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How to Export Gmail Emails to PDF? Top 2 Methods

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Written By
Nick Rogers
Published On
January 25th, 2024
Reading Time
7 Minutes Reading

Want to create local copies of Gmail emails in PDF format? If yes, you will find this article useful. Here we will discuss how you can use the free Thunderbird app to export Gmail emails to PDF. Alternatively, we will also highlight the method that is independent of any email application. So let’s get started.

Although Gmail users have the benefits in accessing data and Google environment, server failure or data theft can sometimes cause them problems. Creating a copy of emails in Gmail is a professional option for any emergency situations. Whether you need cross-platform support to access data or you need to backup your emails, a PDF is the best choice. Here, are some of the best use of PDF to keeps Gmail emails.

Quick Way to Export Gmail to PDF

  • Download, install and start the Gmail to PDF Exporter.
  • Add your Gmail account into the software interface.
  • Select folders to export and select PDF saving option.
  • Browse and select location to save PDFs and click Save.

Why Should You Export Gmail Emails to PDF?

  • Backup: Gmail is a web-based service that stores all data on servers online. In case of server failure or even accidental deletion of emails, a previously made backup can help you recover all the data. PDF is best for Gmail backups.
  • Offline Access: You can export Gmail to PDF to create offline copies of data. If you don’t have a proper internet connection to open Gmail, and you urgently need to review emails, offline versions can help you.
  • Physical Copies: If you need to print Gmail emails, there are no other better options than a PDF file. PDF files are best for printing hard copies of emails and documents because they have a fixed layout and do not process information upside down.
  • Free Storage Space: No matter how much storage space Gmail offers, in today’s digital age it can fill up quickly. So, to free up some space, you can export emails from Gmail to PDF and later delete them from the server.

Making a copy of your Gmail email in PDF can be quite advantageous for the the given reasons. Now, lets get to our solution to complete this task.

How to Export Emails from Gmail to PDF?

  • Open the Thunderbird on your Windows computer.
  • Now go to File >> New >> Existing mail account.
    click existing mail account
  • In the dialog box, enter your username, email address, and password and click Continue.
    enter gmail credentials to export gmail to pdf
  • Now, Thunderbird automatically configures your Gmail account.
  • A pop-up window will appear asking you to sign in to your Gmail account.
  • Sign up with your Gmail credentials and Thunderbird will download all your Gmail messages.

Now that you’ve synced Gmail into Thunderbird, it’s time to export your emails in PDF format.

In order to export Gmail emails to PDF, you need to download some add-ons in the application. There is a free add-on namely “ImportExportTools NG” which lets you export emails in multiple file formats.

  • Open Thunderbird on your device, then click Tools and select Add-ons.
    click tools and select add ons
  • Now, click on the setting icon and then select Install add-on from file.
    install add-on from a file
  • Now go to the download folder and set up the add-on.
    go to download folder
  • Start by installing Thunderbird add-ons.
    install add on
  • Once the installation is complete, click the Restart Now button.
    restart now
  • Now, open the app and select Gmail messages. Click Save selected messages and then PDF.
    select gmail messages
  • Select the location to save the resulting Gmail PDF files. Wait a moment and your Gmail emails will be saved in PDF format.
    export gmail emails to pdf

So, this is how you may export Gmail emails to PDF using the manual approach. This approach is free but as you may see very lengthy and have several limitations which you may find below.

Limitations of the Manual Approach

  • You should download and set up your email app, if you haven’t already.
  • You have to install many add-ons which is not quite easy.
  • You cannot export bulk emails from Gmail to PDF using the manual method

A Direct Way to Export Gmail Emails to PDF

4n6 Gmail Backup Software is the most effective solution to export emails from Gmail in PDF. Unlike the manual method, it offers just a few simple steps to export Gmail message to PDF. It is also completely standalone and does not need to set up any email application.
download-button

Using this application, one can easily export multiple emails from Gmail to PDF at the same time. You will be able to export emails with all associated attachments. You may find below steps to export Gmail emails to PDF in bulk.

Steps to Convert Gmail to PDF in Bulk

  • Run the application and click the Open button and Add Account.
    run the tool to export gmail emails to pdf
  • Enter the credentials of your Gmail account and click Add.
    add gmail account
  • It will load your Gmail email folders on the left panel.
    loaded gmail folders
  • Now, click the Export tab and choose PDF as file saving option.
    select pdf format
  • Select a location to save the Gmail PDF files and click the Save button.
    export emails from gmail to pdf

That’s it. By following these simple steps, you can export multiple Gmail emails to PDF format at once. It will only take a few seconds.

Benefits of the Expert Software

  • This software has the ability to batch convert multiple Gmail emails to PDF.
  • It can export emails from Gmail to PDF document with all attachments.
  • There is no file size limitation to convert Gmail emails into PDF.
  • Also, while exporting Gmail data into PDF, this app maintains properties.
  • It has the ability to export Gmail to PDF along with the header information.
  • Also, you can run this software on Windows 11, 10, and earlier editions.
  • Allows you to choose the location where you need to get output PDF files.
  • There is no need to install supportive application to get this task done.

In Conclusion 

Gmail is one of the most popular email service, however it can only be used when connected to the internet. Therefore, it is suggested to create a copy of your Gmail emails. Here, we have provided the most reliable and instant software to export Gmail emails to PDF along with all the properties.

Frequently Asked Queries

Question 1: Can I export a Gmail message to PDF without installing add-ons in Thunderbird?

No, you must install add-ons in Thunderbird to be able to export emails in PDF format.

Question 2: Can I export Gmail to PDF using Google Takeout functionality?

No, Google Takeout allows you to save Gmail data in MBOX format. It does not provide a PDF saving option.

Question 3: Hey, when I am trying to add my Gmail account credentials to the software, but I am getting the below error. How to fix this issue?

error

Answer: Please make sure the following settings are activated in order to resolve the login problem:

enable imap settings

Question 4: How to create the Google App password?

Answer: Watch out the video to create app password:

Question 5: Can I use this application to export Gmail emails to PDF header information?

Answer: Yes, with this app, you can export Gmail to PDF with header information.

Question 6: Does the application allow me to export selected Gmail folders into PDF extension?

Answer: Yes, you can check the folders that you need to export and deselect those that you don’t want.