How to Bulk Convert MBOX to EML on Mac and Windows PC?

Published By Jamie Kaler

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On July 14th, 2026

Reading Time 10 Min Read

Blog Summary: If you are very concerned about your email data and want an efficient way to convert MBOX to EML then using a professional batch MBOX to EML Converter is the best solution. However, you can also do this conversion indirectly, using Thunderbird and Apple Mail. Each solution has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose mindfully.

MBOX file contains bulk emails and their data in a single file, whereas an EML file is a single file for each email. Doing this conversion helps a user in multiple ways, such as extracting and saving a specific email separately, importing selected emails to any email client, safeguarding the crucial emails from any uncertain loss, and so on.

Also, such a type of MBOX to EML conversion drill is mostly done by digital forensic investigators, lawyers, corporate employees, government bodies, students, and other general users who have MBOX files saved on their devices and now want to easily access, import, and read them in EML format.

The detailed steps of each method, their pros and cons, frequently asked queries, and verdicts by field experts are mentioned below. So, have a quick read of them and find out the best way that works for you.

Note: If you have a large MBOX file with thousands of emails stored in it then keep in mind that after converting to EML, it will create single files for each email and therefore requires enough storage space to save them.

MBOX vs EML: Primary Differences

MBOX

Stores all the emails in a single file. Very easy to take a backup of the entire profile or mailbox. Not so compatible with Outlook to access the data. Also, the risk of loss and corruption of data is very high. Lastly, the MBOX files are very large in size as they have bulk data stored.

EML

Contains one email in each file. Not recommended for taking a backup of a particular profile or mailbox. Very useful in case of sharing the email data, as the user can filter and share only the required ones. Very compatible to import and access in a range of email clients. Also, the chances of corruption are very low compared to the MBOX file. Over and above that, the file size of EML is very small, which makes it easy to manage, open, share, edit, and work with.

Reasons to Convert MBOX Files to EML

There may be a few reasons why users need to convert their .mbox file (orphaned on a PC or associated with a mail client) to the EML file format. Some of the most prominent ones are as follows:

Easy access, viewing, or sharing of the desired email message.

Enhanced compatibility for importing email data to a range of email clients such as Windows Mail, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Outlook, etc.

The process to export MBOX to EML also reduces the risk of data corruption.

To preserve the email attributes since EML supports details like sender, receiver, subject, date, CC, BCC, attachments, formatting, and internet message headers.

Users also convert MBOX to EML to easily organize and manage emails in dedicated folders.

EML files are very important for legal and compliance drills, as this file format maintains the originality of the email, which supports audits, workflows, etc.

As compared to MBOX, EML files are very easy and widely acceptable for integration with DMS.

Best Way to Bulk Convert MBOX to EML File

RecoveryTools MBOX Converter is an automated desktop software for Mac & Windows to bulk convert multiple MBOX files or folders to EML format with attachments and metadata.

It is a modern tool designed for both general and industry-level conversion with ease, efficiency, and accuracy. This certified utility is trusted by millions of legal, forensic, and IT experts around the globe. The best thing about this offline desktop-based utility is that it offers a free demo version. Also, it has 24×7 available expert customer support and the option to customize the feature as per users’ work requirements.

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Why Choose RecoveryTools MBOX to EML Converter?

Has the ability to batch convert 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 or plugin dependency.
Preserves email attachments, metadata (to, from, CC, BCC, subject, formatting, message-ID, internet headers, inline images, and hyperlinks), and folder hierarchy.
Supports 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.
Supports MBOX files exported from any email source, including Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Proton Mail export, MailStore archive, Postbox, Google Takeout, Google Vault exports, and so on.
Generates a detailed log report with date, time, items converted, status, etc., after conversion.
Has multiple file naming options for easy access and organization after MBOX to EML conversion.
The output EML files preserve crucial information such as MIME structure, Message-ID, RFC 5322 headers, timestamps, and so on, which helps lawyers, forensic investigators, and other similar field users a lot.
Its simple, user-friendly interface makes MBOX to EML conversion 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 files with a Pro Tool?

