Emails play a crucial role in both personal and professional communication. Many email clients such as Windows Live Mail, Thunderbird, Outlook Express, Apple Mail, and eM Client store emails in EML format. While EML files are useful within email clients, they are not always ideal for sharing, printing, legal documentation, or long-term storage.
This is where EML to PDF conversion becomes important. PDF is a universally accepted format that ensures consistency, security, and easy accessibility across devices. In this blog, we will explore why it’s beneficial to convert EML to PDF, the challenges involved, manual methods, and the best approach for both Mac and Windows users.
What Is an EML File?
An EML file is a standard email file format that stores a single email message, including Email body, Sender and recipient details, Subject and date, Attachments
Although EML files preserve email data accurately, they require compatible email clients to open, which is not always convenient.
Why Convert EML to PDF?
Converting EML files to PDF offers several advantages:
- Universal Accessibility
PDF files can be opened on any device Windows, Mac, mobile, or tablet without special software.
- Legal and Compliance Use
PDF is widely accepted in legal, forensic, and compliance-related documentation.
- Secure Archiving
PDF files can be password-protected and digitally signed.
- Easy Sharing and Printing
PDF preserves formatting and layout when shared or printed.
- Long-Term Preservation
Unlike email clients, PDFs remain accessible even years later.
Challenges of Opening EML Files Directly
Users often face these issues with EML files:
- Requires an email client to open
- Not suitable for professional sharing
- Risk of accidental modification
- Attachments may not open easily
- No built-in PDF export on many platforms
These challenges affect both Windows and macOS users.
Manual Methods to Convert EML to PDF
Method 1: Open and Print to PDF (Windows & Mac)
Most email clients allow printing emails.
Steps:
- Open the EML file in an email client Thunderbird, Apple Mail, etc.
- Click Print.
- Select Save as PDF Print to PDF.
- Save the file.
Limitations:
- One email at a time
- Time-consuming for bulk files
- No batch processing
- Attachments may not be saved separately
- Formatting inconsistencies
Method 2: Drag EML into Email Client and Export
Some clients allow dragging EML files into folders and exporting them.
Limitations:
- Complex setup
- Platform-dependent
- No automation
- Risk of data loss
Why Manual Methods to Convert EML to PDF Are Not Ideal
- Not suitable for bulk conversion
- High effort and time consumption
- No control over file naming
- Attachments may be missed
- Folder structure not preserved
For users dealing with multiple EML files, manual methods are impractical.
Professional Solution: EML to PDF Converter for Mac and Windows
The CubexSoft EML to PDF Converter is the most efficient and reliable solution for both platforms. It supports both Windows and Mac based systems. It has many advance features like bulk folder migration which saves time, selective file migration, direct migration without requiring any add-ons extra software, shows live conversion, and many more advance filters. It also convert into multiple formats such as MBOX, PST, PDF, TXT, HTML, DOC, OLM, NSF, Gmail, Office 365, and many more. You can also explore the app and also export up to 25 emails from the mailbox for free of cost.
Key Features of a Professional Tool
- Supports Windows and macOS
- Bulk EML to PDF conversion
- Preserves original email formatting
- Saves attachments separately or embeds them
- Maintains email metadata like From, To, Subject, Date
- Allows folder-based export
- Custom file naming options
- User-friendly interface
The Steps to Convert EML to PDF
- Install the EML to PDF converter on your system.
- Add single or multiple EML files or folders.
- Choose PDF as the output format.
- Configure settings like attachments, layout, naming.
- Select destination folder.
- Start the conversion process.
Within minutes, all EML files are converted into high-quality PDFs.
Benefits of Using an EML to PDF Converter
- Saves time and effort
- Eliminates compatibility issues
- Ensures data integrity
- Supports large email volumes
- Provides professional-grade output
Conclusion
Converting EML to PDF for Mac and Windows is essential for users who want secure, accessible, and professional email documentation. While manual methods to convert EML to PDF may work for a few emails, they are inefficient and unreliable for large-scale needs.
The CubexSoft EML Converter provides a fast, secure, and accurate solution, ensuring emails are preserved exactly as intended complete with attachments, metadata, and formatting across both platforms. You can also try to explore and upload as many as 25 emails from the mailbox for free.