MSG to MBOX Converter

Convert MSG files to MBOX quickly and easily, making them compatible with Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Gmail, Windows Mail, and other email clients.

  • Convert emails with attachments and attached emails
  • No Need for Outlook Installation
  • Support for the latest Mozilla Thunderbird version
Get started for free

Product Information

Product name
MSG 2 MBOX
Release date
May 2024
Category
MSG Converter
Platform
Windows
Installation
Technical Specs
Additional terms
App Privacy
EULA

What's New

Version 1.28
Portable and Installer versions

How to convert MSG to MBOX files?

If you need to convert MSG files to Thunderbird, our MSG to MBOX Converter can help you do it in a few clicks. To convert MSG to MBOX files, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a File or Folder with MSG files
  2. Select the destination path for the resulting MBOX files
  3. Optionally, customize additional settings:
    • Process subfolders
    • Replicate folder structure from the source path
    • Save internet transport headers
    • Overwrite mode for existing files
  4. Click "Run" to convert MSG to MBOX files
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MSG to MBOX Portable Version (.zip) - No installation required

Usage: msg2mbox-cli [command] [options]

Command: convert mbox
Description: Convert MSG files to MBOX format

Options:
  -f, --file        Required. Path to the file(s) to be converted, supporting wildcard characters (*?).
  -r, --recursive   Process subfolders recursively.
  -q, --query       Search query for filtering messages.
  -p, --path        Destination path for MBOX files.
  -v, --verbose     Display detailed processing information on your screen.
  --atchm-only      Export only attached emails.
  --mkdir           Create an individual directory for each exported file.
  --srcfolders      Preserve the source folder structure.
  --empty           Include empty folders in the export.
  --headers         Save internet transport headers.
  --enc-type        (Default: original) Recode Content-Transfer-Encoding. Valid values: original, quoted_printable, _7bit, _8bit, base64
  --utf-8           Set Content-Type Charset to UTF-8.
  --mode            (Default: rename) Overwrite mode. Valid values: rename, overwrite, append

Converting MSG to MBOX using PowerShell

MSG to MBOX Converter offers command line options for convertig .msg files to MBOX format. To start the export, use the convert mbox command followed by various options.

One of the key features is the ability to apply a search query to filter messages based on specific criteria, utilizing search keywords and boolean search operators. This allows users to extract only the relevant items they need, saving time and effort.

  • Support different naming conventions and macros for exported files
  • Convert attached emails
  • No Outlook installation required

Features

Standalone & Installer versions

MSG 2 MBOX can be used as a portable application or installed as a Windows application. Choose the option that best suits your workflow needs.

Offline Conversion

The MSG to MBOX converter does not require internet access, and all data generated by this software is stored exclusively on your device.

Conversion of Contacts, Calendar, and Tasks

While Thunderbird contacts, calendar, and tasks are not a part of the mbox file, Outlook contacts, calendar, and tasks can be exported as emails and then converted to mbox format.

Maintain the Original Folder Structure

Our MSG to MBOX Converter tool allows you to convert multiple MSG files from subfolders to MBOX format in a single operation, while preserving the original folder structure.

PowerShell and Command-Line Application

This option is available exclusively for Technician license users, enabling the software to be run using PowerShell or as a command-line application for enhanced functionality and automation.

No Limits on the Number or Size of Resulting Files

There are no limits on the number of resulting files and files to be converted. You can convert an unlimited number of folders or files as often as you want.

Preserve All Mail Properties

During conversion, the utility saves all supported message data in the MBOX format, including attachments, embedded emails, signed certificates, and more.

Compatible with all Outlook versions

Convert MSG files from Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, 2010, 2007 and IMAP, Microsoft 365, Exchange, and Outlook.com accounts to MBOX files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about MSG to MBOX Converter? Check out our answers to frequently asked questions below to get started!

Download and run the MSG to MBOX Converter. Choose a file or folder containing MSG files, then select the destination path for the resulting MBOX files. Finally, click 'Run' to initiate the conversion process for your PST files.

Note: The evaluation version exports up to 15 emails per folder.

MBOX is an open-source format, facilitating easier cross-platform accessibility and compatibility with a wide range of email clients, including Mozilla Thunderbird, Mac/Apple Mail, Opera Mail, Spicebird, Entourage, Eudora, and more.

An MBOX is a format used for storing email messages, and it is supported by common email clients. It contains all the details for the exported messages, including message text and any attachments. MBOX files typically result in the creation of:
  • .sbd folders – Maintain folder hierarchy.
  • Message files (MBOX) – Contain your messages and do not have any file extension, such as Archive, Calendar, Contacts, and Inbox.

Unfortunately, Microsoft Outlook cannot open MBOX files. One workaround is to use another mail client, such as Thunderbird, or to convert MBOX files to a format compatible with Microsoft Outlook using MBOX to PST Converter.

The main difference is that the MBOX format exports each folder as a separate file, while EML exports each email as a separate file. Major email clients like Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail support both formats.