How to Convert MBOX to CSV File Format in Bulk?
Summary: One-stop guide to convert MBOX to CSV. This guide covers the manual, professional & free methods to convert & export MBOX email files in CSV. Step-by-step methods to access bulk MBOX data in Excel in a structured way for email analysis, sorting, filtering, and integrating with other applications.
We all know that MBOX is supported by most Windows, macOS, and Linux-based applications. A single MBOX file contains a lot of data about a specific profile configured with an email client. An MBOX file contains email message text, headers, and metadata in a structured manner.
On the other hand, CSV (Comma Separated Values) is a list of data that contains information in specific rows and columns. Most users convert MBOX files in CSV format due to their ability to present data in an organized manner.
A lot of users want to open MBOX files in CSV format along with all the attributes for several reasons. We have listed the main benefits of this conversion; you can explore them below.
Why Users Convert MBOX Files to CSV Format?
Based on our research and expert analysis, these are the most common reasons why users convert MBOX files to CSV:
- Data analysts convert MBOX(mailbox) data to CSV for easy import of email data in analysis tools like SQL, Power BI, or Excel.
- Businesses convert their MBOX email data into CSV for better portability and easy integration into CRMs, e-discovery needs and data audits.
- Converting MBOX to CSV helps extract email components -like body, sender, or receiver details, date, and time easily, and organize data better.
- Many reseachers aslo convert MBOX to CSV to better visualize email data with charts by converting and importing CSV into Excel.
Now, let’s get back to our business and find out one of the fastest solutions to convert MBOX files to CSV format.
How to Convert MBOX to CSV File Format?
Converting from an MBOX file to a CSV file can be easily done in a few simple steps. The basic and widely popular ways to accomplish the task are as follows:
- Manual method
- Fastest MBOX to CSV Converter
The basic manual solution involves using the Thunderbird email client. This email client allows you to install some add-ons and then export emails in multiple formats, including Comma Separated Value (CSV).
So, without any further ado, let’s dive into this method and get the job done quickly.
Method 1: Import MBOX File into CSV Manually
- First, if you don’t already have Thunderbird installed on your device, download and install it.
- Next, install the “ImportExportTools NG” add-on from the add-ons store.
- Once add-ons are installed, restart the application.
- Click Tools > ImportExportTools NG > Import MBOX File.
- Go to ‘import directly from one or more MBOX’ and import the MBOX file.
- Then, right-click the large MBOX email or folders recently imported.
- Choose “Save selected Message” and select “CSV” and click OK.
This method is completely free and suitable even if you do not have an account already configured with Thunderbird.
However, if you are not configured with an account and don’t want to, check out the automated instant solution below. Thunderbird + ImportExportTools NG may result in unorganized data.
Moreover, bulk importing MBOX files into Thunderbird can be time-consuming. Users have also reported software crashes during the conversion process.
Method 2: Professional MBOX to CSV Software
The 4n6 MBOX Converter Tool is an effective and secure tool to convert MBOX to CSV in a well-structured manner with all email attributes. Unlike the manual method, this tool offers easy steps that any non-technical user can easily follow. Also, it provides a filter search option to search and save specific MBOX emails as CSV files.
This tool is time-saving and completely standalone. It does not require you to set up an additional application or install add-ons. You can try the tool yourself. Download it from the button above and use its free version first.
Steps to Batch Convert MBOX Files to CSV
- Download, Install and Run the MBOX to CSV Converter.
- Go to the Open Menu >> Email Data Files >>MBOX Files.
- Browse MBOX files or folders and get them into the fastest MBOX to CSV Converter.
- After that, Open the Export Menu and Select CSV as the file format from the drop-down list.
- Browse the destination path and click on the Save button to convert MBOX to CSV.
- Go to the Open Menu >> Email Data Files >>MBOX Files.
Wait for a couple of minutes and see the final exported message. By clicking on the Open Folder, you can see the resultant Excel CSV file.
Best MBOX to CSV Converter for Large MBOX File
- Works Offline: This software is completely offline. It does not retain your data for a longer period of time, as the majority of online MBOX to CSV converters do.
- Batch Conversion: The tool allows you to convert large MBOX files to CSV in bulk with all email text, sender, and receiver details, links, and other metadata.
- Convert Specific Emails: The advanced filter option allows the fastest way to convert MBOX emails to CSV using different criteria such as date, time, filename, file size, To, Cc, Bcc, Subject, etc.
- Windows-based: The Windows MBOX to CSV tool is compatible with all versions of Windows OS, such as Windows 7, 8, 10, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.
- Self-sufficient: This application is completely standalone and does not need you to set up any desktop email client in order to convert MBOX Text to CSV format.
- Initially Free: There is a free version of the tool available for trial and testing purposes. The free trial version allows the fastest conversion of 10 MBOX emails to CSV from each folder.
In Conclusion
We have provided you with the best ways to convert the MBOX file to CSV. You can easily convert a file from MBOX to a CSV document using an email client. Alternatively, you may use the best MBOX to CSV Software for bulk conversion of files without any email client. Based on our research at 4n6, most professionals recommend the pro software to carry out the conversion process.
FAQs: Convert MBOX Files to CSV
Question) Why should I convert MBOX to CSV?
You might need to convert a large MBOX file to a CSV document to organize, analyze, or protect your email data. CSV is a widely supported format for tabular data that can be easily imported into spreadsheet software and databases.
Question) How do I locate the MBOX file in my email client?
The location of MBOX files varies depending on your email client. In Thunderbird, you can find them in your profile folder. In Apple Mail, look for the “Mail” folder within your user library.
Question) Is there a free method to export an MBOX file to CSV?
Yes, you may initially use the 4n6 MBOX to CSV converter for free for the conversion of MBOX to CSV. Also, you may use MBOX-supported open source email clients for free conversions.
Question) What are the limitations of converting MBOX to CSV?
Converting MBOX to CSV may result in some data loss, especially if your emails contain complex formatting or attachments. CSV is a simplified format primarily for text-based data.
Question) How many emails can I convert from MBOX to CSV at once?
You may export multiple or even unlimited numbers of MBOX data files to CSV in a single procedure with a professional application.
Question) Can I use this MBOX format with the CSV Software on the Mac OS system?
No, the software does not support any versions of Mac OS. However, you may use it to convert MBOX to CSV of any version on Windows.
Question) Can CSV files contain MBOX attachments?
No, CSV files can not contain attachments of MBOX files or any other file format, as they store data in plain text format in a tabular form.




