Export Thunderbird Account Emails: Guide for Windows, Mac OS, & Linux Thunderbird Users

Mozilla Thunderbird is a popular open-source email client that offers a range of features and customization options. However, there may come a time when you need to export your emails from Thunderbird—whether it's for backup purposes, migrating to a different email client, or sharing important messages with others. This guide will walk you through the process of exporting Thunderbird account emails efficiently and effectively.

Let us understand the export process separately for Linux, Mac and Windows OS Thunderbird.

Why Export Thunderbird Emails?

Before diving into the methods, let's understand why you might need to export Thunderbird emails:

• Backup: Regularly exporting emails can serve as a backup, ensuring you don't lose important correspondence.
• Migration: If you're moving to a new email client or a different computer, exporting your emails is essential.
• Archiving: Exporting emails can help in archiving old messages, freeing up space in your current mailbox.
• Sharing: You might need to export emails to share with colleagues or for legal purposes.

Is There Any Difference in Windows, Mac and Linux Thunderbird

Yes, there are some differences between Thunderbird on Windows, Mac, and Linux, primarily in terms of installation, user interface nuances, and system integration. In this post we will not go into the detail of these points. But it is sure that the steps may be vary for different users. So, let's understand the export process for Thunderbird account data.

Export Linux Thunderbird Account Emails

Linux operating system is not familiar with home user's, but professionals love it for various reasons. Export Linux Thunderbird Email account data is not easy because of commands and non friendly interface. Let us make it easy, for home and professional users.

File Locations and Profiles

• Profile data is stored in C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles.
• Configurations and extensions are also stored within this directory.
• Copy the profile account and transfer it to external storage device.
• Extract the external storage device and connect it to Windows OS system.
• Launch The MBOX converter tool on your Windows system and browse the Linux Thunderbird account data file.
• The tool will allow user's to export Linux Thunderbird to PST, EML, PDF, HTML, NSF, MSG file format.

Export Guide for Windows Thunderbird User's

Thunderbird is a open source email application and available for free. It makes this application popular. thunderbird itself provides options to Perform the Export and Import process. Lets understand the process in detail:

ImportExportNG for Windows Thunderbird User

Install the Add-on (if installed, skip the steps):

• Open Thunderbird and go to the menu.
• Select "Add-ons" and search for "ImportExportTools NG".
• Install the add-on and restart Thunderbird.

Steps to Export Emails:

• Right-click on the folder you want to export (e.g., Inbox).
• Select "ImportExportTools NG" > "Export all messages in the folder" > "EML format" (or choose another format like HTML, Plain text, etc.).
• Choose the destination folder on your computer where you want to save the exported emails.

Export Multiple Folders at Once:

• To export multiple folders, select "ImportExportTools NG" > "Export folders".
• Choose the folders and destination path.

Professional Tool to Export Windows Thunderbird Emails

ImportExportNG is a addon to the Thunderbird and have some limitations while performing export process. Apart from this it provides limited options also. So, to avoid all the issues SysTools has developed an advanced utility named as Thunderbird Converter for Windows OS.

This tool will allow users to export Thunderbird Mailbox in PST, EML, PDF, NSF, MSG and HTML file formats. Means having a single utility will help users in exporting Thunderbird emails in required format. Along with these export option the software allows to apply different filters. For more details visit official web page by visiting above link.

Windows OS user can launch the utility and export configured accounts from Thunderbird. Choose Configured Profile option.

Export Mac Thunderbird Emails and Save Locally

Exporting emails from Thunderbird on a Mac involves several steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the export process:

Step 1: Install the ImportExportTools NG Add-on

1. Open Thunderbird: Launch Thunderbird on your Mac.
2. Access Add-ons: Click on the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner, then select "Add-ons" from the drop-down menu.
3. Search for Add-on: In the Add-ons Manager tab, type "ImportExportTools NG" in the search bar and press Enter.
4. Install Add-on: Find the "ImportExportTools NG" add-on in the search results, click "Add to Thunderbird," and then follow the prompts to install it. Restart Thunderbird if prompted.

Step 2: Prepare for Export

• Create a Folder: Create a new folder on your Mac where you want to save the exported emails. This will help you easily locate the exported files.
• Select Folder to Export: In Thunderbird, select the email folder you wish to export (e.g., Inbox, Sent Items).

Step 3: Export Mac Thunderbird Emails

• Right-Click Folder: Right-click (or Control-click) on the email folder you want to export.
• Access ImportExportTools: From the context menu, select "ImportExportTools NG" and then choose "Export all messages in the folder."
• Choose Export Format: You will see several options for the export format (e.g., EML, plain text, HTML, PDF). Choose the format that suits your needs. EML is a common choice as it retains the email structure and can be imported into other email clients.
• Select Destination: A dialog box will appear asking you to select a destination folder. Choose the folder you created earlier on your Mac.
• Start Export: Click "Select Folder" or "Open" (depending on your version), and the export process will begin. Wait for the process to complete.

The ImportExportNG is not suitable for all cases and requirements, So, for special case or requirement choose professional solution.

Professional Way to Export Mac Thunderbird Emails

A professional utility ensures complete data conversion and maintains data integrity. Mac Thunderbird user can use SysTools Mac MBOX converter tool. The software allows to export thunderbird emails in PST, MSG, EML, EMLX, PDF, HTML, TXT, CSV, etc.

Apart from this the software allows to export configured profiles in Mac Thunderbird. Along with this, the tool allows to export archived mailbox or any applications .MBOX file.

Clear All Your Doubts Here:

Is It Possible to Save Thunderbird Emails to External Hard Drive?

Yes, Simply follow above mentioned steps and easily backup Thunderbird emails and save on external hard drive. For this use Copy and Past database, ImportExportNG, or third party utility.

Is Linux Thunderbird Supports ImportExportNG Add-on?

Yes, Thunderbird on Linux supports the ImportExportTools NG add-on. The process to install and use it is very similar to the process on a Mac and Windows OS.

Is ImportExportNG Allows to Export Thunderbird Emails to PST Format?

No, this Add-in allows to manage the Thunderbird mailbox, but it does not allow to export emails or any other data from Thunderbird to PST format.

Conclusion

Exporting Thunderbird emails is a crucial task for backup, migration, archiving, or sharing purposes. Whether you use the ImportExportTools NG add-on, manually export emails, or leverage third-party tools, each method has its advantages. Additionally, exporting the entire Thunderbird profile ensures you have a complete backup of all your emails and settings. By following these steps, you can ensure your important emails are securely exported and accessible whenever you need them.