ACROBAT
EML files: How to open, view or edit email files.
An EML file is a standard email format used to save a single message outside your inbox. Whether you need to open an EML file, understand the file type, or convert a file to PDF, we’ll explore how to do all that and more in this helpful guide.
If you’ve ever downloaded an email and seen options like save as EML or MSG, or download as EML or MSG, you’re not alone in wondering what these file types are and how they work.
An .eml file stores one complete email message, including headers, content and attachments. Because the file type follows open standards, it works across many platforms and email clients. Many users also choose to convert EML to PDF for easier sharing, archiving and security.
What is an EML file?
An EML file (also written as .eml file) is a plain‑text email file that stores a single message. It’s essentially an easy way to save an email as a standalone document.
An EML file preserves:
- The email body (HTML or plain text)
- Sender and recipient details
- Date, time and routing data
- Any attachments.
This makes EML files useful for archiving, audits and legal records. Many people also later convert .eml files to PDF so emails can be shared consistently across devices and teams.
What information does an EML file contain?
Understanding what’s stored inside an EML file can help you decide how best to open, share or archive it. Because it captures a complete email in its original structure, it contains both visible content and technical details that help verify where the message came from and how it was delivered.
An EML document is divided into two parts:
- The header includes sender details, a subject line, timestamps and routing data. This information is essential for tracing an email’s origin and carrying out authenticity or compliance checks.
- The body contains the email content, including formatted text, hyperlinks, images and any attachments that were sent with the message.
Because everything is stored together in one place, .eml files preserve the email exactly as it was received. This makes them especially useful for audits, legal documentation and regulatory compliance, where maintaining the original structure and metadata of an email can be just as important as the message itself.
How to open an EML file.
There are several reliable ways to open an EML file. It depends on the device you’re using and whether you need to view the email exactly as it was sent or simply read the raw content.
The EML file type follows widely accepted email standards, so most operating systems and email clients or applications can open it without specialist software.
Below are the most common and practical methods.
How to open an EML file on Windows.
Windows offers strong native support for EML files, making it one of the easiest environments in which to open and manage this file type.
- Double‑click the EML file to open it automatically in Microsoft Outlook or Windows Mail.
- Right‑click the file and select Open with if you want to choose a different compatible email client.
Opening an EML file this way allows you to read the email exactly as it was sent, including HTML formatting, embedded images and attachments. You can also download any attachments, reply to the message, or save the email to a specific folder on your device.
For most users, this is the most reliable way to read .eml file content, with full formatting and minimal risk of display issues.
How to open an EML file on Mac.
If you’re wondering how to open .eml on a Mac or Mac OS X, Apple Mail provides built‑in support for the EML format.
- Download the .eml file to your Mac.
- Double‑click the file to open it in Apple Mail.
- Save the email locally so you can access it again later.
Opening an EML file in Apple Mail ensures the message displays correctly, including styling, images and attachments. This method is ideal if you want to archive emails or keep a record of important correspondence outside your inbox.
How to open EML files online.
If you don’t use a dedicated email app or need quick access, you can open EML files online using an online EML viewer.
These tools allow you to:
- View EML files directly in a web browser
- Read message content and, in some cases, inspect headers
- Troubleshoot delivery issues or verify authenticity.
Online viewers can be convenient, but they may not always display attachments or complex formatting correctly. For security reasons, only use online tools to open EML files from senders you trust.
How to edit an EML file.
You can edit an EML file using either an email client or a text editor if you save the file as a PDF. Email clients allow you to modify visible content, such as the message text or recipients, while text editors let you manually adjust headers and raw data.
Just be aware that editing header information can affect the email’s authenticity. For legal or professional records, it’s often better to preserve the original EML file and make edits to a converted copy, such as a PDF.
Pros and cons of EML files.
Preserves original content.
EML files retain the full email, including metadata and attachments.
Widely supported.
Most major email clients can open EML files without additional software.
Useful for authenticity verification.
Headers and timestamps help confirm who sent the email and when.
Limited organisation features.
The EML format doesn’t support labels or rules like an inbox does.
Larger file sizes.
Emails with large attachments can result in bulky files.
Security risks.
As with any email, you should only open EML files from trusted sources.
Frequently asked questions.
How do I open an EML file on my phone?
To open an EML file on your mobile device, download a trusted EML viewer app from your app store.
Once installed, open the attachment and save it locally within the app.
Is it safe to open an EML file?
How do I convert an EML file to PDF?
You can convert EML to PDF using reliable conversion tools or PDF software. Converting helps ensure consistent formatting, easier sharing and better security, including password protection.
Learn more about converting emails to PDFs.
What is the difference between MSG and EML?
If you’re comparing EML vs MSG files, the key difference is compatibility. MSG files are specific to Microsoft Outlook, while EML files work across multiple platforms and email clients.
Learn more about MSG files.
More resources.
- How to Download Emails from Outlook as a PDF
- How to Save an Email as a PDF
- Document File Format Types
Useful PDF tools.