Import EML Files into Thunderbird

Free Multiple Solutions to Import EML to Thunderbird Email Client


Most of the users are looking for how to transfer and import EML files to Thunderbird application. Here is an easy and technical method that helps to do exactly that. Follow safe steps to add .eml files to Thunderbird with all the information intact.

There are multiple methods to do so:

Import EML to Thunderbird with Automated Method (Recommended by Experts)


When transferring emails from EML to Thunderbird, the best choice is to use a direct solution that will keep your metadata and attachments intact. That's why experts often recommend professional solutions like Thunderbird Importer above indirect manual methods.

This software is available for both Mac & Windows OS. It supports importing multiple EML/EMLX files in bulk without any issues whatsoever. There is a date-range filter also available for users to move only those email messages that fall between the set "From" and "To" date. The files can be transferred to Thunderbird account directly or in the "Local Folders" section.


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The step by step process that uses the automated software on Windows OS is as follows:

Step 1: Launch the software on your system.


launch the tool

Step 2: Use "Add File(s)" or "Add Folder" to browse multiple EML files at once.


browse eml files

Step 3: Select the Thunderbird identity in which you want to import the EML files.


select thunderbird account

Important: The tool imports EML/EMLX files into Thunderbird Local Folders and POP accounts. It is technically impossible to directly import any file in an IMAP account in Thunderbird. So, if you wish to transfer your data into IMAP account, select "Local Folders" to import your EML messages. After that, simply select all the imported messages in Thunderbird, then right-click, then Move to, then select the desired IMAP account.


Step 4: Now, click on the Import button to start the process.


import file

Step 5: Finally, the import process completes successfully. Click OK button to finish the process.


import file

Step 6: You can now open Thunderbird email client to view the imported emails.


import file

Other than EML/EMLX files, the software also provides the option to import MBOX file to Thunderbird. Another file format it supports is the Maildir format.

How to Import EML File into Thunderbird with Drag and Drop?


Step 1: To create a new Sub Folder >> Right Click on Local Folders >> Click on New SubFolder.


right click on account

Step 2: Give the Desired Name (here we used: New EML Folder). Click on Create Folder button to create a new sub-folder.


create sub folder

Step 3: In your system, go to the location where all EML files are stored >> Select all EML files (CTRL+A).

In Thunderbird, select new Sub Folder (we selected New EML Folder) >> Drag-n-Drop EML files from local system to New Sub Folder as shown.


add eml file

Step 4: All EML files are imported successfully in the desired folder as shown on the screen. Select an email to open.


import file

How to Import EML into Thunderbird with 'ImportExport Tools'?


Step 1: Download Free 'ImportExport Tools NG' Add-on. Save importexporttools.xpi in your system.


download add on

Step 2: Open Thunderbird, go to menu Click on Tools Tab > Click on Add-ons & Themes.


open addon section

Step 3: Click on the gear icon. From the drop-down list click on Install Add-on From File.


install add on from file

Step 4: Browse the location where importexporttools.xpi file is saved in your system. Select the importexporttools.xpi file and click on the Open button.


open the file

Step 5: Click on the Add button. The 'ImportExport Tools' add-on will be installed automatically.


open the file

Step 6: Now Click on OK button and restart Thunderbird.


restart thunderbird

Step 7: Now, Create New Folder in Thunderbird. For that, Right Click on Local Folders >> Click on New Folder option.


create folder in thunderbird

Step 8: Give the desired name to a new folder (here we have used New EML Folder). Click on Create Folder button.

Step 9: Right Click on the Newly Created Folder > Select ImportExport Tools NG option > Select Import All Messaged from a Directory > Select Also from its SubDirectories (this option will import all subfolders inside the selected folder).


import subfolders

Step 10: Select Desired Folders containing EML Files in your system (here we have selected EML Folder for importing). Click on the Ok button.


select desired folders

Step 11: In the New Folder, the EML files are imported. You can also see the count of imported EML files in total.

Step 12: Select the Folder to see all imported EML files in Thunderbird.


preview folders

How to Find Where The Imported Files Are Saved in Local System?


Step 1: Right Click on the Folder > Click on Properties.


properties

Step 2: The Location Field shows the location of your MBOX File.

Location shown by Promptbox: mailbox:/// drive:/ Users/ username/ AppData/ Roaming/ Thunderbird/ Profiles/ something.default/ Mail/ Local Folders/ New EML Folder

Path of MBOX File: drive:/ Users/ username/ AppData/ Roaming/ Thunderbird/ Profiles/ something.default/ Mail/ Local Folders/

Use the 'Path of MBOX' to Find the Location of MBOX File on your system.

Note: Please replace the Dummy User Name, Folder Name, spaces and System Drive with your Real User Name, Folder Name and actual Drive.


copy path

Step 3: Here you can see the MBOX files, from here MBOX files can be copied to any storage device. (here you can see MBOX file with no extension for New EML Folder).


you can see the EML folders

Conclusion


The process to import EML Files into Thunderbird is a very easy task when using the software. In this blog, we mentioned two ways in which you can import EML file into Thunderbird. Hence, users can make use any of the above mentioned methodologies as per their convenience.