What are .EML files and how do you view and open them?

What you’ll learn.

• What is an .EML file?
• History of the .EML file
• What are .EML files used for?
• Pros and cons of .EML files
• How to open an .EML file
• How to create and edit an .EML file
• How to open an .EML file as a PDF
• Learn more about similar file types to .EML
• .EML FAQs.

What is an .EML file?

The definition or meaning of an .EML file is, in the simplest terms, an email saved in plain text. 

Plain text means no special formatting of the text, graphics or images. However, EML format will contain the email content, subject line and sender information along with certain other details. It also saves the HTML formatting (mark-up text for web content), including headers.    

What does .EML stand for?

.EML stands for Electronic MaiL.  It’s that simple. 

In turn, ‘Electronic Mail’ is just the full unabbreviated name of ‘Email’. 

History of the .EML file.

In order to work smoothly and compatibly between various Internet systems and computers, emails had to adhere to certain standards and formatting. In 1982, the current standard was cemented by the organisation responsible for the creation of the Internet: ARPANET. They created .EML files at the same time.

Meanwhile, Microsoft were busy working on an email file format of their own. Named .PST, it saved emails in a structured database. However, it created issues for users who weren’t using Microsoft Outlook. Eventually, Microsoft swapped their incompatible .PST file format for the .EML format, allowing .EML to become the chief email file swiftly and decisively.

What are .EML files used for?

Storage and accessibility. 

The main purpose of the .EML format is to save emails off-line and outside of email software. 

The reasons for this are numerous. Perhaps you know you’re going to be off-line for a considerable period of time but still need access to emails. Alternatively, it could be that you’re transferring bulk emails after an account has been shut down. Or, you could simply want to edit existing emails before printing them from your machine. .EML can help with all of these situations. 

Scanning for viruses.

If you suspect that someone has sent you something malicious via email, you can save the email as an .EML file before archiving or deleting the received message. 

You can also scan an .EML file for viruses, before viewing or opening it. 

Discover more text file types and document files. 

Pros and cons of .EML files.

Like any technology, there are pros and cons to consider with the .XLS file format.

Pros.

• A universal file type that works across different operating systems.
  The .EML file type was introduced so that email users could easily message each other without having to worry about formatting. Today, the file type makes it possible to send emails around the world without having to worry if the other person can read them.
• Preserves your email’s headers and HTML mark-up.
  When you download your email as an .EML file, you’ll find the basic formatting remains the same when you open it in Outlook, for example. This can be hugely beneficial if you want a clearer idea of how the original email once looked.

Cons.

• Not all Outlook properties can be contained in EML format.
  Because .EML files only store plain text, you won’t be able to save the email exactly as it was. You might notice some elements of the message are missing e.g., any bold or formatted text, as some aspects of Outlook emails won’t be saved including some Outlook specific properties and fields.
• Can be bulky.
  When comparing the .EML file type to other formats used to store emails, it may be the ‘bulkier’ of your options. If you’re downloading a large number of emails, .EML files could take up more space compared to .MSG files.

How to open an .EML file.

Opening an .EML file should be relatively straightforward. If you already have an email service install, such as Microsoft Outlook or Apple Mail, then the file may already be recognised.

If the file isn’t recognised despite owning an email programme, try the following.

1. Right-click the file you want to open.
2. Go to ‘Open With’.
3. Find the programme you want to open the file with and select it.
   

You can also view .EML files in your browser, including Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, by changing the file extension from .EML to .MHT.

How to create and edit an .EML file.

As one of the most widely compatible file types, EML files will save easily on most programmes. 

For both Outlook and Apple Mail you need to head to File and then Save As. 

For Outlook.

• Select Plain Text in the drop-down ‘Save as type:’ option.
• Open the plain text file in Notepad.
• Head to File, Save As in Notepad.
• Select ‘All Files’ in the drop-down ‘Save as type:’ option.
• Simply add ‘.EML’ to the end of your file name to save the file as an .EML file.
  

For Apple Mail.

Follow the same steps as Microsoft Outlook but choose to save the file as ‘Raw Message Source’ in the drop-down menu.

How to open an .EML file as a .PDF.

To open an EML file as a PDF, you’ll first need to convert it from an email to a PDF. All you need to do is upload your file using Adobe’s free tools and download the resulting PDF. From there you can easily merge the file with other PDFs, edit it directly and add signatures.

Learn more about similar file types to .EML.

.MSG

Explore MSG, the Microsoft Outlook file type capable of containing email messages, appointments, tasks and contacts.

.TXT

Plain text files might not be the most exciting to look at, but they hold enormous amounts of potential. Find out more about them today.

.PDF

PDFs are a hugely popular, versatile and useful file type. With a near endless list of uses, explore how you can make the most of PDFs.

.ASC

Used to securely contain important information, ASC files can safely send messages via email and other forms of communication. Learn more today.

.EML FAQs.

How do I open an .EML file on Android?

Viewing an .EML file on an Android phone may not be possible with traditional email apps, due to incompatibility. However, you can find third-party apps on Google Play Store that offer the service. For ease though, it may be best to open the file types on your desktop or laptop. 

Can Outlook open .EML files?

Yes, Outlook can open EML files. If you have Outlook already install on your computer, .EML files should automatically open with the programme. If they don’t, you can right-click on the file and chose Open With. From there, select the Outlook programme and click ‘OK’.   

Can anyone open an .EML file?

You don’t need special permission to open an .EML file. Anyone with an email programme install on their computer should be able to open one. Microsoft Outlook is the most common option for Windows, whereas Apple Mail is most common on Apple Macs.

Can I open .EML in Gmail?

It’s possible to open .EML files in Gmail by synching up your Gmail account with an email program that accepts .EML files. From there you should be able to import the files to Gmail. However, this is fairly limited - and you can only import them into a single account. 

How can I open an .EML file in Windows?

Opening an .EML file in Windows is easy. Find the .EML file you want to open in Windows File Explorer, right click the .EML file and select “Open With” and choose the email client you wish to open the .EML file with.