How to Convert Apple Mail to PDF with Attachments? 4 Easy Methods

Overview: This guide covers how to convert Apple Mail to PDF for beginners and professional users. It discusses the free built-in method and recommends a dedicated tool for bulk Mac Mail email to PDF conversion. 4 Tried and tested ways by 4n6 data experts to convert Mac Mail to PDF with attachments, folder structure, and formatting.

Apple Mail has over 2.3 billion active users worldwide. With new data security updates, it has become a popular choice for users.

However, often these users need to convert Apple Mail to PDF for offline accessibility without an email client or better shareability with applications on Windows, Linux, and Android devices.

This guide helps export Mac Mail emails as PDF with all data preserved, irrespective of the Mailbox size.

Understanding Apple Mail & PDF Format

Apple Mail: Also known as Mac Mail or Mail App on iPhone or iPad. It is an email client application for Mobile and desktop. It lets Mac users access multiple email accounts in one place.

PDF Files: PDF is an abbreviation for Portable Document Format. It was developed by Adobe. Universal file format can be easily accessed via browser and PDF reader across all devices.

Due to wide compatibility and offline accessibility, users convert Apple Mail to PDF.

Note: When you convert Mac Mail to PDF, it can not be imported back into the email client or account, as it is a document format, not an email format.

When should you Convert Apple Mail to PDF?

Below are the common real-life use cases when users need to print Apple Mail to PDF:

• Email Archiving: PDFs are read-only and preserve formatting, thus archivists and businesses export Apple Mail to PDF for legal archiving.
• Offline Access Without Email Client: Removes dependency on email client for reading Apple Mail data with attachments.
• Easy Sharing: To read Apple Mail data on Windows, Linux, Android, & other mobile devices without any external application.
• Enables Direct Print: Legal firms and businesses keep printed copies of receipts and documents, so users can print from Apple Mail to PDF.

Here we have laid out multiple methods and their step-by-step explanations based on your need to save an email as a PDF on Mac Mail.

Method 1: Save Apple Mail as PDF on Mac

It is a free manual way to convert Apple Mail to PDF. It is only for MacBook or iMac devices. For users who have limited Mac Mail data to convert to PDF.

Here are the exact steps you need to follow:

1. Open the Mail App on your Mac PC.
2. Navigate to the Mac Mail you want to save as a PDF.
3. Double-Click to open.
4. Click on the printer icon on the top right.
5. Select the PDF option at the bottom of the pop-up window.
6. Choose the Save Mac Mail as PDF option.
7. Rename, choose the destination, and press Save.

With this method, you can directly print Apple Mail to PDF or save it as a PDF on your Mac PC

Limitations

• You need to download attachments separately.
• Only supports one conversion at a time; thus time-consuming and manual.

Method 2: Convert Apple Mail to PDF on iPhone or iPad

Exporting emails from Apple Mail to PDF on iPhone or iPad is quite simple.

Here are the exact steps you need to follow:

1. Open your Mac Mail App on iPhone or iPad.
2. Open the needed email.
3. Click on the reply button at the bottom.
4. Scroll down and click on Print.
5. Open the view of the PDF.
6. Click on the Add to File option.

You have successfully converted and saved Apple Mail as PDF.

Method 3: Bulk Convert Apple Mail to PDF (Manually)

It is a free way for users to convert multiple Mac Mail emails to PDF. You will need Thunderbird (another email application) and an Add-On.

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Export MBOX from Mac Mail

Note: MBOX is the email file format supported by Mac Mail.

1. Open Mac Mail on your desktop.
2. Click on File and then choose Export Mailbox.
   
3. Choose the saving location and hit save.
   

Step 2: Set Up Thunderbird

1. Download Thunderbird on Mac.
2. Add any mail account in Thunderbird.
3. Go to the hamburger menu on the top right.
4. Choose Themes and Add-ons.
5. Download Import Export NG.
6. Import Apple Mail MBOX in Thunderbird Local Folder
7. Right-click on the Local Folder >> ImportExportNG >> Import MBOX >> Choose the Apple Mail MBOX.

Step3: Export Apple Mail MBOX as PDF at Once

1. Right-click on the imported folder.
2. Choose ImportExportNG >> Export All Messages in Folder >> PDF Format >> Messages and Index with Subfolder.
3. Name the folder and press Save.
4. You have successfully converted Mac Mail to PDF in bulk.

Why you should not use this method to Convert Mac Mail to PDF?

Although the method is functional, it has various drawbacks:

Data Corruption: Multiple imports and exports do not provide a high-quality PDF.
Technically Complex: Requires knowledge about Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and related file formats.
Unorganized Conversion: With no set Naming option, it can be difficult to find required PDFs.

Expert way to Bulk Convert Mac Mail to PDF

4n6 MBOX Converter is a software that helps you convert and save Apple Mail Emails as PDF and 10+ other file formats in a fast, secure, and easy way.

It makes the Apple Mail to PDF conversion simpler on Windows. Trusted and chosen by thousands of users globally to bulk convert Apple Mail to PDF with attachment, folder structure, & metadata.

Download the tool today for top-notch conversion. Export Apple Mail to PDF free with the demo version- Limited to 10 conversions. Try out the advanced features today.

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How to Export Mac Mail to PDF using Tool

Note: Export MBOX from Apple Mail beforehand and share them to a Windows device.

1. Download the Mac Mail to PDF Converter on your PC.
2. Click on the Open icon on the top right.
   
3. Choose Email Data Files Option >> MBOX.
4. Choose MBOX files.
   
5. Click on the Export tab and choose the PDF option.
   
6. Browse the saving location.
7. Select the desired File Naming Option.
8. Click on the Save button on the top right.
   

What is the Best Way to Convert Apple Mail to PDF?

• It can handle large Mailboxes with ease.
• Preserves Attachment, Formatting, Metadata, and Folder Structure.
• Gives a direct option to save attachments in a folder.
• You can skip greyed-out folders and email headers if not needed.
• Has advanced algorithms for faster conversions.
• Offers multiple Naming options for easy tracking and location.
• Guarantees 100% secure and offline Mac Mail to PDF conversion.
• Generates a detailed log report for audits and verification after bulk conversion.

Final Expert Advice

Now you can easily convert Apple Mail to PDF – be it the Inbox/ Sent/ Draft, or any other folder of any size.

If you only have 2 or 3 emails and need to convert them just for sharing purposes, you can use a manual method. However, a dedicated Apple Mail to PDF Converter is the most suitable way to bulk export Apple Mail to PDF.

If you still have any questions or need help with anything, reach out to our 24/7 available Technical team through the Live Chat option on the top right.

FAQs: Convert Mac Mail to PDF

Q1: How to convert Apple Mail Messages to PDF free?

You can use manual ways, like the print option on a desktop Mac or reply and then save as PDF option on an iPhone or iPad. You can also try free demo version of 4n6’s dedicated tool Bulk Export Mac Mail to PDF for free.

Q2: Do attachments save when converting Apple Mail to PDF?

With manual methods, you have to save the attachment separately. However, with the 4n6’s dedicated tool, you can save Mac Mail MBOX as PDF with attachments directly.

Q3: How to convert Apple Mail emails to PDF on Windows?

To do so, you need to share the exported Apple Mail MBOX on a Windows computer. After that, you either use 4n6 Apple Mail to PDF Converter or manually convert via Thunderbird ImportExportNG.