MBOX to EML Conversion

All the major applications like Thunderbird, Entourage, Netscape, Opera Mail, Apple Mail, etc. support MBOX files. However, email clients such as MS Outlook, Windows Live Mail, and others don’t support MBOX. Thus, users change MBOX to EML, for smooth access across clients. Some other reasons are:

• EML files are flexible and store single messages which are easy to read.
• MBOX files consume a lot of storage space as compared to EML files.
• EML files are more secure and less prone to corruption.
• These files help improve the performance speed and make management easy.
• Provides email backup and compliance facilities to handle legal tasks.

Techniques to Convert MBOX to EML in Bulk

This section describes manual methods and a professional tool for MBOX conversion to EML. Find the step-by-step procedure along with the advantages and drawbacks below.

Export MBOX to EML Manually

The manual method for this conversion can be done in two ways using the Thunderbird application. These are:

Method 1: Built-in Save As Feature

1. Launch Thunderbird and set up your email, and open the mailbox.
2. After that, hold the Ctrl key and select the individual emails to convert.
3. Further, right-click the selected emails and press Save As.
4. Set the file type to EML and pick a destination to save. 
5. In the end, click Save to convert MBOX to EML.

Method 2: Using ImportExportTools NG Add-on

1. Launch Mozilla Thunderbird, and in the More tab, click Add-ons and Themes.
2. There, search for ImportExportTools NG and add it to your profile.
3. Further, close and restart the application to see the changes made.
4. Afterward, browse and right-click the desired MBOX folder to convert.
5. Click ImportExportTools NG and then, Export all messages in a folder.
6. In addition, select EML message format and the save dialog opens.
7. Choose the folder to save new files and finally, press Select Folder.
8. All your selected mailbox files will be saved as electronic mail.

Note: You can also drag and drop the files directly from the MBOX-supported client to the desktop. It will automatically be saved as EML.

Shortcomings of the Manual Method

• The processes are not good enough for bulk MBOX files.
• Original folder structure and data integrity are compromised.
• High chances of errors when done manually can result in losses.
• Risk of file corruption or inaccessibility. Thus, users need basic tech knowledge.

So, if you need to overcome these limitations and perform a secure conversion without much hassle. It is best to use a professional tool as suggested in the upcoming section.

Professionally Convert MBOX to EML

Since the manual workarounds are not very reliable, use the SysInfo MBOX Exporter Tool. This comprehensive utility converts your large or small MBOX files to EML in minimum time. With its simple and easy-to-use interface, the software ensures that data is intact and preserves the structure. Additionally, it enables all kinds of users, either techie or non-techie to run the software smoothly on their Windows OS. Moreover, it provides some additional beneficial features to users as:

• Offers filters to customize the resultant MBOX file and improve the output.
• Doesn’t require any external MBOX file-supported email application.
• Import MBOX to Google Workspace and other email clients at once.
• Offers to preview the emails and attachments before the final conversion.
• Download MBOX files as EML in bulk without any restrictions.

Working Steps to Export MBOX to EML

1. Run the MBOX Exporter Tool after downloading on the PC and tap Next.
2. Press the File or Folder button and add the MBOX file. Then, click Next.
3. Further, preview and opt for folders from the tree structure. Tap Next.
4. Choose the EML format from the list of file-saving options.
5. Afterward, apply the filter and set a Path to Save for the new file.
6. At last, click Convert to complete the MBOX file to EML conversion.

Conclusion

To sum up, in this blog we found general reasons to convert MBOX to EML. Then, we saw the methods to save files on the desktop as EML. The manual method can be performed but requires an MBOX-compatible application and stable internet. Also, other limitations to it make the methods less preferable. Thus, it is better to use a professional tool and avoid all the hassle of MBOX conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.