How to Convert MBOX to EML with All Email Attributes? Easily

Overview: Discover tried and tested ways to convert MBOX to EML files on Mac & Windows, listed by our data forensic experts. Explore the free manual method, i.e., using Thunderbird & Apple Mail to export MBOX to EML on Windows & macOS for easy access. MBOX to EML converter tool to support bulk conversion at once with attachments, metadata, and complete folder structure.

Understanding MBOX v/s EML

MBOX and EML are both email file formats used by many email clients and services. By understanding the similarities and differences between them, you can identify the right option for your needs for easy imports and access.

Many users ask, “What is the difference between EML and MBOX format?”

The core difference between MBOX and EML is that a .mbox file can store multiple emails, while a .eml file can only store one email message with attachments.

They also serve different purposes for the user. Here is a quick comparison between them to explain MBOX VS email based on structure, data stored, corruption chances, and uses.

Essential Reasons to Convert MBOX to EML

Understand when it is actually helpful and necessary to convert .mbox files to EML format.

• Native Import in Email Service: Email services like Zoho Mail and OWA can have a native option to import EML files. Therefore, for restoring archived MBOX data, MBOX to EML conversion is a secure and suitable choice.
• Better Compatibility: EML files are supported by a wide range of applications, including Thunderbird, Outlook, Windows Live Mail, and Apple Mail. Moving MBOX data to EML makes it easier to switch between accounts.
• Simple and Portable: EML is better suited for single/isolated email archival or sharing.  An EML file has a simple structure and represents a single message containing all the metadata, such as headers, body, attachments, and footer.
• Ease of Data Access: EML files can easily be integrated with other email applications for easy access. EML files can easily be dragged and dropped into multiple applications, whereas MBOX cannot; thus, users convert MBOX to EML.
• Low Risk of Corruption:  As an .eml file only stores one email, its corruption will only affect one email. Converting MBOX to EML significantly reduces the risk of widespread data loss compared with keeping messages stored in one large MBOX file.
• Easy Backup and Sharing: Since EML file stores only one message, their backup is more efficient and accurate compared to MBOX. It’s also easy to share due to the small file size.
• Forensic Evidence Isolation: A data forensics expert changes MBOX files to EML format to extract single email evidence and for easy import into other forensic tools. EML files are also used in case of legal reviews.

These are some scenarios where converting MBOX to EML, a single data file, is useful. Below are the verified ways to convert MBOX email to an EML file.

How to Convert and Export MBOX to EML?

There are both manual and professional ways to convert MBOX to EML. In this guide, we have laid out 3 methods with exact steps to follow to get the output .eml files.

1. Using Email Clients – Free Manual Method
   • Using Thunderbird Drag & Drop Method, Save As Option, and ImportExportTools NG – For Mac & Windows
   • Using Apple Mail for Mac Devices
2. Using a Dedicated tool for Bulk, Accurate & Forensic Level MBOX to EML Conversion like 4n6 MBOX to EML converter. Windows Specific – Preferred by IT Experts & Businesses with large data files.

Note: There are multiple online MBOX to EML converters that convert MBOX to EML files free of charge. However, they are not the recommended solution. You may need to upload data to an external server, which can cause a data leak. Also, they have an input size limitation, thus not suitable for bulk conversion and there is NO guarantee of data integrity.

Convert MBOX Files to EML Using Thunderbird

Thunderbird, a desktop email client compatible with both Mac and Windows, provides users with ways to convert MBOX files to export MBOX to EML format for easy access.

Method 1: Drag & Drop to Convert MBOX to EML

It is a free manual solution to export MBOX to EML that works on both Mac & Windows

Thunderbird Drag-and-Drop Method is recommended to convert MBOX to EML in the following scenarios:

• You have limited email to Export as EML.
• You have already imported MBOX in Thunderbird.

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert MBOX to EML Using simple drag and drop: 

1. Go to the MBOX email you need to convert into EML.
2. Drag the email from Thunderbird and drop it in File Explorer/ Finder on Mac.
3. By default, the data will be saved as EML (Email Message).

Method 2: Export MBOX to EML using ImportExportTools NG

Exact steps you need to follow to convert MBOX to EML:

1. If not already set up, download and install the application on your device.
2. Configure an account in Thunderbird.
3. Install ImportExportTools NG add-ons in the application.
   
4. Now, right-click the local folder on the left panel and create a new folder.
5. Right-click the new folder and select “ImportExportTools NG.“
6. Now, select “Import MBOX File” and then select import one or more MBOX files.
7. Browse and select the MBOX files and click Open. Now the application will import your MBOX files.
8. Right-click the recently imported MBOX file, then click on “ImportExportTools NG.“
9. Choose “Export All Messages as Email Folder” >> EML.
   
