An EML file is an email message saved as a single file on your computer

An EML file is a plain-text file that contains one complete email — the message, the sender, the recipient, the subject line, and any attachments. The ".eml" extension stands for "electronic mail". When you export an email from Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or Gmail, you usually get an EML file.

EML files are useful because they let you save emails outside your email program, move them between different email clients, or keep a permanent record of a message. Unlike a screenshot or a PDF, an EML file preserves the actual email data in a format that other programs can read and open.

The file itself is not an image or a document — it is structured text that your email program knows how to interpret. If you open an EML file in Notepad, you will see the raw email code, including headers that show routing information, timestamps, and technical details. But when you open it in an email program, it displays as a normal message.

Key Takeaways

  • An EML file is a single email message saved as a file, created when you export or download an email from most email programs.
  • You can open an EML file by double-clicking it (if an email program is set as the default), dragging it into an email client, or using File > Import in your email program.
  • EML files work across different email programs — an email exported from Outlook can be opened in Thunderbird or Apple Mail.
  • If you cannot open an EML file, the most common reason is that no email program is set as the default handler, or the file is corrupted.

How EML files are created

You create an EML file when you export or save an email from your email program. In Outlook, you right-click a message and choose "Save As", then select a folder and a filename. In Gmail, you cannot export directly, but third-party tools and Gmail's own forwarding options can create EML files. Thunderbird and Apple Mail both have export functions in their File menus.

Some email programs create EML files automatically when you drag an email out of the program window onto your desktop or into a folder. Others create them when you use a backup or archive feature. The exact method depends on which email program you use.

You may also receive an EML file as an attachment from someone else, or download one from a website. In these cases, the file was created by someone else's email program and is being shared with you.

How to open an EML file on Windows

The simplest way is to double-click the EML file. If an email program is already set as the default handler for EML files, the email will open in that program immediately. On Windows, Outlook, Thunderbird, and Windows Mail can all serve as the default.

If double-clicking does not work, right-click the EML file and select "Open with". A list of programs will appear. Choose your email program from the list. If your email program is not listed, click "Choose another app" or "More apps", then browse to find it. Once you select it, the file will open.

If you want to set a program as the default for all future EML files, right-click the file, choose "Open with", select your email program, and check the box that says "Always use this app to open .eml files" (the exact wording varies by Windows version). After that, double-clicking any EML file will open it in that program.

If you do not have an email program installed, you can open the EML file in Notepad to read the raw text, though it will not be formatted as a readable email. To install a free email program, download Thunderbird from mozilla.org or Windows Mail from the Microsoft Store.

How to open an EML file on Mac

On a Mac, double-click the EML file. If Apple Mail is installed and set as the default, the email will open there. If nothing happens, right-click (or Control-click) the file and select "Open With", then choose Mail or another email program from the list.

To set a program as the default for EML files, right-click the file, select "Open With", choose your email program, then click "Change All". This tells your Mac to open all EML files with that program from now on.

If you use Gmail or another web-based email service and do not have a desktop email program, you can install Thunderbird for free from mozilla.org. Thunderbird works on Mac and can import EML files, letting you read and organize them on your computer.

How to open an EML file on a phone or tablet

Most phones and tablets do not have built-in support for EML files. The easiest workaround is to forward the email to yourself using a computer, or to use a web-based email service like Gmail or Outlook.com, which can import EML files through their web interface.

On Android, some third-party email apps like K-9 Mail or FairEmail can open EML files if you download them to your phone first. Download the file, open your file manager, find the EML file, and tap it. You will be asked which app to use — select your email program.

On iPhone and iPad, the Mail app does not directly open EML files. Your best option is to use a computer to import the EML file into your email account, then access it on your phone through that account. Alternatively, some third-party email apps may support EML files — check the app's description in the App Store.

What to do if an EML file will not open

If double-clicking or right-clicking does not work, the file may be corrupted, or no email program is set as the default handler. Start by checking that you have an email program installed. Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Windows Mail are the most common. If you do not have one, download Thunderbird for free.

Next, try opening your email program first, then using File > Import or File > Open to locate the EML file from within the program. This method works even if the file is not set as the default. In Outlook, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export. In Thunderbird, go to Tools > Import. In Apple Mail, go to File > Import Mailboxes.

If the file still will not open, try renaming it. Right-click the file, select "Rename", and make sure the extension is exactly ".eml" with no extra characters or spaces. Sometimes files are saved with a wrong extension or a double extension like ".eml.txt".

If you can open the file in Notepad but not in your email program, the file may be corrupted. In this case, you can read the raw text to recover the message content, but the email program will not be able to parse it properly. Contact the person who sent you the file and ask them to re-export it.

EML files versus other email formats

EML is the most common format for exporting single emails, but other formats exist. PST (Outlook Data File) and MBOX (mailbox format) are used for storing multiple emails in one file. MSG is another Outlook format for individual messages. EMLX is Apple Mail's version of EML.

For most purposes, EML is the best choice because it is widely supported across different email programs and operating systems. If you are moving emails between Outlook and Thunderbird, or between Gmail and Apple Mail, EML files usually work without conversion. PST files are specific to Outlook, and MBOX files require a compatible program to read them.

If you receive a file in a format you do not recognize, check the extension. If it ends in .pst, you need Outlook or a PST reader. If it ends in .mbox, you need Thunderbird or another MBOX-compatible program. If it ends in .msg, you can open it in Outlook or convert it to EML using a free online tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an EML file in Gmail or Outlook.com?

Yes. In Gmail, go to Settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP > Import mail & contacts, then upload the EML file. In Outlook.com, go to Settings > Mail > Import mail, then select the file. Both services will import the email into your inbox.

Is it safe to open an EML file from someone I do not know?

EML files are text-based and cannot execute code, so they are safer than executable files. However, they can contain links or attachments that are malicious. Do not click links or download attachments from an EML file unless you trust the sender. If you are unsure, open it in Notepad first to see the raw content.

Can I convert an EML file to PDF?

Yes. Open the EML file in your email program, then use File > Print. In the print dialog, select "Print to PDF" or "Save as PDF" instead of a printer. This creates a PDF version of the email that you can share or archive.

What if the EML file has attachments?

When you open an EML file that contains attachments, the email program will display them as part of the message. You can download or save them the same way you would from a normal email. The attachments are embedded in the EML file itself.

Can I edit an EML file?

You can open an EML file in Notepad and edit the raw text, but this is not recommended unless you know what you are doing. Editing the headers or structure can corrupt the file and make it unreadable by email programs. If you need to change an email, open it in your email program, copy the text, and create a new message instead.