How to Open an EML File

EML files are email files saved as individual documents that contain not only the email’s text but also metadata, such as sender, recipient, date, and any attachments. These files are often used by email clients like Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, and others. You might encounter a need to open an EML file if you don’t use a standard email application. This guide covers several methods to help you view and open EML files across different devices and operating systems.

1. Opening EML Files with Email Clients

Many email clients support EML file viewing. Here are some popular options:

  • Microsoft Outlook: Right-click on the EML file and select "Open with Outlook" if this client is installed.
  • Mozilla Thunderbird: This free email client easily opens EML files. Just drag the file into Thunderbird to view it.
  • Windows Mail: Windows’ built-in email app. EML support depends on your OS version, but it can be used to open EML files in most cases.

2. Using Text Editors

EML files are MIME-formatted text files, so they can be opened with a basic text editor, like Notepad or Notepad++. However, this method will show raw text, including headers and encoding. It’s useful if you need to see the metadata or raw message content.

3. Opening EML Files in a Browser

Most modern browsers, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, support viewing EML files. Simply drag the file into the browser window to view its contents. In some cases, you may need to install an extension if the browser doesn’t natively support the format.

4. Converting EML Files to Other Formats

If the above methods don’t work for you, try converting the EML file to another format, like PDF or HTML. Here are a few tools you can use:

5. Using Specialized Software

There are also specialized programs for working with EML files that offer extended functionality, such as:

  • BitRecover EML Viewer — a free viewer that lets you open and read EML files.
  • EML Viewer Pro — a paid program with advanced features, such as conversion and batch file opening.