10. Select the location to save the EML files and click Finish.

Using an add-on can also be an effective method to convert MBOX file(s) to EML if you have limited data.

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of the method to verify if this method is suitable for your MBOX to EML conversion needs.

Advantages of Thunderbird to Export MBOX to EML 

• This method is completely free.
• Works on both Mac & Windows Devices.

Disadvantages of Thunderbird to Convert MBOX to EML

• Not Reliable: Thunderbird can crash when converting large MBOX files to EML.
• Technically Complex: Requires technical knowledge to follow the process.
• Requires Third-Party Extension: You need to install ImportExportTools NG.
• Loss of Data Integrity: There may be a change in the content structure.
• Not a data forensic-grade MBOX to EML conversion.

Method 3: Apple Mail to Convert MBOX to EML on Mac

Apple Mail is a Mac and iOS-based email client. It supports import and export of MBOX format. This is a Mac-centric way to change MBOX files to EML format.

It does not require any extension. Free and manual way to export MBOX to EML if you have archived MBOX on macOS.

Follow the steps below:

1. Open Apple Mail on PC.
2. From the Menu bar, choose File > Import Mailbox.
   
3. Choose the File in MBOX Format Option and then Continue.
   
4. Select all the Mailbox folders that you need to import into Apple Mail.
5. Scroll down to “On My Mac” to see the imported MBOX file.
   
6. Open the Email Message.
7. Click on File >> Save As.
   
8. Choose Raw Message Source, name the file, and Save.

You have successfully converted MBOX to EML on Mac.

Disclaimer: Technical users also rely on the Scripts and Python Code to convert MBOX Files to EML. However, it primarily used by developers and forensic lab experts. It requires technical knowledge and does not have any way of verification.

How to Convert MBOX files to EML? Using Tool

1. Firstly, download, install, and start the software to convert MBOX files to EML on Windows.
2. Click Open menu and then select Email Data Files > MBOX Files > Choose Files/Folders.
3. Now browse and select the MBOX files. Then click Open to import them into the tool.
   
4. Click the Export and choose the EML option from the drop-down menu.
   
5. Browse for the required destination path and click the [Save] button.
   

Best Way to Convert MBOX to EML: Quick Comparison

Benefits of MBOX to EML Converter over Manual Method

• Batch Conversion: This software can convert MBOX to EML in bulk. It imposes no restriction, and you are free to export multiple MBOX files at once to EML without any data loss.
• Check Complete Preview of MBOX Data: The MBOX to EML Software includes a message viewer. When you open MBOX files, the tool provides a complete preview of emails, attachments, and other data.
• Provides Compact View Option: To conceal system folders from the software interface, use the Compact view option. This utility will then only display user folders, that is, folders that contain MBOX files.
• Export Complete Metadata: The software allows you to export MBOX to EML with attachments and other email metadata elements like To, Cc, Subject, Bcc, From, etc.
• Supported All Versions of Windows: This toolkit is compatible with all versions of Windows operating systems. You may export MBOX to EML on Windows 11 and all versions.
• Simple User-Friendly Interface: The application to convert MBOX message files to EML files provides a very simple interface. Even people without technical knowledge can use it without any trouble.

In Conclusion

In the above content, we have provided you with the two best methods to convert MBOX to EML. You can use the manual method, which is email client-dependent, time-consuming, and technical. On the other hand, we have suggested a professional workaround, which is a user-friendly and time-saving solution. Please take a look at both methods and use the one that suits your needs.

FAQs: Convert MBOX to EML

 1. What are MBOX and EML?

MBOX and EML are both email file formats used to store email messages. Both formats are used by multiple email clients; however, the main difference between the two formats is that MBOX can contain multiple emails, while EML stores a single email message.

2. I need to extract one message from a large MBOX file. What is the best caution?

You should convert MBOX files to EML, as EML files are suitable for holding a single message.

3. Is there any manual way to convert MBOX format to EML?

Yes. You can use an email application like Thunderbird to convert the MBOX file format to EML manually.

4. What is the best way to convert multiple MBOX files to EML at once?

Professional software can be the best path to convert bulk MBOX mailbox files to EML, and 4n6 software is reliable.

5. Does exporting emails to EML affect the ones in MBOX?

No, this does not affect any data in MBOX when exporting to EML or any other format.

6.  Can Thunderbird export MBOX as EML?

Yes. All you need is to install the ImportExport plugins to export MBOX as EML