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How to Convert Zimbra to EML? Best Solutions

  author
Written By Mohit Jha
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh  
Published On March 5th, 2025
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

Overview: The purpose of writing this blog is to assist users who are trying to find ways on the internet to convert Zimbra to EML. Also, they are not getting the effective ways to do it. So, we have come up with some reasons behind this conversion, and various methods for successful file conversion.

Those who don’t know about Zimbra, it is a well-known application for emails, contact management, and calendars. Well, the users might want to export Zimbra TGZ files to EML that allows easy accessibility to mail clients like Thunderbird, Windows Mail, and Outlook Express.

While an EML file usually contains a single email message along with its metadata, thus providing the most versatile email storage and migration format to store data.

This makes them a go-to choice for users looking to import Zimbra emails to Thunderbird with ease.

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Why Zimbra to EML Conversion?

There could be various reasons to convert Zimbra to EML format. Let’s walk through them in below part:

  • This format is compatible with most email clients, thus making it easier to access and share.
  • Converting to EML format, simplifies the transfer process when switching from Zimbra to another email service.
  • The best format for archiving and backing up mails is EML since it saves the waste for future access.
  • EML files can also be opened without the need of any special software and are not like and unlike TGZ or Zimbra.
  • In case of losing data, EML files can easily be imported for some of the email clients for the recovery purpose.

Convert Zimbra to EML – Manual Methods

There are three ways of doing this conversion manually. Go through each method with their steps from below one.

#1. Save Zimbra Emails to EML Using Zimbra Desktop

You can follow this method to export TGZ files to EML with these easy steps mentioned downside.

  1. Firstly, On your system, run Zimbra Desktop.
  2. Under the Mailbox section, choose the emails which you want to export.
  3. Then, click on More Actions.
  4. Select Save As and pick EML as your file format.
  5. Now, choose the destination folder and save the emails as EML files.

This method is useful only if you want to export a few emails.

#2. Convert Zimbra to EML Using Drag and Drop

You can easily export TGZ files to EML using drag & drop method in Zimbra web client. The steps to do this are given below:

  1. Firstly, open your browser and log on to Zimbra Web Client.
  2. Next, select the emails you would like to export to.
  3. Final step is to drag and drop your email selection onto the Desktop. The emails are saved as individual EML files.

It is also efficient if you have a small number of emails to export and are time consuming tasks.

#3. Export Emails as TGZ and Extract EML Files

Using this method, you can easily convert Zimbra to EML for bulk conversion. There’s one addition that needs some extra steps for extraction.

  1. Launch Zimbra Web Client then go to Preferences.
  2. Click on Import/Export from the left panel.
  3. Head to Export and select Mail and click Export to save the mails to your hard disk in TGZ format.
  4. Extract the TGZ file using tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR.
  5. Go to the new folders and find the EML files.

Professional Way to Convert Zimbra to EML Format Quickly

If you don’t want to touch manual steps as they only export a few emails and take lots of your time. The quick way of doing this is by using SysTools Zimbra Converter Tool. It can extract emails from Zimbra TGZ files to EML format while keeping the folder structure and metadata intact without any change. It supports bulk conversion for easy handling of large data and includes a preview feature to check emails before you export.

Download Now Purchase Now

Simple Steps to Export TGZ Files to EML – Automated Tool

1. Firstly, Download and run the tool. The first interface will show up.

run zimbra to eml tool

2. Click on Add File at the top bar. Choose Add File or Folder.

select add files or folders

3. Click Browse and add the TGZ file.

import zimbra tgz file

4. Preview the TGZ data files in the next panel.

preview the data

5. Use Export to convert all files or Export Selected for specific files.

select export option to import zimbra emails to thunderbird

6. Click Export and choose EML as the format.

select eml as the export file type

7. Click on Advanced Settings to filter out.

filters

8. Click Export to start the process.

click on export button

9. After the completion of the task, a message will appear for confirmation. click OK.

filters

Zimbra to EML Converter Video – Watch Now!

Final Say

Discussed various ways to convert Zimbra to EML. Firstly, explain to you some manual steps for doing it. You can use these methods to some extent if you have a minimum requirement. For larger purposes, you can go with our professional tool to quickly export emails for bulk conversion in a few steps. Choose the method that best fits your needs and proceed accordingly.

  author

By Mohit Jha

With 5+ years of experience, Mohit is a Microsoft Certified expert known for his cloud migration, cyber security, and digital forensics expertise. He specializes in Microsoft 365, Exchange Server, and Azure AD migration, ensuring seamless transitions for organizations worldwide. His multifaceted role as a meticulous tech writer, diligent researcher, and astute editor underscores his commitment to delivering cutting-edge digital forensics and cloud migration strategies.