Methods to Import EML Files into Thunderbird

Written By Ashwani Tiwari

Approved By Anuraag Singh

Published On April 15th, 2024

Reading Time 8 Minutes Reading

Do you want to Import EML files to Thunderbird in a Proper Manner?

If your answer is yes, then you must be searching for the solution to import EML files into Thunderbird. Therefore, we bring forth a simple or reliable solution for the same, which will make EML to Thunderbird migration very convenient and efficient.

EML is an electronic email file that includes a single message. It also created multiple email applications i.e., Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, etc. But, there is no option available to import EML messages to Thunderbird. In fact, it is not an easy and simple task. Well, keep calm! It becomes complex for users to import EML files to Thunderbird let us understand more clearly with the help of the user query:

In order to resolve this issue, we have come up with this article. Here we are going to disclose multiple reliable and easy workarounds for the same.

Import EML to Thunderbird – User Queries

The subsequent user’s posted scenarios will help users to the understanding need for converting EML to Thunderbird email client. These queries are collected from various tech forums and social networking sites, where Thunderbird users ask questions.

“Hello! I want to transfer my all EML items to Thunderbird or other platforms like Windows Live Mail, etc. In addition, I just want to import EML folders to Thunderbird on Mac in an eased manner. Can someone recommend me any efficient technique for the same? Thank you in advance.”

“For business purpose, I need to convert 2578 .eml files into MBOX format. I tried to search for the exact solution but couldn’t get a perfect solution. Is there any solution which can import my entire .eml file, folders to MBOX on MAC OS X?”

Reliable Solution to Import EML in Thunderbird

The step-by-step procedure is explained below for Mac and Windows users. Simply perform the steps and import EML files in Thunderbird.

Steps to Import EML to Thunderbird for Windows Users
Steps to Import EML Files in Thunderbird for Mac Users

It doesn’t matter whether you are using a Windows system or a Mac OS system. You will get separate solutions.

Steps to Import EML to Thunderbird on Windows OS

Simply perform the below-listed steps to complete this task. These steps can be performed on Windows 11(64-bit), 10, 8, 7, and below versions. The Thunderbird Import Wizard is tested with multiple EML files. It also possesses advanced features to make the task easier and user-friendly.

Download Software:

Download Now
Windows OS Buy Software Now
(100% Secure)

Step 1: – Download & Install the software on your Windows System.
Step 2: – Click on ADD Folder to explore the folder that contains EML files & Preview the complete data
Step 3: – Select the destination Thunderbird account from the auto-loaded list.
Step 4: – Click on the Import button to import the EML file into Thunderbird.

Note: – After the Import EML to Thunderbird process is completed, launch Thunderbird and start using the imported emails

Import Multiple EML Files in Thunderbird on Mac OS

The tool is also available for Mac OS X 10.8 & all the above versions. All you need to do is to use the Mac variant of the application.

You can try the free demo version of this utility and explore its functional aspects. Once you are satisfied then, you can purchase a licensed edition and continue importing bulk EML files to Thunderbird as featured by the application. Moreover, the program has some more advanced features.

Download Software:

Download Software Now
Mac OS Buy Software Now
(100% Secure)

Step 1: – Run the application to import EML messages to Thunderbird
Step 2: – Browse and select EML files or folders to import
Step 3: – Select Thunderbird Profile to import the file
Step 4: – Import multiple EML files with attachments at once

This tool also allows you to move Thunderbird profile to another computer.

Benefits of Choosing the Automated Approach

Maintains Emails Headers
Support MIME type‎: ‎message/rfc822
Inline Images will not be distorted
HTML formatting remains the same
Easy to use and save your important time
Each and every EML file is imported

Import EML Files into Thunderbird Manually

n this segment, we will discuss how you can manually convert your EML files into Thunderbird mailbox.The following are the manual techniques to add .eml files into Thunderbird.

