How to Import EML Files Into Thunderbird Like a Pro? Guide

Summary: In this informative expert guide, we will be learning how to import EML files into Thunderbird effectively using the best methods.

As importing large EMLs has become a task for those who are switching from another email client, restoring the data, managing, or sharing the EML files, Thunderbird doesn’t offer a direct method via which anyone can view and import EML to Thunderbird. There are several ways to open EML file in Thunderbird, which we will be going to discuss in this article.

How to Import EML Files into Thunderbird? Ways

EML files can be transferred manually into Thunderbird either by dragging & dropping them, or install the ImportExportTools NG add-on and then import. However, both ways are risky and not recommended, as they may lead to data and formatting loss, so the alternative solution is to use an automated tool. Let’s discuss both ways briefly below.

Import EML: Quick Suggestion

As you know that importing EML files manually using Thunderbird can be risky; there are other better ways to import the files also. If you don’t have Thunderbird installed and configured on your device, simply use the automated converter; otherwise, if you have the application installed, you can go for the manual method. We have discussed both approaches briefly in the blog below.

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Top 3 Ways to Open and Import EML Files Into Thunderbird

Here are the three effective ways described below to open EML file in Thunderbird.

Manual Method 1: Using the Drag & Drop Approach

1. Firstly, open Thunderbird on your system.
2. Make a new folder in the interface.
3. Now, navigate your EML files to import them.
4. Now drag and drop your EML files one by one to import them into the Thunderbird account.
5. Once done, you can easily use your EML data files in Thunderbird.

Note: You will have to repeat the process for each file and will have to import the EML files repeatedly, one by one manually. Dragging and dropping large files may corrupt the files or may also lead to permanent data loss.

Bonus Point: If you just want to open EML file in Thunderbird, you can simply go to your local folder > right-click on the EML file > and open it with Thunderbird, and you will be able to open and view your EML files.

Manual Method 2: Using ImportExportTools NG Add-on

1.   Firstly, open Thunderbird and go to Tools > Account Settings > Add-ons and Themes.
2.   Now, search ImportExportTools NG and install the add-on in Thunderbird. Restart the application.
   
   
3.   Then, go to the “mail” page and make a new folder.
4.   Right-click on the new folder > ImportExportTools NG > Import EML messages > All EML messages from a directory and subdirectories.
   
   

Note: You can surely import EML files into Thunderbird using the drag & drop method or add-ons, but they are the most risky approaches and only advisable when you have fewer EML files to import. Migrating EML through this approach can lead to loss of the original formatting and data structure. It may also corrupt your EMLs when opening large files.

Alternative Solution: Importing via a Professional Tool

Another approach is to use a professional EML Converter Software, which will allow you to import EML files into Thunderbird in bulk without any size limitations. Using this expert utility, you can open EML file in Thunderbird with 100% data security and keep the major elements and properties intact. Whereas the manual method often loses the formatting, corrupts the files, and does not guarantee to keep data safe, the automated solution guarantees all those points.

If you have just a few EML files to import, then the manual method can be used, but when you have crucial data files to import into Thunderbird and want to transfer large data in bulk without data loss, then this method is recommended. Here are the easy working steps:
1. Download the EML to Thunderbird migration tool, install the utility on your Windows OS system, and start it.
2. Go to Open Menu and choose the folder or files option.

3. Choose either files or folders from the system directly and upload the data to the software panel.

4. See the data display preview and click on a particular message to view the data in several modes, and select the required files to import EML files into Thunderbird account.

5. Click on Export Menu and choose Thunderbird as the Email Service.

6. Now, the tool will select the default destination path automatically > turn on/off the export settings > hit the save button.

What are the Major Reasons that Users don’t prefer the First Two Methods? Manual Approach Limitations

• The manual approach cannot handle bulk conversion. You cannot import large EML files altogether in bulk, as it may corrupt the files or cause data can be lost permanently.
• There are high risks of attachments getting missing or having broken formatting. Thunderbird does not guarantee to import EML files into Thunderbird while keeping the original elements and structure intact.
• It does not have the data security as the application is run on the cloud, and there are chances of data breaches when the data is imported into the cloud.
• The process is time-consuming, and no professional or big businesses can use this manual approach as it may waste a lot of their time, and in the end, the results may be broken.

Overcome the Limitations by Using the Expert Tool: Key Features

• Allows batch conversion without any size restrictions. You can import hundreds or thousands of EML files altogether.
• Preserves the important elements like attachments, links, metadata, etc. It does not disturb the original elements and keeps the data unedited.
• Provides complete data security as it is trusted by professionals because the tool operates on the desktop and does not forward the file to the server or cloud. Also, the copies of the EMLs are forwarded instead of the old ones to keep them safe and original.
• You can import EML files into Thunderbird by keeping the folder hierarchy and data structure as it is. The tool imports EML files into Thunderbird without making any changes to the original structure.
• This tool can automatically sync the entire mailbox after you select just the main folder. It displays all the sub-folders and files in the left panel in the same folder hierarchy.
• This EML to Thunderbird Converter provides a user-friendly interface and, hence, can easily be accessed by all Internet users. Just by seeing the software panel, it becomes easy for users to understand the options.

Conclusion

As we have come to an end, we can conclude the blog by saying that there are free ways and automated ways to import EML files into Thunderbird, but both have different perspectives. If you are a normal user and want to just open EML file in Thunderbird, you can do that manually one by one, but if you are a professional or you have crucial data, then only the expert tool is recommended, as the manual way can harm the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many EML files will I be able to import into Thunderbird?
You can import the bulk of EML files to Thunderbird in a single cycle.

Q2. Will I be able to extract attachments along with EML emails?
Yes, you can easily download attachments along with EML emails.

Q3. Can I use this EML to Thunderbird migrator on my Mac OS system?
No, you cannot use this software on my Mac OS system.