How to Import Maildir Files to Thunderbird – Easy Methods

Maildir is a common email storage format used by some mail servers and clients. It may seem tricky to transfer Maildir into Thunderbird, but it’s pretty achievable. Thunderbird is a popular email client that supports Maildir but provides no direct option to import them. But fear not; we have two straightforward methods to help you seamlessly import Maildir files to Thunderbird.

Free Method to Import Maildir Files to Thunderbird

• Open Thunderbird and install ImportExportTools NG.
• Create a new folder in Local Folders.
• Right-click and select ImportExportTools NG.
• Choose Import messages and select All Files.
• Click Open to import all selected Maildir files in Thunderbird.

Note: The free add-on used here is maintained by a third-party. So, it may not be compatible with specific Thunderbird versions, especially the latest ones.

Dedicated Software to Directly Transfer Maildir Files in Bulk

SysTools Thunderbird Import Tool is a simple yet efficient application that can easily import Maildir files into Thunderbird. This application is designed to process Maildir files in bulk. It can handle thousands of files and directly transfer them into the select Thunderbird profile. It also provides the option to filter the files based on date and move only particular emails to the Thunderbird account.

Make sure to try the demo version first to ensure that the application is working fine for your needs.

Step-by-Step Process to Import Maildir to Thunderbird 

Step 1: Download and Run Dedicated Software.

Download and install the application on your computer. Then, launch the software.

Step 2: Import Maildir Files.

Select the Maildir radio button and click on Add Files. Now, locate and choose the Maildir files you want to import.

Step 3: Select Thunderbird Identity.

Choose where to import the Maildir files in Thunderbird. We recommend that you choose the Local Folders option. You can move the emails to other folders after importing them.

Step 4: Import Maildir to Thunderbird.

Click on the Import button to Initiate the process. The software will transfer all the Maildir files into Thunderbird.

If you want to view your data and that’s why you are transferring the files to Thunderbird, you can opt for our Maildir viewer tool to do so.

Common Asked Queries Related to the Software:

I need help finding the emails on Thunderbird after importing the Maildir files. Where are they?

1. Check the profile location that the software is fetching. Now, hit the Start+R key to open Run. Type thunderbird.exe -p and click Enter.
2. It will open the Thunderbird profile manager.
3. Check what profile you are currently using and compare it to the profile the software is fetching. If they are different then the Maildir files are imported in another profile.
4. The solution is to copy the email files from the profile location where the files are imported to the profile location where you want to import the files.

I successfully imported the Maildir files into Thunderbird, but the emails are saved in MBOX format at local storage upon arrival in Thunderbird. What’s going on?

It is quite simple actually. The software is importing Maildir files to Thunderbird without any issues but Thunderbird is configured to save email files in MBOX format. So, once the files are transferred to Thunderbird they are automatically saved in MBOX at the local storage. You can turn this feature off in Thunderbird as given below.

How to Turn On Maildir Format in Thunderbird (Instead of MBOX)

Thunderbird, by default, configures all the email accounts in MBOX format. However, users can change this format to Maildir, if required. What this does is that Thunderbird will save all the emails in Maildir format for the accounts configured after the settings are changed to Maildir.

To change the format of an already existing account in Thunderbird, users will have to delete this account, change the settings, and then add the account again.

Here is the complete process to turn on Maildir format in Thunderbird:

• Open Thunderbird and click on the Tools menu.
• After that, select Settings.
• In the General tab, scroll down to the last option Indexing.
• Here, select the File per message(Maildir) option from the dropdown list.
• Restart Thunderbird. From now on all the newly configured accounts will save the emails in Maildir format.

Final Thoughts

Importing Maildir files into Thunderbird might seem like a daunting task, but with these methods, it becomes a hassle-free process. Whether you opt for the ImportExportTools NG Add-on for a free solution or choose dedicated software for a more streamlined experience, Thunderbird becomes a welcoming home for your Maildir emails. Enjoy easy access and management of your messages within Thunderbird, and say goodbye to the complexities of format conversions.