First of all, install and open the solution and click on Next button.
Now, load your data through the “Select Files” and “Select Folders” option.
After that, preview and select desired data to convert into EML format.
Click on “Select Saving Option” and choose EML as output format.
Choose a desired location by clicking on browse button to save the output as per your requirement.
Apply advanced filters if needed, and click on the “Convert” button to proceed.

Manual Way to Convert MBOX to EML Using Mozilla Thunderbird

Mozilla Thunderbird supports both MBOX and EML. Therefore, it can be used to indirectly do the conversion of MBOX files in EML format. All the steps for the same are detailed below:

Preparations:

Firstly, install and run Thunderbird on your system.
Now, configure an active account in Thunderbird.
Once done, go to “Navigation Menu” and select “Add-ons & Themes”.
Further, type “ImportExportTools NG” in the search bar and hit “Enter”.
Lastly, click the “Add” button in the pop-up menu to install it in Thunderbird.

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

Step 1: Import MBOX File to Thunderbird

Now, restart Thunderbird.
Then, right-click on the “Local Folders” from the left panel and select add-on “(ImportExportTools NG)”. Then, choose “Import MBOX File” option.
Further, choose the “Import Directly One or More MBOX Files” option.
Further, select the required MBOX file and click on 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

Firstly, open the File Explorer/Finder (on Mac) alongside Thunderbird.
Now, drag the MBOX file from system and drop in Thunderbird.

By default, the exported emails from Thunderbird are saved in EML format.

Approach 2: Use Save As Feature

Follow this method if you have multiple MBOX files and want to convert them all in single cycle. This built-in method will help you save time and reduce your manual effort. Properly read the steps explained below:

First, select MBOX files that you wish to convert to EML format.
Once done, simply right-click on them and choose “Save As” option.
Select the destination folder where you want to store output files.
Last, hit the “Select Folder” button to begin the process.

Approach 3: Convert MBOX to EML using ImportExportTools NG add-on

Firstly, right-click on the folder that holds your MBOX files.
Choose “ImportExportTools NG” from the list of options.
Select “Export All Messages in Folder” option and choose “EML Format”.
Further, set the destination path and click on “Select Folder” button to save the emails.
Now your MBOX files will start saving in EML one by one at your selected location.

To access the converted MBOX files, navigate to the destination folder selected above.

Convert MBOX to EML on MacOS Using Apple Mail

Step 1: Import MBOX to Apple Mail

First, start Apple Mail on your MacOS device.
Then, click on the File option and select Import Mailbox.
After this, from the drop-down list, select File in MBOX format.
Last, select MBOX file that are saved on your device locally and upload them.

Step 2: Convert MBOX to EML on Mac

When the above mentioned steps are done, restart your Apple Mail.
Then, open any of the MBOX file you just imported in Apple Mail.
Further, choose File option and select Save As.
Next, select the format as “Raw Message Source”.
At last, click on Save button to start the process to convert MBOX to EML.

Limitations of the Manual Approaches

Not recommended for professional conversion since it is not a dedicated converter.
Very time-consuming and hectic process as there is no automation.
Complex for non-tech users as multiple settings are needed to save MBOX to EML manually.
Very prone to human error and high risk of data loss or manipulation.
No dedicated support, does not work for all MBOX variants, and the output EML file is also not compatible everywhere.

FAQs: Convert MBOX to EML

1. Is RecoveryTools MBOX to EML converter Online?

No, the tool works offline and keeps your data 100% local without uploading to any external server.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Do the message-ID and other email headers change after MBOX to EML conversion?

If you use the RecoveryTools MBOX to EML Converter, all your metadata, including sender and receiver details, subject, message-ID, etc., remains intact without any alteration at all.

5. What happens to the conversion after converting MBOX to EML using a tool?

A reliable and authentic tool keeps the attachments intact even during the conversion since it promises complete data accuracy and originality.

6. What is the maximum supported size of MBOX to convert to EML format?

If you are using the RecoveryTools MBOX to EML converter, there is no such file size and number of files supported limitation. Thus, it is developed for large bulk data conversion and swiftly manages them without any hitch.

Final Thoughts

The process to convert MBOX to EML files is quite easy. This blog covered 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.