MSG files don't open automatically on Mac, but you have several working options

An MSG file is an email message saved by Microsoft Outlook, usually on Windows. When someone sends you an MSG file as an attachment or you download one, your Mac won't open it with a double-click the way it would a PDF or image. You'll need to convert it, use a web tool, or install software that reads the format.

The fastest route depends on whether you have Microsoft Outlook installed, how many files you need to open, and whether you want to keep them as emails or turn them into something else. Most people can solve this in under five minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • If you have Microsoft Outlook on your Mac, you can drag an MSG file into Outlook and it will open as a readable email message.
  • Online converters like CloudConvert or Zamzar can turn MSG files into PDF or other formats without installing anything, though you upload your file to their servers.
  • Mail clients like Apple Mail and Mozilla Thunderbird cannot open MSG files directly, even though they handle other email formats.
  • Third-party Mac apps like Elytra or Mailvita can open MSG files if you plan to work with them regularly.

Using Microsoft Outlook if you already have it

If Outlook is installed on your Mac, this is the simplest method. Open Outlook, then locate the MSG file in Finder. Drag the MSG file directly into your Outlook window or into the Outlook icon in your Dock. Outlook will import the message and display it as a readable email.

Once it opens, you can read the full message, see attachments, and forward it if needed. If you want to save the content in a different format, you can right-click the message in Outlook and choose "Save As" to export it as a PDF or other file type.

This method works even if the MSG file came from someone else's Outlook — the format is the same across versions and Windows/Mac.

Converting MSG files online without installing software

If you don't have Outlook, an online converter is the quickest option. CloudConvert and Zamzar both accept MSG files and can convert them to PDF, DOCX, or other formats. Go to the converter's website, upload your MSG file, choose your output format, and download the result.

The trade-off is that you're uploading your file to someone else's server. If the email contains sensitive information, this may not be the right choice. Most converters delete files after a few hours, but read their privacy policy first if you're unsure.

These services are free for small files (usually under 100 MB). If you have many files to convert, the process takes longer because you repeat the upload-convert-download cycle for each one.

Installing a third-party Mac app to read MSG files

Apps like Elytra and Mailvita are designed specifically to open MSG files on Mac. You download and install them from the Mac App Store or the developer's website, then open your MSG files directly in the app. They display the email content, attachments, and metadata the way Outlook would.

These apps cost money (usually $5 to $20), but they're useful if you regularly receive MSG files and want a permanent solution. Some also let you batch-convert multiple files at once, which saves time if you have dozens to process.

Before buying, check the reviews and make sure the app is still being updated. Some older MSG readers have stopped working with newer versions of macOS.

Why Apple Mail and Thunderbird won't work

You might think Apple Mail or Mozilla Thunderbird could open MSG files since they're email clients, but they don't support the MSG format. Apple Mail reads MBOX and EML files. Thunderbird reads EML, MBOX, and a few others, but not MSG. Trying to drag an MSG file into either one will either do nothing or create an error.

If you need to use Apple Mail or Thunderbird, you'll have to convert the MSG file first using one of the methods above, then import the converted file.

Extracting attachments from MSG files without opening them

If you only need the attachments inside an MSG file and don't care about reading the email itself, you can sometimes extract them without opening the full message. Some online tools like Extract.me let you upload an MSG file and download just the attachments it contains.

This is faster than converting the entire email to PDF if you're only after a document or image that was attached. However, not all tools support this, so check what the service offers before uploading.

What to do if none of these methods work

If you've tried the above and still can't open your MSG file, the file may be corrupted or saved in a non-standard way. Try renaming the file extension from .MSG to .EML and see if that helps — sometimes Outlook saves files with the wrong extension. If that doesn't work, ask the person who sent you the file to resend it or save it in a different format like PDF.

You can also contact the app developer if you're using a third-party reader — they may have a workaround for unusual file formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an MSG file on my iPhone or iPad?

Not directly. You'll need to convert it to PDF or another format first using an online converter, then open the converted file in Mail or another app. Some third-party email apps claim to open MSG files, but they're unreliable on iOS.

Will converting my MSG file to PDF lose any information?

The email text and most formatting will convert fine, but some metadata like sender details and exact timestamps may not appear in the PDF. If you need to preserve everything, open it in Outlook instead.

Is it safe to upload my MSG file to an online converter?

Most reputable converters use encryption and delete files after a few hours. Check the privacy policy before uploading if the email contains passwords, financial information, or other sensitive data. If you're unsure, use Outlook or a paid app instead.

Why does my MSG file open as a text file when I double-click it?

Your Mac doesn't recognize MSG as an email format, so it defaults to opening it in a text editor. This shows garbled code because MSG is a binary format. Don't try to edit it this way — use one of the methods above instead.

Can I batch-convert multiple MSG files at once?

Online converters usually handle one file at a time. Third-party apps like Elytra often support batch conversion, which is faster if you have many files. Some converters offer a paid plan for bulk processing.