Easy and Secure Outlook MSG to EML Conversion Guide
Moving from one email platform to another is an enormous task—the possible incompatibility between each platform & the fact that many have different versions of file formats can complicate things further & make them even more tedious than they need to be, at least according to most people. The most common example of this scenario is when users try to convert Outlook’s MSG files into the more commonly accepted format the .EML file type so they can access their email through other email clients such as Apple Mail, Mozilla Thunderbird or any other E-Mail Client, etc.
If you’ve ever attempted to view an MSG file without the benefit of being inside Microsoft’s product you must understand how frustrating that experience can be and therefore not worry, this guide provides a variety of options, both simple manual options as well some more advanced third-party solutions for doing so.
Understanding MSG and EML File Formats
The first step in any conversion project is familiarizing yourself with the item you wish to convert.
The MSG file type and format is a proprietary format which is defined specifically by, lets call it the “Microsoft” way of saving single email messages along with the associated metadata such as “who sent the email” and where it was sent plus “when you last opened the email,” etc.
EML files are more widely accepted by many different email programs, such as Apple Mail, Thunderbird and Windows Mail, and will be used by all of these email programs. EML files also contain email content in plain text format and are encoded with MIME, which makes them easier to share.
Why Convert MSG to EML?
Here are some common reasons for converting your MSG documents to EML:
- Migrating from using Outlook to using Apple Mail or Thunderbird.
To view your Outlook mail items even if you don’t want to install any of their software.
3. To create an offline copy of your emails that can be stored on a different device or medium.
4. When working on one platform and sharing your email files with others who are using different platforms.
5. To retain the original structure and attachments associated with each email in a universally compatible format.
Ways to Convert MSG Files To EML Files
Should you have Outlook installed locally on your computer, there are manual methods for converting .msg files to .eml. This method is free, however, should you have many .msg files to convert, it will take quite some time to complete.
Instructions for Converting MSG to EML Follow:
- Open Microsoft Outlook
Launch Outlook on your system. - Locate MSG Files
Put MSG files into your Outlook inbox or custom folder by dragging and dropping.
- Open the email
To view an MSG file double-click it. - Save As EML Format
o Click on File > Save As
o Choose a destination folder
o Select either “Text” or “HTML” format.
(Please note that there is no direct method of exporting MSG files to EML files with Outlook, this is utilised as a workaround.)
- Change the file name
Change the extension of the text or html file to .eml.
Limitations of the Manual Method
While this approach works for a few emails, it comes with several drawbacks:
- No direct MSG to EML export option
- Risk of losing formatting and metadata
- Attachments may not be preserved correctly
- Not feasible for bulk conversion
- Laborious and monotonous
If you have many MSG files, either hundreds or dozens, an alternative is needed that is more reliable than multiple solutions combined.
MSG2EML Converter: A Comprehensive Review and Users Manual
As such, dealing with Outlook email messages residing outside of Microsoft Office can be very challenging when it comes to handling Microsoft Outlook files – known as “MSG” – because MSG files closely connect to (and are only able to be opened in) the Microsoft Outlook Applications, making it virtually impossible to open/migrate them to another Email Client such as Apple Mail or Thunderbird. This is where TrustVare MSG to EML Converter Software comes into play. According to the official description, the software supports both single and bulk conversion while preserving email properties like attachments, subject and metadata.
Key Features of a Good Conversion Tool
- Bulk Conversion Capability
Convert multiple MSG files all at the same time with this software, which will save a lot of time and effort. This is very helpful for businesses or people who are working with large numbers of emails.
- Preserve Email Integrity
One major concern in converting, is the risk of losing data in the process. This tool will keep all email properties such as to, from, cc, bcc, subject and attachments intact.
- Standalone Application
There is no need for users to have Microsoft Outlook installed on the PC to perform this conversion, as the software is an independent tool that users can access anytime.
- Advanced Filtering Options
You can filter your MSG Files using either File Mode or Folder Mode to perform selective conversions based on your requirements.
- Preview Functionality
The software will preview each MSG file prior to converting, giving users the opportunity to confirm their data.
- Wide Compatibility
The software is compatible with all versions of MSG files from Outlook, including earlier versions and will work on most Windows operating systems without issue.
- Unlimited Conversion
You can convert as many times and from any size file or amount of email with a licensed version.
To Use a Third-Party Tool
The software was created with easy-to-use software that even a person who is not technical can easily do conversions.
Step-by-Step Process
You will need to download and install the software
- Launch the application
- Choose File Mode or Folder Mode
- Browse and add MSG files
- Preview selected emails
- Select EML as the output format
- Choose a destination folder
- To begin the conversion process, simply click on “Convert”!
The conversion process is easy, using only a few clicks; therefore, it is very efficient.
Advantages of Using a Professional Tool
There are many benefits of using this tool compared to doing manual conversions:
Saves Time – By converting multiple files, you will be able to eliminate manual work.
Maintains Accuracy – Email structure and associated data will remain intact following conversion.
Easy to Use – No technical knowledge required.
Safe and Secure – There is no chance of data becoming corrupt.
Lightweight – Doesn’t slow down/impact the performance of your system.
Conclusion
To convert MSG files into EML, you don’t need to have a hard time figuring out how to do it. The manual method using Outlook works for small jobs but will become tedious when doing bigger projects. A third-party converter is a much better option that is quicker and more reliable than the manual version and can also be used on larger jobs. The third party will give you a better email format with better email organization and access than using Outlook.
If you are migrating to Apple Mail, Thunderbird or simply need a different email format to manage your business then converting from MSG to EML is a perfect way to move your email from one program to another.