Introduction
Nowadays, it is very common to manage a large number of emails even for an individual. Many users need to convert EML files into MBOX format, and when you are transferring and taking a backup of EML files, it becomes a lengthy task, especially when dealing with large volumes of emails. It becomes impossible to get the correct result, as many files lose their data and face formatting issues. As EML files store single individual email messages, while MBOX allows for storing multiple emails in a single file.
So in this blog, we will talk about various methods to convert EML to MBOX in bulk, and also the tools that are user-friendly and need no technical setup for getting the desired result faster.
What is EML Format?
EML is the standard file format in which most of the emails are generally stored. It allows storing single email messages and contains attachments, metadata such as creation time of the file, sender’s address, receiver’s address, and subject. It is a widely used format for individual messages in daily life, but this file format faces problems when transferring or taking a backup of several files. At that time, the MBOX format was the problem solver as it converted larger volumes of email messages to a single file.
Key Features
- Store email messages individually.
- Also supports attachments.
- Several email clients use this format.
- It supports text-based format.
What is the MBOX Format?
MBOX is a file format that stores various emails in a single file. This makes it ideal for archiving and managing a large volume of email collections efficiently. Unlike EML files, which store one email per file, MBOX combines several email messages into a single, organized file, typically with the .mbox extension.
Key features
- Stores various emails.
- Supports Text-based format
- Used by Unix mail systems
- It supports attachments
Why Convert EML to MBOX?
EML is the standard file format to store individual email messages separately, but if you want to store and manage multiple emails in a single file, then you have to convert EML to MBOX. When you have to send multiple emails to someone, you can store multiple emails in one file using the MBOX file format. EML becomes insufficient when we have to back up or send hundreds of emails, but MBOX makes transferring, backing up, and restoring hundreds of emails faster by storing multiple emails in a single file.
- Better Compatibility with Email Clients: Many clients prefer the MBOX format, such as Thunderbird and Apple Mail. Importing or transferring multiple files at once of EML files can cause a problem because of multiple files, but instead of EML, we can use the MBOX file format and can transfer files seamlessly by storing multiple emails in one file and then transferring it. Transferring many EML files can become slower, but combining them into a single file can make the process smoother and a lot faster.
- Reducing File System Overload: EML has a large number of files, which increases storage fragmentation in the system and can even slow down the system. That’s why most of the clients prefer the MBOX file format because it reduces the number of files by combining them together, and the system can work faster.
How to Convert EML to MBOX Manually?
There are several manual methods to convert EML to MBOX manually. In this part, we are talking about the solution, so it is possible by using email clients that support both formats. Whereas there is no direct or “one-click” manual method, you can achieve the conversion by sending the EML files to an email client and then import into MBOX format. For example, if you have hundreds of files and want to backup it, then it is very slow in EML files because you have to back up a single file at a time, but if you convert them into a MBOX file, it becomes a single file with multiple emails in it, and becomes very easy to back up a single file.
Method 1: Using Mozilla Thunderbird
- Download and install Thunderbird on your system.
- Create a New folder and drag the EML files to convert into it.
- Install the ImportExportTools NG add-on.
- Choose the folder containing EML files and click export.
- Pick the EML file format.
- Store the data in your desired destination.
Result: All your emails are combined into a single file.
Method 2: Using Apple Mail (Mac Users)
- Open Apple Mail
- Click the file, then Import Mailboxes
- Select the desired files in mbox format
- After import, select the mailbox
- Go to Mailbox, then Export Mailbox
- Save the exported file as MBOX format.
Limitations of Manual Methods
- It is a very time-consuming process; it is not suitable for handling a large number of EML files. These approaches don’t support bulk conversion and can temper the data.
- It is not user-friendly because it requires technical steps and setups.
- It can lead to risk of data and formatting issues, and doesn’t secure the attachments and metadata along with them.
Method 3: Effective Way to Convert EML files to MBOX format
In this method, non-technical users can complete the process without any technical steps or setup. Many people have faced problems in getting the MBOX conversion and can even risk losing data and formatting email messages. Using the Softaken EML to MBOX convert can help you save a lot of time, and in fact, is the best way of conversion even with large volumes of emails. And the best part about this tool is that it converts EML to MBOX in just a single click, so that you don’t have to convert them one by one.
It also supports many email clients such as Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Eudora, and Postbox. It also saves the time and effort of the user. It also provides technical service 24/7*365. You can also try a free demo version for testing.
Conclusion
For modern Outlook users, the above methods are a pretty time-consuming process and cannot operate on various email files. These methods require technical steps to get the MBOX files, and it’s not also user friendly; it’s a lengthy process. For a single click solution, you can choose the tool EML to MBOX conversion as it is user-friendly and requires no technical steps and knowledge, and moreover, it supports data safety and even secures the attachments. For bulk emails and for organizations, companies, and time saving individual, it is beneficial to use the tool since it saves a lot of time and provides smoother and better results.
