Top 3 Solutions to Batch Convert EML to MBOX Quickly

Published On - February 22, 2025 by Nasir Khan | Reading Time: 6 minutes

EML files store individual email messages, saving important emails into multiple EML files. This creates clutter in your system and the hassle of organizing multiple files. In contrast, MBOX stores multiple emails in a single plain text file. Hence, one needs to convert EML to MBOX to manage all EML emails into one. However, users often avoid doing this manually to prevent any data loss. Therefore, read the blog to find all possible manual methods and reliable Regain EML Converter Software for smooth conversion. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of all the mentioned solutions and choose one.

What are EML and MBOX?

Electronic Mail, in short EML, is a versatile format that stores individual email messages along with metadata and attachments. While this format is widely accepted, managing multiple EML files is cumbersome. Therefore, users prefer to convert EML files to MBOX, a standardized format that stores multiple emails and their attachments in a single file. MBOX files are supported by various open-source email clients like Thunderbird. It is a perfect choice for long-term mailbox storage and handling large volumes of data.

Why Convert EML to MBOX?

Mentioned below are possible scenarios when users find solutions for converting EML to MBOX:

• When switching from EML-supported email clients like Windows Live Mail to MBOX-supported platforms such as Thunderbird, or Apple Mail.
• Managing multiple EML files can be a hassle, so converting to MBOX provides better organization and accessibility.
• MBOX is widely preferred for long-term storage of emails. So, users may save EML emails in MBOX format for backup.
• If a user needs to migrate EML emails to other systems, converting to MBOX ensures better compatibility.
• EML to MBOX conversion is also needed when you have to consolidate emails from multiple accounts in a single file.

That being so, conversion of EML files into MBOX is required. Furthermore, let us dig deeper and find a reliable solution for all.

How to Convert EML to MBOX on Windows & Mac?

Some email applications like Apple Mail and Thunderbird let users perform the conversion of EML files. This section describes the best methods for users involving both manual steps and professional software. Make sure you execute the steps carefully to eliminate the chances of data loss.

Method 1: Export EML to MBOX Using Apple Mail

Follow the procedure given below to perform the conversion using Apple Mail:

1. Firstly, open Apple Mail on your Mac to create a new folder.
2. Go to Mailbox > New Mailbox > select the location “On My Mac”.
3. Assign a name to the new folder to store your converted EML emails.
4. Open Finder > Locate the .eml files that you want to convert.
5. One by one, double-click each EML file to open in Apple Mail. It opens as a separate email window.
6. Next, click on Move (if not visible, go to the Menu in the toolbar).
7. Select the new mailbox folder that you created. Or, move them to an existing mailbox like Inbox.
8. Right-click on the folder where you moved all your EML files.
9. Further, select the Export Mailbox option from the menu.
10. Check ‘Export All Subfolders’, if the folder has subfolders.
11. Specify a saving path on your Mac to save the output MBOX file.
12. The exported emails will appear in a designated folder in Finder.

Look for the saved MBOX files in the Finder. It may look like a normal folder, as Finder does not associate it with any app. You can also import the MBOX file to other email clients by compressing it: Right-click > Compress. This ensures easy transfer.

Limitations:

1. Does not support bulk EML transfer at once.
2. Only works on Mac and needs Apple Mail installed.
3. If not performed correctly, emails may get misplaced.
4. Finding saved MBOX in the Finder can be difficult.

Method 2: Convert EML to MBOX Using Thunderbird

If you are not a Mac user, this solution is for you. Thunderbird also offers a free and effective way to convert EML files to MBOX. Do as the steps follow:

Step 1: Import EML Files in Thunderbird

1. Make sure Mozilla Thunderbird is installed on your system.
2. Open the application and configure your email account (if not done already).
3. Go to the left panel > Right-click on Local Folders > Create a New Folder for EML files.
4. Open File Explorer (Windows) and locate your EML files.
5. Select EML Files > Drag & Drop them to the New Folder in Thunderbird.

By doing this, your EML emails are now successfully imported into Mozilla Thunderbird.

Step 2: Save EML Emails in MBOX Format

1. Go to the ☰ icon ( menu) in Thunderbird.
2. Click on the option Add-ons and Themes.
3. Type ‘ImportExportTools NG’ and search for it.
4. Install the ImportExportTools NG extension.
5. To activate the installed add-on, Restart Thunderbird.
6. Go to the folder containing EML files. Right-click on it.
7. Now, select ImportExportTools NG > Export Folder.
8. Choose where to save the output MBOX file on your system.

That’s a quick process to export EML to MBOX in the Thunderbird environment. However, this process also has some restrictions.

Limitations:

1. The process is restricted to only Thunderbird users.
2. Directly does not support bulk conversion.
3. May not maintain the original email formatting.

If you’ve found a solution that suits your needs, that’s great! However, if you’re not satisfied with any of the manual methods described, try using professional software.

Method 3: Professional Tool to Convert EML to MBOX in Bulk

For a more secure and advanced solution, try the Regain EML to PST Converter Tool. This is a comprehensive tool for converting EML to many other formats. The software supports bulk conversion of EML files and does not restrict conversion based on file size. It preserves the original hierarchy and formatting of EML emails after conversion. Moreover, it safely exports all attachments and retains metadata as well. Importantly, it does not require any additional applications like Thunderbird and Apple Mail for conversion.

Steps to Convert EML Emails to MBOX

1. Download and Install the Regain EML File Converter Software. Run it.
2. Click on Open and locate EML files saved on your PC.
3. Select files to convert and click Open to add them to the tool.
4. In the preview, check all emails you are converting and select them.
5. Go to the Export button and choose MBOX as the saving format.
6. Decide a saving path for the resultant MBOX and click on Convert Now.

Additional Features of the Software

• Allows conversion of unlimited EML files to MBOX.
• Also, converts EML to MSG, PST, PDF, and Other Format.
• Facilitates direct migration of EML to Office 365 and other cloud email platforms.
• Performs conversion of EML on all versions of Windows OS.
• Offers demo version for a free evaluation of the software.

Conclusion

If you are also looking for a solution to manage multiple EML files, convert EML to MBOX. It will store all your EML emails into a single file for the long term. In this blog, we have discussed step-by-step procedures on how Apple Mail and Thunderbird offer free solutions. However, they come with potential limitations such as email formatting issues. If you want to keep your data safe and intact after conversion, a professional EML Converter might be a better choice. As per experts, it is the right approach for all.

Frequently Asked Question

Q. How do I combine EML files into MBOX?

Ans– To merge all EML into a single MBOX, follow the given steps:

1. Install Thunderbird and set up your email account.
2. Right-click on Local Folders > Create a New Folder > Drag & drop EML files.
3. Go to ☰ > Add-ons & Themes > Install Install ImportExportTools NG.
4. Restart Thunderbird > right-click on the folder > opt Export Folder > Save as MBOX.

For better and quick results, you can try a professional EML Converter Tool.

Q. Which is the Best EML to MBOX Converter Tool?

Ans– One of the best utilities to convert EML files to MBOX is Regain EML Converter Software. It processes EML files in bulk and delivers fast results. Also, it does not hamper the original layout of emails and attachments quality after conversion is complete.