What EML files are and why you have one

An EML file is a single email message saved as a text file. Email programs like Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail create EML files when you export or save individual emails. The file contains the email's text, headers (sender, recipient, date, subject), and sometimes attachments — all in a format that any text editor or email program can read.

You most likely have an EML file because you exported it from your email account, received it from someone else, or your email program automatically saved it. Unlike a PDF or Word document, an EML file is designed to be opened by email software, not by a web browser or generic viewer.

Key Takeaways

  • EML files open in any email program (Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail) by dragging the file into the program or using File > Open.
  • On Windows, you can also right-click the EML file, select "Open with", and choose your email program from the list.
  • If you do not have an email program installed, a plain text editor like Notepad will display the email's content, though formatting may look rough.
  • Some online EML viewers exist, but uploading email files to a website carries privacy risks — a local program is safer.

Opening EML files in Outlook

Outlook is the most common place EML files end up, since Outlook creates them when you export emails. To open an EML file in Outlook on Windows, go to File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File. Navigate to your EML file and select it. Outlook will import the message into a folder you choose.

On Mac, Outlook's process is similar: File > Open > and then select the EML file from your computer. The email will appear in your inbox or a designated folder. If Outlook does not recognize the file, make sure the file extension is actually .eml and not something else like .txt or .msg (which is Outlook's native format).

Opening EML files in Thunderbird or Apple Mail

Thunderbird (free, available on Windows, Mac, and Linux) opens EML files easily. Drag and drop the EML file directly into any Thunderbird folder, or go to File > Open Message and select the file. Thunderbird will display the full email with all formatting intact.

Apple Mail on Mac can open EML files by dragging them into the Mail window or by double-clicking the file if Mail is set as the default program. To set Mail as default, right-click the EML file, select "Open With", and choose "Apple Mail" from the list. Then click "Always Open With" to make it permanent.

Opening EML files with a text editor if you do not have email software

If you do not have Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail installed, you can open an EML file in any plain text editor — Notepad on Windows, TextEdit on Mac, or gedit on Linux. Right-click the EML file, select "Open With", and choose your text editor. The email will display as readable text, though you will see raw email headers (like "From:", "To:", "Date:") at the top, and the formatting will be plain.

This approach works for reading the email's content, but you will not see images or special formatting, and attachments will appear as encoded text rather than as downloadable files. If the email contains important attachments, a proper email program is a better choice.

Changing which program opens EML files by default

On Windows, right-click any EML file and select "Open With" > "Choose Another App". A list of programs appears. Select the one you want to use, then check the box that says "Always use this app to open .eml files". From then on, double-clicking any EML file will open it in that program.

On Mac, right-click the EML file, select "Open With", choose your preferred program, and click "Change All". This sets that program as the default for all EML files on your computer. On Linux, the process varies by desktop environment, but most file managers have a "Properties" or "Open With" option where you can set a default.

Why online EML viewers are risky

Several websites claim to open EML files for you — you upload the file, and they display it in your browser. This approach carries a real privacy risk: you are sending your email file (which may contain sensitive information, account details, or personal messages) to a server you do not control. The website operator can read, store, or share that data.

A local program — even Notepad — keeps your email on your own computer. If privacy matters for the email you are opening, use an installed program instead of an online tool. If you must use an online viewer, choose one run by a company you trust, and delete the file from the website afterward if the option exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an EML file on my phone?

Most phones do not have built-in EML support. On Android, you can email the EML file to yourself and open it in Gmail or your email app. On iPhone, the same approach works — forward it to your email account and open it there. Some third-party apps claim to open EML files, but they are less reliable than desktop programs.

What is the difference between EML and MSG files?

EML is a standard format that any email program can read. MSG is Outlook's proprietary format and works best in Outlook. If you have an MSG file, Outlook opens it directly. If you need to convert MSG to EML, Thunderbird can import MSG files and then export them as EML.

Why does my EML file show as a TXT file?

Your operating system may have lost track of the .eml extension. Right-click the file, select "Rename", and make sure the name ends with .eml (for example, email.eml). Then set your email program as the default for EML files. If renaming does not work, the file may have been saved incorrectly — ask whoever sent it to you to resend it.

Can I open multiple EML files at once?

Most email programs open one EML file at a time when you double-click it. To open several, drag and drop them all into your email program's folder at once, or use File > Open and select multiple files while holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac).