Emails often contain critical information such as legal notices, business approvals, invoices, and official communication. Many email clients store individual messages in EML format, which works well inside email applications but is not ideal for long-term storage or sharing. This is why users across industries choose to convert EML to PDF a format that is secure, universally accessible, and easy to archive.
This blog explains what EML files are, why PDF is the preferred output, how you can convert EML files manually, the limitations of those methods, and the best solution for accurate and bulk conversion.
What Is an EML File?
An EML file represents a single email message saved by various email clients, including Mozilla Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express, Apple Mail, eM Client, SeaMonkey
An EML file contains:
Email body HTML or plain text, Sender and receiver details, Date and subject, Attachments, Inline images and metadata
Although EML files preserve complete email data, they require compatible email software to open, which limits accessibility.
Why Convert EML to PDF?
PDF is a universal document format that offers multiple advantages over EML:
- Universal Accessibility
PDF files can be opened on any operating system Windows, Mac, Linux, or mobile without requiring an email client.
- Legal and Compliance Use
PDF is widely accepted for legal submissions, audits, and compliance documentation.
- Long-Term Archiving
PDF preserves formatting and structure for years, making it suitable for records management.
- Security and Integrity
PDF files can be password-protected, encrypted, and digitally signed.
- Easy Printing and Sharing
PDF maintains layout consistency across devices and printers.
Manual Methods to Convert EML to PDF
Users often try manual solutions first, especially for a small number of emails.
Method 1: Open EML in Email Client and Print to PDF
This method to export from EML to PDF works on both Windows and Mac.
Steps:
- Open the EML file using Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or Windows Mail.
- Open the email.
- Select File to Print.
- Choose Save as PDF (Mac) or Microsoft Print to PDF (Windows).
- Save the file.
Limitations:
- One email at a time
- Attachments not embedded
- Formatting inconsistencies
Method 2: Open EML in a Web Browser to Convert EML to PDF
Some browsers can open EML files directly.
Steps:
- Right-click the EML file.
- Open it using Chrome, Edge, or Safari.
- Press Print to Save as PDF.
Limitations:
- Inline images may not load
- Email headers may be incomplete
- Attachments excluded
Method 3: Use Apple Mail Export (Mac Only)
Mac users can use Apple Mail’s built-in export feature.
Steps:
- Open EML file in Apple Mail.
- Select File to Export as PDF.
- Save the file.
Limitations:
- No bulk conversion
- Attachments saved separately
Why Manual Methods to Convert EML to PDF Are Not Reliable
Manual methods may work for a few emails but fail when dealing with large volumes or professional requirements. Common issues include:
- No batch conversion
- Loss of attachments
- Broken HTML formatting
- Time-consuming process
- Not suitable for business or legal use
For users handling hundreds or thousands of EML files, manual conversion becomes inefficient and risky.
Best Solution: Use a Professional EML to PDF Converter
The CubexSoft EML to PDF Converter is designed to overcome the limitations of manual methods. It is a standalone tool to export multiple EML emails directly without needing to download any extra software to export. This utility has many features like bulk migration, selective folder conversion, multiple formatting options like MBOX, PST, PDF, MSG, OLM, NSF, CSV, Office 365, etc. And many others. This utility supports all the Windows as well as Mac OS. Try the free demo and export up to 25 emails from the mailbox for free.
Key Benefits of Professional Tools
Bulk Conversion: Convert entire folders of EML files at once.
Attachment Handling: Options to Embed attachments in PDF, save attachments separately, add attachment icons within PDFs.
Preserve Email Formatting: Maintains HTML layout, fonts, images, and metadata.
Metadata Preservation: Includes To, From, CC, BCC, Date, and Subject fields.
Cross-Platform Support: Works on both Windows and Mac systems.
Steps to Convert EML to PDF
- Install the EML to PDF Converter.
- Launch the software.
- Add EML files or folders.
- Select PDF as output format.
- Choose destination and preferences.
- Click Convert.
The tool automatically generates accurate PDF copies of all emails.
Conclusion
Converting EML to PDF is the best way to ensure long-term accessibility, security, and professional presentation of email data. While manual methods may work for small tasks, they lack accuracy, speed, and reliability for serious use.
The CubexSoft EML Converter offers a fast, secure, and scalable solution to convert EML to PDF preserving formatting, attachments, and metadata while saving valuable time. It also offer a free demo to export up to 25 emails from the mailbox for free. If you regularly deal with EML files or need error-free email documentation, converting them to PDF is the smartest approach.