When managing emails across platforms, the need to convert MBOX to MSG often arises. Email clients like Thunderbird and Apple Mail widely use the MBOX format. MSG is primarily associated with Microsoft Outlook. Converting MBOX to MSG is essential for users transitioning to Outlook or needing better message accessibility and storage. In this blog, we’ll explore the manual methods to perform this conversion and the Shoviv MBOX to PST Converter to streamline the process.
Understanding the MBOX and MSG File Formats:
MBOX files are widely used to store multiple email messages in a single file. They are compatible with various email clients but lack the flexibility required by Outlook users. Know in detail.
MSG files, on the other hand, are proprietary to Microsoft Outlook. They store individual email messages and provide advanced features like metadata storage and better organization within the Outlook ecosystem. Know in detail.
Converting MBOX to MSG ensures users retain accessibility to their email data without losing critical information.
Why do users opt to change MBOX files into MSG format?
The need to convert MBOX files to MSG can arise for a variety of reasons. Here are a few typical scenarios where such a conversion proves helpful.
- Access MBOX Emails in Microsoft Outlook: Since Outlook doesn’t natively support MBOX files, converting them to MSG ensures full compatibility and smooth integration for individual email access and management.
- Enable Granular Email Sharing: Unlike bulky MBOX files, MSG allows users to extract and share individual emails easily—ideal for professional communication and selective data exchange.
- Streamline Email Search & Indexing: MSG files are individually stored and indexed, making it easier to search, sort, and locate specific messages using Outlook or Windows Search.
- Preserve Email Integrity During Migration: During conversion, MSG format maintains the structure, metadata, attachments, and formatting of each email, ensuring accurate and secure migration.
- Optimize Local Storage Space: Extracting emails from MBOX into separate MSG files helps organize data better and reduces the strain on storage by isolating only essential messages.
- Leverage Outlook’s Advanced Features: Users or organisations switching from MBOX-based clients can take advantage of Outlook’s rich features like calendar interaction, rules, categories, and advanced filtering by using the MSG format.
Methods of Converting MBOX to MSG Format (Individual Email Files)
Choosing the right strategy for file format conversion involves ensuring data integrity throughout the process. In this part of the blog, we’ll explore both a manual technique and a reliable professional tool for accurate conversion.
Manual Method to Convert MBOX to MSG Using Thunderbird and Outlook
This manual method requires the use of two widely used email clients—Mozilla Thunderbird and Microsoft Outlook. To begin, users must first import the MBOX file into Thunderbird. After that, emails can be exported to Outlook and saved individually as MSG files. Before proceeding, make sure both applications are correctly installed and configured on your system. Additionally, it highlights the common drawbacks users encounter when using the manual method. Use the following step-by-step guide to convert MBOX files to MSG format manually:
Step 1: Importing Your MBOX into Thunderbird
- Launch Mozilla Thunderbird and navigate to Tools > Add-ons & Themes.
- Search for Import/Export Tools NG in the add-ons section and install it.
- After installation, restart Thunderbird.
- In the left panel, right-click on Local Folders and create a fresh folder to hold the imported emails.
- Right-click the folder you just made, then go to Import/Export Tool NG > Import MBOX file.
- Browse and select your MBOX file to begin the import.
Step 2: Export Emails from Thunderbird to Outlook
- Choose the emails you wish to convert from the ones imported into Thunderbird.
- Right-click on the selected emails and go to Save Selected Messages > EML Format.
- Pick a destination folder on your system to save the .eml files.
- Now, launch MS Outlook on your system.
- Drag & Drop the saved EML files into your desired Outlook folder to complete the import.
Step-3: Save Emails in MSG Files
- In Outlook, open the email you wish to save.
- Navigate to File > Save As from the menu.
- Set the save type to Outlook Message Format – Unicode (*.msg).
- Pick your desired folder and hit Save to finish the process.
Drawbacks of Using the Manual Method:
- Manual conversion is lengthy and requires considerable effort.
- Handling bulk email conversion through this method is impractical.
- Users must have technical knowledge to complete the steps successfully.
- There is a risk of losing email attributes if the procedure isn’t followed precisely.
Professional Solution to Convert MBOX Files to MSG Format
Manual methods for converting MBOX to MSG can be complicated, time-intensive, and prone to errors. To simplify the process, the Shoviv MBOX Converter offers a professional and dependable solution. Whether you’re dealing with large or small MBOX files, this tool ensures quick and accurate conversion. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to operate, maintaining the original email structure and integrity. Even users with minimal technical knowledge can utilise the tool with ease on Windows OS. Moreover, it offers a range of advanced features, including:
Features of Shoviv MBOX to MSG Converter Tool:
- Shoviv MBOX Converter allows users to export MBOX emails into PST, MSG, EML, and HTML formats, providing flexibility for different needs.
- It offers a preview facility that lets users view the content of emails, including attachments, before starting the conversion process.
- The software supports batch conversion, enabling users to convert multiple MBOX files at once without compromising performance.
- It includes filters based on criteria like data range, subject, or sender, allowing users to convert only specific emails as needed.
- Shoviv offers a free demo version that lets users evaluate the software by converting a limited number of items per folder.
Wrapping up:
Converting MBOX files into MSG format enhances the ability to search and share individual emails with ease. In this article, we explored two different methods for conversion. The manual method requires several technical steps and can be time-consuming. Alternatively, using a professional tool like the Shoviv MBOX to MSG Converter offers a more efficient and reliable solution. This software is suitable for both personal users and organizations looking to manage their emails more effectively. You can go with any approach that perfectly fits your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Yes, you can manually convert MBOX to MSG using Mozilla Thunderbird and MS Outlook. First, import the MBOX file into Thunderbird, and then emails can be exported to Outlook. Finally, open them in Outlook and save each one as an MSG file. But, before this must take a backup and be technically advanced.
Shoviv’s tool offers a quick, accurate conversion process with a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for both technical and non-technical users. It also provides additional export options and complete data integrity.
A. No, a single license is enough. You can do various tasks supported by this utility with a single license. For example: MBOX to PST, MBOX to MSG, and MBOX to EML.
Yes, you can add and convert multiple MBOX files in a single go without any limitation on size and number.



