How to Convert EML Files to PDF Format?

author Written By Deep Sikha
author Approved By Sonika Rawat
Updated on 28th Aug 2024
Reading Time 8 minutes

You might have known email clients like Mozilla Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Zimbra, Outlook Express, and Zoho Mail. One common feature of these clients is they support EML file formats. However, EML saves only one email at a time. So, if you want to take a backup of their mailboxes, prefer PDF. Here is a quick guide to help you to convert EML to PDF with attachments. Explore both, a free manual method or a professional EML to PDF Converter Software.

About EML and PDF Formats- The Major Differences

Before we move on to the methods to convert EML files to PDF, let’s understand the difference between these file formats.

EML(Email Message Format) PDF(Portable Document Format)
Stores Single Email Messages with Text and attachments Has Fixed layout documents, and stores Text, Images, Links, etc.
Viewable By Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Outlook, etc. Viewable By PDF Readers like Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Often Smaller Format and is Less Secure Can be Larger, especially with Images, and Provide Password-Protection
To Treat Email Message as a Separate File Often used to Present and Interchange Documents

What is the Need for EML to PDF Conversion?

EML and PDF, both file formats are far different from each other. One is used to store email messages and the other to store content in a document or file. Now let’s discuss scenarios why users need to convert EML to PDF:

  • Convert EML files to PDF, to handle large documents and images more efficiently with compression.
  • You can save several EML files with their attachments in a single PDF file as a backup.
  • PDF files prevent any unauthorized access and thus are a more secure format.
  • You get the same formatting and layout of PDF files across different devices.
  • PDF files provide password protection and are easy to share, print, and open.

Furthermore, let us discuss the conversion process of EML files to PDF files.

How to Convert EML Files to PDF With Attachments?

In this section, we will explore two approaches, professional and manual for the conversion of EML files to PDF.

  • Batch Conversion Using MS Outlook's in-built utility
  • Save EML as PDF Files Using MS Word
  • Use Mozilla Thunderbird for Conversion of EML to PDF
  • Direct Conversion using Professional Software

Now, just follow the procedure given below and efficiently convert EML file to PDF.

Batch Convert EML to PDF Using Outlook's Print Option

For this process, you must have MS Outlook installed on your computer. Now, follow the below-mentioned steps to convert EML files with attachments to PDF:

  1. Open the MS Outlook application on your PC.
  2. Locate EML files and drag and drop EML Files in Outlook.
  3. Then, select any random EML file that you want to convert.
  4. Here, go to the File menu option and select the Print tag.
  5. Now, choose the ‘Microsoft Print to PDF’ option in Printer
  6. Select Print and the saving dialog box appears.
  7. At last, specify the file name and saving folder to save the EML file.

Save EML as PDF Files Through MS Word

For this, you need to open EML files in the MS Word application. Follow the process below and convert EML to PDF with attachments:

  1. Find EML on your System and select the file to convert.
  2. Next, right-click on the chosen EML file and click Open With.
  3. After that, choose MS Word to open EML with the application.
  4. Once the EML file is accessed in Word, click on File at the top-left corner.
  5. After that, choose the Save As button. Specify saving destination.
  6. Save As dialog box appears. Expand the Save As Type drop-down menu.
  7. Find PDF(*.pdf) format in the list of file formats and change the file name.
  8. Click Save and finally, it will save EML as PDF file format

Here, you have another procedure to save EML emails into PDF using the MS Word application. You still have many other options to convert EML files to PDF with attachments.

Convert EML to PDF Through Mozilla Thunderbird

Most users prefer the Mozilla Thunderbird application as it is a very common webmail client. Just follow the steps below to save Thunderbird EML files to portable document format:

  • Open the Thunderbird Application on your local system.
  • Moving ahead, export the EML files into the Thunderbird application.
  • Choose the folders that contain EML emails and right-click on them.
  • Click on ImportExportTools NG. Choose Export all Messages in the Folder.
  • Further, select the PDF as a saving option from the list of formats.
  • Click on Browse and set the desired location to store your EML messages.
  • In the end, click on the Ok button to download EML as PDF files.

Till now, you have explored three manual procedures to transfer EML messages to PDF with attachments. They are free of cost and don’t cost any penny.

However, you might face certain issues during the EML to PDF conversion process. For instance, if you want to convert more than 2-3 files, you have to repeat the same procedure. This will consume your significant time. So, this process is not an ideal solution. Also, it doesn’t guarantee secure conversion of messages from EML to PDF. Therefore, to Convert Multiple EML Files to Outlook PST, PDF, or other formats, you can go for reliable professional software.

Direct Method to Convert EML to PDF- Using Professional Utility

Converting EML files is the task of a few minutes, using SysInfo EML Converter Software. It is a versatile and efficient tool for batch EML to PDF conversion along with attachments. The tool allows converting unlimited EML files of all sizes with no restrictions. Moreover, it offers some latest features to enhance your EML conversion experience.

Steps to Convert EML Files to PDF

You just need to run the free demo version, for a better understanding. Further, go through the steps below to convert EML files:

  1. Download and run the software on your local system.
  2. Choose the Single File/Multiple Files or Select Folder option. Click Next.
  3. Now, click on the Select File/Select Folder option to add EML files.
  4. Choose the EML file that you want to convert and click Open > Next.
  5. Moving further, preview your chosen EML files, select emails, and click Next.
  6. From the list of the saving options, select PDF. Apply filters if needed.
  7. Afterward, click on the Convert button and EML to PDF Conversion begins

Note: This tool also allows users to remove duplicates and exclude attachments before migration. Explore the trial version of the tool to know more.

Conclusion

Here are all the free and easy methods to convert EML into PDF. You get well aware of the pros and cons of the manual method, to choose one that better suits your preferences. However, there is a solution to get rid of the manual step’s limitations. One of the easiest, and most flexible tools is the professional EML Converter tool. Hence, you can convert unlimited EML files to PDF at the same time with no restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I Convert EML to PDF?

Ans. You can directly batch convert EML files to PDF using SysInfo EML Converter. Following are the steps to save EML as PDF within minutes:
  1. Download and open the ELM Converter on your PC or laptop.
  2. Choose the Single file/Multiple file option and click Next.
  3. Now, click on Select File/Select Folder to add EML files.
  4. After that, choose any EML file > Open > Next button.
  5. Preview your chosen EML files > Select emails > Click Next.
  6. Select the saving option as PDF > tap on Convert.

Q2. What is the Quickest and Best Way to Convert EML to PDF?

Ans.Using the Professional EML Converter Software by SysInfo is the most reliable method. It supports the conversion of unlimited files at once, maintaining the data integrity of files.