Effortlessly Convert MBOX to PDF with Attachments in Simple Steps

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  • Published on February 24th, 2020

  • Updated on January 22, 2024

5/5 - (2 votes)

Nowadays, emails have become an integral part of our personal and professional lives. We use email clients to manage our emails, and these clients store our messages in various formats. One such format is MBOX, which uses Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and many others. Occasionally, you may need to convert MBOX files to PDF format for archiving, sharing, or legal compliance. Cigati MBOX Converter helps you to perform the conversion process more easily.

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Before diving into the conversion process, it’s essential to know what MBOX files are. MBOX is a mailbox file format used to save email messages in plain text. Each MBOX file typically contains a collection of email messages, making it an efficient way to store and manage emails.

Also Read: Convert MBOX to CSV

Difference Between MBOX & PDF

MBOX and PDF are two distinct file formats, each serving a unique purpose in the digital world. Understanding their differences is crucial, as it helps choose the suitable format for various tasks.

Basis MBOX PDF
Definition MBOX is primarily used for storing email messages. It’s a plain text format that collects multiple emails into a single file. PDF, which stands for Portable Document Format, is a versatile format for using bulky documents beyond emails, including reports, forms, manuals, and more.
Structure & Layout MBOX files are structure specifically for email data storage. They include headers, body text, and attachments, making them ideal for email clients like Thunderbird and Apple Mail. PDF documents have a fixed layout, ensuring the content appears the same on all devices and screen sizes.
Platform Independence MBOX files are platform-independent and can use on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. PDFs can view using various software applications, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring broad compatibility.
Not Suitable for Printing MBOX files are not design for printing, and attempting to do so may result in an unorganized, unformatted printout. PDFs designed for printing, and they offer options for high-quality print output. They are widely use for creating brochures, ebooks, and other printable materials.

In summary, MBOX and PDF formats serve different purposes and exhibit distinct characteristics. Choosing between MBOX and PDF depends on the specific use case.

How to Convert MBOX to PDF Format? – Top 2 Solutions

We have various advantages and disadvantages while accomplishing the MBOX to PDF File Conversion with the manual process or using the MBOX to PDF converter. You can use them accordingly to complete the process.

Method 1: Export Thunderbird Emails as PDF

Converting Thunderbird emails to PDF files in bulk using this free manual technique is not recommended. If you want to convert MBOX to PDF with attachments, it is advisable to choose the recommended solution. Manually saving Thunderbird emails consumes more time and effort for users.

  • Launch the Thunderbird application on your system.
  • Navigate to the Menu bar and click on the Tools option.
  • Now, select the Add-on feature from the list that is listed here.
  • Click on the Thunderbird Add-ons Manager and open and install the Import/Export Tool NG by finding it in the search bar.
  • Here, you will find a new tab popping up, and then tap on the Settings option. Then, you have to install the Add-on from the file or direct.
  • After that, Add Thunderbird Import Export Tools NG. In the tool installation, press the Add to Thunderbird button.
  • Then, you can continue with the process by choosing the Add option.
  • In the next step, tap on the Restart Now button.
  • Select all the Thunderbird messages that you want to export in PDF.
  • Then, choose the Save Selected Messages option to select all the Thunderbird messages as PDF.
  • Press the OK button if you see the warning dialog box, and check where you want to store your PDF file.
  • In the end, wait for some time and move further with exporting the Thunderbird folder to PDF format.

Drawbacks to Convert MBOX Files into PDF Manually

  • In case you are using the PDF format, it will not be possible for you to import the exported messages.
  • There is no security in transferring the email process from Thunderbird to PDF file format.
  • You can’t export MBOX to PDF files without installing Import/Export Tools NG.
  • Users cannot save their attachments of MBOX files. For this, they need to choose a different file format.

To overcome all the above-listed drawbacks, users are searching for an alternate way to convert MBOX files to PDF format.

Method 2: Verified Solution to Export MBOX File to PDF

Cigati MBOX File Converter is a proficient and top-notch utility. With the help of this software, you can convert multiple MBOX files to PDF format in one go. This bulk conversion feature is particularly useful for users with extensive email archives. The software ensures that email attachments are seamlessly preserved during the conversion process. Moreover, users have the option to selectively export particular emails or folders from within MBOX files. In fact, this wizard boasts a user-friendly interface that makes the conversion process intuitive and accessible to users of all levels of technical expertise. Now, it’s time to learn the workings of the program.

Steps to Export MBOX to PDF:

  • First, download the MBOX Migrator tool, install it on your computer, and then open it.
  • Choose the MBOX file you want to convert. You can do this by clicking either the Select Files button if you have one MBOX file or the Select Folder button if you have multiple MBOX files in a folder.
  • In the tool, you’ll see a list of folders from your MBOX file. Select the folders you want to turn into PDF files. You can pick one or several folders, depending on your needs.
  • Pick the PDF Format: Look for an option that lets you choose the format you want to convert to and select PDF.
  • Feel free to use them if needed.
  • Find an option that lets you choose where to save the converted PDF file. Pick the location on your computer where you want the PDF to be saved.
  • When you’re ready, click a button that says Convert.

End Words

MBOX is ideal for email storage, while PDF is the go-to format for creating, sharing, and presenting documents in a consistent and professional manner. Understanding these differences and procedures will help you make informed decisions when working with these file formats. In addition, you can opt for any solution to convert MBOX to PDF.

You May Also Read: Convert MBOX to PST

About The Author:

Rohit Singh is an Email Backup, Recovery & Migration Consultant and is associated with Software Company from the last 3 years. He writes technical updates and their features related to MS Outlook, Exchange Server, Office 365, and many other Email Clients & Servers.

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