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How to Convert MBOX to Text Format Using Easy Solution?

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Published By Jamie Kaler 
Rollins Duke
Approved By Rollins Duke
Published On October 12th, 2026
Reading Time 7 Min Read

Summary: To convert MBOX to Text format, users can install Mozilla Thunderbird & use ImportExportTools NG add-on. Mac users can also use Apple Mail to import MBOX files & TextEdit to save single email messages as plain text files. However, both are time consuming process that’s why, in this blog we introduced expert solution that easily convert MBOX to TXT in bulk without wasting time and manual effort.

Are you one of those who are looking for the best method to convert MBOX to Text format? If yes, then read this article. The whole conversion process is basically a simple task. A text file is a plain text file that contains simple understandable text with no special formatting. It can be easily opened and viewed on any device. Because of this most of the users convert MBOX files to TXT format. This article will cover all possible methods, so you can choose the most suitable approach according to your work requirements.

Why to Convert MBOX to Text?

Here are some common reasons to convert MBOX files to text format:

  • Easy to Read: Text files can be opened in simple text editors like Notepad & TextEdit without need of email apps.
  • Quick Access to Email: Users can read saved email messages directly without opening email account.
  • Easy for Data Sharing: Users can easily share text files with colleagues, client or other users.
  • Save Storage Space: Plain text files usually take less storage space than emails stored with rich formatting.
  • Keep Records Offline: Txt file can be opened & read without internet connection, allowing users to access saved files offline.

Prerequisites for Converting MBOX to TXT

Before converting MBOX files, users should make sure of the following:

  • Users need compatible device with email application installed (Thunderbird or Apple Mail).
  • Require MBOX file saved & available on your system.
  • ImportExportTools NG must be installed in Thunderbird.
  • Enough storage space to save resulting TXT files.
  • Users need technical knowledge to download & install Thunderbird or Apple Mail.

How to Convert MBOX to TXT Format Manually?

There are several manual methods to convert MBOX files to Text format. However, some of its tested solutions are mentioned below.

Method 1: Using Thunderbird to Convert MBOX to TXT

  1. Download & install Thunderbird email client on system.
  2. Open Thunderbird & install ImportExportTools NG add-on from Add-ons Manager.
  3. Import MBOX files using add-on’s MBOX import option.
  4. After importing, locate mailbox folder containing emails you require to convert.
  5. Right-click imported mailbox folder & open ImportExportTools NG export options.
  6. Select option to export folder’s messages in plain text format.
  7. Choose whether to save emails as individual text files or combine them into single text file, if the available export dialog provides these options.
  8. Select destination folder on your computer.
  9. Start export process & check destination for resulting TXT files.

Method 2: Using Apple Mail

  1. At first, open Apple Mail on your Mac.
  2. Secondly, select File > Import Mailboxes.
  3. Then, choose option to import MBOX format file & click Continue.
  4. Now, browse your Mac, select required MBOX file & complete import.
  5. Open imported mailbox & select email you need to save as TXT.
  6. Open email & select its message content.
  7. Copy selected content & open TextEdit.
  8. In TextEdit, create new document & choose Format > Make Plain Text, if document is in rich-text mode.
  9. Paste copied email content into document.
  10. Select File > Save enter filename ending in .txt & choose your preferred location.
  11. Repeat the process for other emails if needed.

Limitations of Using Manual Methods to Convert MBOX to TXT

Below are some limitations users need to check, if they are using manual methods:

  • Loss of Email Formatting: TXT files store plain text, so original formatting, fonts, colors & other rich text elements are not preserved.
  • Time Consuming Methods: Both solutions need users to perform numerous steps, which can take lots of time when handling large number of emails.
  • Risk of Human Error: When processing emails individually, users may accidentally skip messages, save files in wrong location or use duplicate filenames.
  • Email Metadata May Be Missing: Depending on export method, details like sender, recipient, date, subject & other email headers may not be preserved completely.
  • Technical Knowledge: Users must have technical knowledge to understand how to import MBOX files, navigate app menus & export or save email content in text format.

How to Convert MBOX to TXT Using Expert Solution?

RecoveryTools MBOX Converter tool is one of the trustworthy solution to convert MBOX to text format. It has simple to operate interface, that doesn’t need technical knowledge to convert files. It has multiple saving options. MBOX to text converter is compatible for Windows and Mac operating systems.

It preserves attachments, email metadata and embedded contents. This tool allows users to select individual MBOX files or select entire folders. It provides free trials, where users can export only first 25 emails from each folder. Using demo version, users can understand how to use this software.

How to Convert MBOX to Text in Bulk? Step-by-Step Guide

Below are simple steps to convert MBOX files to text format in bulk:

  1. Download and install Expert MBOX to Text Converter on Windows & Mac.
    convert mbox to text
  2. Then, select MBOX files from select files or select folders options (select folders option to convert MBOX files in bulk).
    select files
  3. Now, check/uncheck boxes to select required folders and subfolders & uncheck unnecessary folders.
    select folders
  4. Afterwards, choose TXT format from saving options to convert MBOX to text.
    choose txt format
  5. Lastly, select destination to save files and click convert button to start process.
    select destination and click convert button

Advanced Effective Features of MBOX to Text Converter

Here are some best advanced features of MBOX to Text Converter tool:

  • Direct Bulk Conversion: Tool processes multiple MBOX files in one process. It saves time when converting large collections.
  • Preserves Attachments & Embedded Content: It preserves supported attachments, images, hyperlinks & other embedded content. Reduces need to email content separately.
  • Selective Email & Folder Conversion: Software allows users to add individual MBOX file or whole folders. It helps users to export only required email data.
  • Email Metadata Preservation: Retains email fields like From, To, Cc, Bcc, Subject & message content. It helps users to maintain crucial information for future.
  • Windows & Mac Compatibility: This tool is available for Windows & macOS systems. Supports users working on various desktop operating systems.
  • Multiple Formats Available: It converts MBOX files to formats like PST, PDF, EML, MSG, HTML, DOC, MHT, OLM, TXT, CSV & others. Users can save files in format that suits their requirements.
FAQs

Q1. Why would I convert MBOX to Text?
Ans. Text files are easy to read, view and open as compared to MBOX files. It is helpful to convert MBOX to Text for better data management.

Q2. How can I convert MBOX to TXT manually?
Ans. Using Thunderbird or Apple Mail, you can save MBOX files as Text, but using the manual method can be a time-consuming and complex task as compared to the professional method.

Q3. How do I convert multiple MBOX files at once?
Ans. You can convert multiple MBOX files at once while maintaining the data structure and file formatting. Firstly, download the above-mentioned tool, then select MBOX files, select required folders or subfolders, choose TXT file format, and lastly select destination and click on convert button.

Conclusion

In this blog, we explained about how to convert MBOX to text format in bulk using manual and expert solution. However manual methods have some limitations which is not convenient for users who have large collections of MBOX files to convert. But the expert MBOX to text converter tool, converts MBOX files in bulk. This tool includes numerous advanced features designed to improve user convenience & gives smoother user experience. If you still have any doubts related to the software, then you can feel free to contact the support team. They will help you out with your query.

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