How to Export/Save Outlook Emails to EML Format?

Understanding the EML Format

An EML (Electronic Mail) file is a standard email file format used to store individual email messages. It contains email content, metadata (such as subject, sender, and recipient), attachments, and HTML formatting. The EML format is compatible with multiple email applications, making it easy to migrate emails between different platforms.

Major Reasons to Export Outlook Emails to EML Format

There are several reasons why you might want to save Outlook emails as EML files:

• Email Backup: Save important emails for future reference.
• Migration to Another Email Client: Transfer emails from Outlook to Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or Windows Mail.
• Legal and Compliance Reasons: Store emails in a standardized format for legal purposes.
• Sharing Emails: Send saved emails as EML files to others for easy viewing.

How to Export Outlook Emails to EML Format

There are multiple ways to export your Outlook emails to EML format, depending on the version of Outlook you are using. Below are the most effective methods to  download EML file from Outlook: 

Method 1: Using Save As Option (For Outlook Web)

If you are using New Outlook (Outlook.com or Office 365 Webmail), you can save an email as an EML file through the Save As option.

1. Log in to Outlook Web through a browser.
2. Open the email you want to export Outlook Emails to EML.
3. Click on the More Options (three dots) at the top-right corner of the email.
4. Select Save As and choose a location on your computer.
5. The email will be saved as an EML file.

Method 2: Using Thunderbird as an Intermediary

Outlook for Windows does not have a built-in option to save emails as EML files, but you can use Mozilla Thunderbird to convert Outlook emails.

1. Install Mozilla Thunderbird on your computer.
2. Import your Outlook emails into Thunderbird:
3. Open Thunderbird, go to Tools >> Import >> Mail.
4. Select Outlook as the source and import your emails.
5. Save emails as EML files:
   • Select the emails you want to export.
   • Right-click and choose Save As > File.
   • Choose the destination folder, and emails will be saved in EML format.

Limitations Associated With the Manual Method

The manual method to export Outlook emails to EML has several limitations:

• Time-Consuming: Manually exporting multiple emails takes a lot of time.
• No Bulk Export: Outlook does not allow exporting multiple emails to EML at once.
• Attachments Not Guaranteed: Some manual methods may not save attachments.
• No Direct Option in Windows Outlook: Requires alternative methods like Thunderbird.
• Risk of Data Loss: Manual processes may lead to missing emails or metadata.
• Limited Email Formatting Support: Some email elements may not be preserved.
• Requires Technical Knowledge: Some methods need additional steps or tools.

For users needing to export multiple emails quickly and without these limitations, using the automated method is a better option.

Method 3: Using Outlook to EML Converter to Save Outlook Email as EML

If you want a faster and more automated method, you can use Outlook to EML Converter to export Outlook emails to EML format. This tool allows users to back up and migrate Outlook emails while maintaining email structure, attachments, and metadata. It supports all versions of Outlook, including Outlook 365, 2019, 2016, and earlier. With its user-friendly interface, even non-technical users can efficiently export emails in bulk without data loss. Its advanced features, such as date range filtering, duplicate email removal, and selective folder backup, make the backup process more efficient. Follow the given steps to export your Outlook messages to EML.

Simple Steps to Export Outlook Emails to EML

• Download and Install the DRS Softech Outlook Email Backup Tool.
• Log in using your Outlook email credentials and third-party app password>> Sign In.
• Select the Mailbox Folder you want to back up and click Next.
• Choose the Desired File Format, selecting EML from the drop-down menu.
• Customize the Backup by using additional features as per your needs.
• Pick the Path to save >> Click the Download button to export Outlook messages to EML. 

By following these steps, users can easily save their Outlook emails as EML files. This makes it simple to open emails in different email programs and keep backups safely. Beyond EML, the tool supports exporting emails to formats such as PST, MBOX, MSG, PDF, CSV, DOC, and more. 

Conclusion

After following the outlined steps, you can efficiently export Outlook emails to EML format for future use. Choosing the right method depends on your specific requirements, such as the number of emails to be exported, the need to retain attachments, and preserving the folder structure. Regardless of the approach, it’s always a good practice to back up your data before performing any email exports.

Read More: How to Import Apple Mail to Gmail or Google Workspace?

About The Author:

Md Shoaib

Hi, I’m Md Shoaib! I enjoy writing about technologies and helping my readers with their queries, and I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself and grow. Professionally, I work as a Digital Marketer, where I specialize in SEO and Copywriting.

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