Written by Jennifer Walsh. Reviewed for technical accuracy by Shubham Dixit, Independent Expert in Email Forensics and Data File Conversion. Updated 18 September 2026.
Shubham is an independent external reviewer and not an employee of PCDOTS.
Quick answer. Yes, Thunderbird imports EML files, and it’s free with no extra software. Drag the .eml files onto a Thunderbird folder for a quick import, or install the ImportExportTools NG add-on to import an entire folder at once, including subfolders. To just read one, double-click the .eml or open it as a saved message. A converter only helps for turning EML into other formats.
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Can Thunderbird import EML files?
Yes. Thunderbird imports EML files on its own, and it’s free. You do not need any paid software for this. Thunderbird itself is a free download from thunderbird.net.
An EML file is a single email saved on its own, in the plain-text MIME format, with the sender, subject, body and attachments inside. When you import it, Thunderbird reads it as a normal message in your folder.
There are two free ways, and one quick way to just read a file. Drag and drop is simplest for a few files, ImportExportTools NG handles an entire folder and a double-click opens one to view. The steps for every route are below.
EML files drop into a Thunderbird folder and open as normal emails.
“This is one of those jobs where you don’t need to buy anything. Thunderbird reads EML natively, so for a few files you literally drag them onto a folder and they land as emails. For a stack of EML files in nested folders, I always use ImportExportTools NG and its import all messages from a directory option, drag and drop can lag on big batches. A converter only earns its place when you want the EML turned into something else, a single MBOX or a PST for Outlook. For getting EML into Thunderbird, the free route is the entire answer.” Shubham Dixit, Email Migration reviewer (draft, pending approval)
How do you import EML files by drag and drop?
You import EML files by drag and drop when they sit in one folder. Open Thunderbird beside that folder, select the files and drag them across. It’s the fastest way for a handful.
Here are the four steps.
- Open Thunderbird and the folder that holds your .eml files, so both are visible.
- In Thunderbird, select or create a folder to receive the emails, under Local Folders works well.
- Select the .eml files, then drag them onto the Thunderbird folder.
- Thunderbird imports them as messages. Large batches can lag, so use the add-on below for a big folder.
Drag EML onto a folder, or import a directory with the add-on.
How do you import an entire folder with ImportExportTools NG?
You import an entire folder of EML files with ImportExportTools NG, a free Thunderbird add-on. It reads every .eml in a directory and its subfolders, and rebuilds the folder tree. This is the route for many or nested files.
Here are the five steps.
- In Thunderbird, open the menu, then Add-ons and Themes, search ImportExportTools NG, add it, then restart.
- Right-click Local Folders and create a new folder for the import.
- Right-click that folder, open ImportExportTools NG, then Import EML Messages.
- Choose All EML Messages From A Directory and Subdirectories, or Import messages for a few files.
- Select the parent folder of your .eml files, and Thunderbird imports them all with the structure.
For a stack of EML files in nested folders, I always use ImportExportTools NG, drag and drop can lag on big batches. You can confirm the add-on on Thunderbird’s add-on site.
Two quick notes. The add-on imports EMLX files too, the variant Apple Mail saves, so the same steps cover those. And the menu names match your Thunderbird language, so the option reads the same whether you run it in English, German or Italian.
How do you open a single EML file in Thunderbird?
You open a single EML file in Thunderbird to read it, without a full import. Double-click the .eml, and if Thunderbird is your default handler it opens in a message window. Or in Thunderbird, click File, then Open, then Saved Message, then select the .eml. That answers the Thunderbird EML viewer question, no add-on needed.
When would you use a converter instead?
You use a converter when the goal isn’t Thunderbird at all, but another format. The free methods above cover importing EML into Thunderbird, so a converter earns its place for turning EML into a single MBOX, or into PST for Outlook, in bulk.
PCDOTS EML Converter loads a folder of EML files and exports them to MBOX, PST or a Thunderbird profile, on Windows, with the folder structure kept. The free trial exports a sample first. Follow these four steps.
- Install and run PCDOTS EML Converter, then open the menu.
- Add your EML files or a folder.
- Open Export and select the format, MBOX, PST or Thunderbird.
- Select a destination and save the output.
The tool route, for turning EML into MBOX, PST or a Thunderbird profile.
Here are the same four steps with the screens.
Step 1. Install and run PCDOTS EML Converter.
Step 2. Preview the loaded EML files.
Step 3. Open Export and select Thunderbird or a format.
Step 4. Save the output and open the result.
Related reading, our guides to convert EML files to CSV and import Yahoo Mail to Thunderbird. To read a file first, the free EML viewer opens a .eml without any client.
Match the route to how many EML files you have.
Which method should you use?
Use drag and drop for a few files, ImportExportTools NG for an entire folder and a converter only to change EML into another format.
| Method | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Drag and drop | A few EML files | Free, built in, no add-on |
| ImportExportTools NG | A entire folder, nested | Free add-on, keeps structure |
| EML Converter | EML to MBOX or PST | Windows, not for Thunderbird import |
Key takeaways
- Thunderbird imports EML files for free, with no paid software needed.
- Drag the .eml files onto a Thunderbird folder for a few, and they land as emails.
- Use ImportExportTools NG, Import all from a directory, for an entire folder with subfolders.
- Double-click a .eml or use File, Open, Saved Message to just read one.
Frequently asked questions
Can Thunderbird import EML files without extra software?
Yes. Thunderbird reads EML natively. Drag the .eml files onto a folder, or use the free ImportExportTools NG add-on for an entire directory. No paid tool is needed.
How do I import all EML files from a directory?
Install ImportExportTools NG, right-click a folder, open ImportExportTools NG, Import EML Messages, then All EML Messages From A Directory and Subdirectories, and select the parent folder.
Why won’t my dragged EML files import?
Very large batches can lag or drop during a drag. Import a big folder with ImportExportTools NG instead, which handles the count and the structure.
How do I just open a single EML file in Thunderbird?
Double-click the .eml, or in Thunderbird click File, Open, Saved Message, then select the file. It opens in a message window to read.
Do attachments come across with the import?
Yes. An EML file holds its attachments, so drag and drop and ImportExportTools NG both keep them on the imported message.
Do I need a converter to import EML into Thunderbird?
No. The free methods import EML into Thunderbird fully. A converter helps only to turn EML into another format, like a single MBOX or a PST for Outlook.
How do I export emails from Thunderbird back to EML?
Right-click a folder, open ImportExportTools NG, then Export, then choose EML format. Thunderbird writes one .eml file for every message in that folder.
So how many EML files are you bringing over?
Importing EML into Thunderbird is free, so the only choice is the route. For a few files, drag them onto a folder and you’re done. For an entire folder, or a nested set, ImportExportTools NG imports the lot and keeps the structure. To just read one, double-click it. A converter is only for turning EML into MBOX or PST, not for this. So how many EML files are you bringing over, a handful by drag, or a full directory with the add-on?