Import EML to Thunderbird Using Drag & Drop Apprach
Use the “Import/Export Tool” to move EML into Thunderbird mailbox

Now let us further discuss both these techniques in detail and see if they are as useful as the above-shared expert solutions.

Technique 1: Import EML to Thunderbird with Drag & Drop

Create one new Folder >> Then, Right Click on any existing folder (here we have selected the Inbox Folder) >> Hit on the new folder.

create new folder

Now, Give Desired Name (here we used: “EML File”). Press the Create Folder Button to create a new folder.
In your machine then, go to the location where all EML files are stored >> and select the EML file. In Thunderbird, choose a new Sub Folder (we selected New EML Folder) >> Drag-n-Drop EML files data from your PC to the New Sub Folder as shown.

drag and drop eml files

Now, your All EML files are imported successfully into the desired folder as shown on the screen. Select any email to open.

select any email to open

Technique 2: How to Import EML to Thunderbird with “Import/Export Tool”

Download Free ‘ImportExportTools NG’ Add-on. Then, save import-export tools NG.xpi in your local machine.
Open Thunderbird, go to the menu Hit on Tools Tab> Click on Add-ons

click tools >>add-ons

Now, press the gear icon. From the drop-down list click on Install Add-on will be installed automatically.

select install add-on from file option

Then, browse the location where importexporttoolsng.xpi file is saved on your PC. Choose the import-export tools.xpi file and click on the Open button.

choose file and click open

Click on the Install Now button to restart the Thunderbird
Now, Hit on Restart Now button to restart the Thunderbird

hit restart now

Create a New Folder in Thunderbird. For that, Right Click on Local Folders >> Click on New Folder option.

select local folders >> new folders

Now, give the desired name to a new folder (here we have used Test Folder). Press the Create Folder button.
Right-click on the Newly Created Folder > Select ImportExport Tools option > Select Import All Messaged from a Directory > Also, Select from its SubDirectories (this option will import all subfolders inside the selected folder).

import all messages from a directory

Choose Desired Folders containing EML Files in your system (here we have selected EML Folder and its subfolders for importing). Click on it OK button.

select preferred folders and click ok

In the Test Folder, two subfolders are imported. You can also see the count of imported EML files in total.

view the test folder

Now, select the Folder to see all imported EML files in Thunderbird.

select test folder to see all imported eml files

Disadvantages of Manual Approach

It is not possible to transfer multiple EML files.
Non-technical users do not perform this conversion.
Also, the process is lengthy and time-consuming.

Tip for Mac users: As there are so many limitations associated with the manual methods, in order to overcome these constraints and make the entire process concise and riskless, an expert solution i.e. the software suggested above can be used.

Frequently Asked Questions About Importing EML in Thunderbird

Q1: Can I Import EML Files into Thunderbird Manually?

Yes, you can import the complete step-by-step guide explained in this article. Visit and perform the steps.

Q2: Is It Possible to Import Bulk EML to Thunderbird?

Yes, it is possible and quite easy. This article explained the complete procedure.

Q3: How Do I Import EML to Thunderbird on Windows 10?

Read this article for a safe and secure solution. Both manual and automated solutions are explained.

Let’s Sum Up

Many users start searching for the relevant solution to transfer EML files, and folders to Thunderbird. As the Thunderbird email application supports both Mac as well as Windows operating systems, thus the various methods available to perform the conversion depend on different platforms.

So, in the above section, we have already explained the manual migration from EML emails to Thunderbird for both environments. But, if the user wants to import EML files into Thunderbird Windows then, an automated solution is also recommended to perform the migration process. Along with this, we have also covered the set of features to import EML messages to Thunderbird.

By Ashwani Tiwari

Being a Chief Technical Analyst, I am aware of the technicalities faced by the user while working with multiple technologies. So, through my blogs and articles, I love to help all the users who face various challenges while dealing with technology.

View all of Ashwani Tiwari's posts.