How to Convert MBOX to EML/EMLX with Attachments? Mac & Windows

  

Published By Jamie Kaler 

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On February 19th, 2026

Reading Time 8 Min Read

Reasons to Convert MBOX Files to EML

There may be a few reasons why users need to convert their .mbox file (orphaned in PC or associated with a mail client) to the EML or EMLX file format.

• When migrating from a previous email client to an EML-supporting email client like Outlook, eMClient, Zoho Webmail, etc.
• To access emails easily via a web browser without relying on any email client.
• Reduces the chances of corruption, as a large MBOX file can be easily distorted, & if deleted, accidentally cause bulk data loss.

Key & Advanced Features of MBOX to EML/EMLX Converter

Has the ability to convert unlimited MBOX data to EML as it has no restriction on file size or number of files to be converted.

• A standalone tool to convert MBOX to EML without any email client dependency.
• Preserves email attachments, metadata, email headers, and folder hierarchy.
• Support MBOX, MBS, MBX, and variations of MBOX like MBOXO, MBOXRD, MBOXCL, and MBOXCL2.
• Has a filter option to selectively convert MBOX emails to EML based on Date Range, To, From, Subject, etc.
• 100% Secure & Offline. Compliant with international privacy policies like GDPR, CAPA, and HIPAA.
• Generates a detailed log report with date,  time, items converted, status, etc., after conversion.
• Has multiple file naming options for easy access and organisation after MBOX to EML conversion.

Its simple, user-friendly interface MBOX to EML conversion makes it accessible to all. No high-end system specification or technical knowledge required.

Trial Limitation: Convert 25 emails from MBOX to EML completely free of cost with the free demo version.

How to Convert MBOX to EML File? Step-By-Step

1. Firstly, run the MBOX to EML Converter, install the tool, and click “Next.”
2. Upload the MBOX files and folders using the “Select Files” and “Select Folders”.

   

3. All the data will load on the software panel, and select the required folders/subfolders.

   

4. Click on the “Select Saving Option” and choose “EML/EMLX” from the dropdown.

   

5. Choose the destination as per your requirements using the “Browse”.

   

6. Lastly, click on the “Convert” button to export MBOX to EML files.

Free Manual Way to Convert MBOX to EML – Using Mozilla Thunderbird

Mozilla Thunderbird, as an email client, supports both MBOX and EML file formats. It also works seamlessly on all Mac & Windows devices. Making it suitable for a free-ware solution if you have limited MBOX data.

Here, we have to follow multiple steps to export MBOX toan  EML file easily. All the steps are detailed below for the latest Thunderbird Version:

Preparations:

1. Firstly, install and run Thunderbird on your system.
2. Configure an account if it’s necessary to work with Thunderbird.
3. Once it’s open, go to “Navigation Menu” >> “Add-ons & Themes”.
4. Type “ImportExportToolsNG” in the search bar and hit “Enter”.
5. Lastly, click the “Add” button in the pop-up menu to convert MBOX to EML.
   

Keep in Mind: Thunderbird does not allow you to import MBOX emails directly in any email folder but only in the local folder with ImportExportNG.

Step 1: Import MBOX File to Thunderbird

1. Firstly, once done, restart Thunderbird.
2. Right-Click on “Local Folders” >> add-on “(ImportExportToolsNG)” >> “Import MBOX File”.
3. Choose the “Import Directly One or More MBOX Files” option.
   
4. Select the required MBOX file and hit the “Open” button.
   

Step 2: Export MBOX in EML Format

Thunderbird provides multiple methods to export emails from imported MBOX files. You can choose the approach based on your technical comfort level and the volume of data to be converted.

Approach 1: Export MBOX to EML Format from Thunderbird with Drag & Drop

1. Open the File Explorer/ Finder (on Mac) alongside Thunderbird.
2. Drag and drop to save MBOX email in EML format on you device.

By default, the exported emails from Thunderbird are saved in EML format on Windows and in EMLX format on macOS.

Approach 2: Save As to get EML files from imported MBOX

If you have multiple yet limited emails and need to avoid data loss, using the built-in save as option is the recommended approach, as it saves time and reduces manual efforts.

1. Select the email from the MBOX files to be converted to EML.
2. You can use Ctrl or Shift for bulk selection.
3. Right-Click and choose “Save As“.
4. Select the saving destination. Press “Save“.

Approach 3: Export MBOX Emails in EML Format with ImportExportNG

1. Right-click on the imported mailbox folder.
2. And choose the add-on “(Importexporttools NG)”.
3. After that, select “Export All Messages in Folder” >> “EML Format”.
4. Select the destination location and click “Select Folder” to save the emails.
5. That’s it! The emails are successfully exported from MBOX to EML format.
6. Lastly, you can open the destination location to convert MBOX to EML.

Convert MBOX to EMLX on Mac OS – Using Apple Mail

Apple Mail is a versatile email client available on all Mac devices for email-based conversions.

Relying on Mac Mail enables you to convert MBOX files to EMLX format (EML version of Mac) natively without dependency on any extension.

Step 1: Import MBOX to Apple Mail

1. Firstly, open Apple Mail on Mac OS.
2. Click on the “File” >> “Import Mailbox”.
   
3. Choose the “File in MBOX format.”
   
4. Lastly, browse the MBOX file and upload it.

Step 2: Convert MBOX to EML on Mac

1. Restart your Apple Mail.
2. Open the required email from the MBOX file.
3. Choose the “File” and “Save As”
4. Choose Format as “Raw Message Source”.
5. Lastly, click on the “Save.”

FAQs: Convert MBOX to EML

Q1: Is RecoveryTools MBOX to EML converter Online?
No, the tool works offline and keeps your data 100% local without uploading to any external server.

Q2: Why are my EML files corrupted after conversion?
The manual approach with Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or any other email client can cause corruption as it involves the data going through multiple stages of processing.

Q3: Will I be able to import MBOX converted EML in Outlook?
Yes, with a simple drag and drop, you can import these converted EML in Outlook. Or, you can also use RecoveryTools MBOX to PST Converter.

Glossary: Understanding EML, EMLX, and MBOX Formats

Both .mbox and .eml/emlx are universally supported email file formats for local archives with attachments and metadata enabling offline access. However, there are structural differences between them listed below:

Mozilla Thunderbird:
An open-source, free desktop email client that allows users to access emails from multiple email accounts in one application. It works on Mac, Windows, and Linux, and stores emails in MBOX format.

Apple Mail (Mac Mail):
A proprietary email client for macOS. It supports import and export of both EML and MBOX email clients.

Final Thoughts

The process to convert MBOX to EML files is quite easy. This blog covers both free and professional software to get the job done. For speed and accuracy, using automated software is recommended. It ensures that there are no changes in the properties and metadata of the email messages. At the same time, you can avoid all the hassle of the manual approach while saving your time and effort.