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Save IMAP Emails in EML Format: Stepwise Guide for Beginners

With this detailed guide for novices, learn how to save IMAP emails in EML format. Learn simple Windows techniques including both automatic and manual solutions.

By Patrick MyersPublished 12 months ago 4 min read

Email messages kept on a server can be accessed using IMAP most extensively. It enables you to manage emails on several devices effortlessly. Still, occasionally you might have to export these emails as EML files. Archiving or moving to an EML-supported email client explains the reason. Thus, this article is intended to enable you to effectively export IMAP to EML on both Windows and Mac platforms. You will learn further about the most dependable approach of all: the IMAP Backup Tool.

Why would one Extract Messages from the IMAP Mailbox in EML Style?

EML is comparable to having an email snapshot. It keeps attachments if any, sender and receiver information, and the email message. You can access these files with any text editor or email program, hence access is simple. Common email programs such as MS Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and others let users open and view EML files. Apart from that, there are several situations when saving IMAP emails to EML is useful. Users send IMAP to EML:

  • While changing your email address or saving emails on your PC.
  • Should users not have access to your email account, emails can be easily shared.
  • EML files keep the original email image formatting, special font style, or color scheme.
  • You will be free to open and see emails from any email provider, not limited to one.
  • It separates certain emails from conventional inboxes and keeps emails individually.

These are therefore some rather common reasons why people preserve IMAP emails as EML. Still unresolved, however, is "How." To learn entire progressive techniques, read on.

Save IMAP Emails in EML Format: How can I do this?

Among the most often used techniques to finish this export process are:

Using Mozilla Thunderbird free method

Expert Tool: IMAP Backup Software

Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages, even if they are rather effective. One by one we shall highlight all facets of the operation. First, let us start with the free manual answer.

#1. Save IMAP Emails in EML with Thunderbird Windows OS

To accomplish hand migration, first download and install Mozilla Thunderbird on your machine. Additionally, here are actions:

  1. View Open Thunderbird on your PC.
  2. To set up your IMAP account in Thunderbird, then supply your email address and server details.
  3. Then open the folder including the emails you wish to export.
  4. From the specified mailbox, choose the emails (Ctrl+A to Select All) you want to convert into EML format.
  5. For the chosen emails, press Ctrl+S or right-click and select "Save As".
  6. Click one Select Folder after defining a folder on your machine to save all EML files.

Note: You may alternatively select the "Export Messages As" option when right-clicking on the chosen emails. Using the Export function, the IMAP mailbox in.eml format message extraction proceeds as follows:

  1. Click Export Messages As from a right-click on a few chosen emails.
  2. The saving format should be EML Message Format.
  3. Click Message (Embeddable Attachments).
  4. Choose now a certain folder to keep the emails under the *.eml extension.
  5. This approach is limited, though, for Windows users.

Drawbacks of Manual Process

Suppose you have to convert IMAP email to EML and there are significant quantities of emails. Will you still consider these manual procedures? If such, below are some of their shortcomings:

  • Run the danger of missing crucial information when bulk email migration.
  • Possibilities of sending repeated emails during migration.
  • Need Apple Mail or Thunderbird installation.
  • The procedure could also differ based on the version of the application you work on.

You should thus give conversion via an automated solution some thought. Let's find out which professional tool best exports IMAP emails to *.eml format.

Quick Walk-through to Save IMAP Emails in EML Format

Softaken IMAP Backup Tool is a dependable and quick way to save IMAP emails in EML and other formats, including PST, EMLX, MBOX, MSG, etc. While maintaining folder hierarchy, attachments, and information, this application permits flawless email migration. Allowing consumers to download emails locally for migration or offline access. The application ensures a flawless and hassle-free email backup experience devoid of data loss using its simple interface, selected backup options, and elegant filters. Lightweight software takes little place in the system. It is simple to set up and run; it does not require assistance from another application to run quickly. It provides 24/7 tech help and offers a free demo version.

Following the Instructions:

  • Get the Softaken IMAP Backup utility on your PC.
  • Enter the credentials and log onto your IMAP account.
  • Out of the several saving file formats, choose EML as the one to use.
  • Choose the Location where to save it.
  • Right on the Backup Now Button.

Moreover, for specifics of the utility, download its free edition and assess its performance.

End

Whether or whether you run Windows, thorough blogs offer answers for both. A professional tool can let you easily export IMAP to EML. But we have also discussed the free manual approach on Windows and Mac correspondingly using Thunderbird and Apple Mail. Choose the suitable solution, either a commercial tool or a free handbook approach.

how to

About the Creator

Patrick Myers

I'm Patrick Myers, a digital marketing strategist and content writer. I merge analytics with creativity to craft engaging content, boost SEO, enhance visibility, and drive results through innovation.

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