EML files are a standard format for saving individual email messages, preserving all content including headers, body text, attachments, and formatting. You might upload a .eml file in ScreenshotEmails if you're trying to screenshot an email that you didn't build or don't have direct access to the HTML code.
Different email providers have varying methods for exporting emails as .eml files. This guide covers the most popular email platforms and shows you exactly how to download your emails in EML format.
What is an EML File?
An EML file is an email message saved in a standard format that can be opened by most email clients. The file contains the complete email including sender and recipient information, subject line, message body, and any attachments. EML files are useful for backing up important emails, sharing messages outside of your email client, or migrating emails between different platforms.
How to Save EML Files in Gmail
Method 1: Using Gmail's Download Option
- Open the email you want to save in Gmail
- Click the three dots (More) icon in the top-right corner of the email
- Select "Download message" from the dropdown menu
- The email will be saved as an .eml file to your Downloads folder
Method 2: Using Gmail on Desktop Client
- Configure Gmail in a desktop email client like Thunderbird or Outlook
- Select the email you want to save
- Drag and drop the email to your desktop or folder
- The email will automatically be saved as an .eml file
How to Save EML Files in Outlook
Microsoft Outlook makes it straightforward to save emails in various formats including EML:
Outlook Desktop (Windows/Mac)
- Open the email you want to save
- Click "File" in the top menu
- Select "Save As"
- Choose a location to save the file
- Select "Outlook Message Format (.msg)" or drag to desktop for .eml format
- Click "Save"
Outlook.com (Web Version)
- Open the email in Outlook.com
- Click the three dots (More actions) at the top
- Select "View message source"
- Copy the entire source and paste into a text editor
- Save the file with a .eml extension
How to Save EML Files in Yahoo Mail
Yahoo Mail allows you to download emails, though the process requires a few extra steps:
Yahoo Mail Web Version
- Open the email you want to save
- Click the three dots (More) icon
- Select "View Raw Message"
- A new window opens with the raw email content
- Right-click on the page and select "Save As"
- Save with .eml extension to your desired location
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Apple Mail makes it very simple to save emails as EML files on Mac:
Mac Mail Application
- Select the email you want to save
- Click "File" in the menu bar
- Select "Save As"
- Choose your destination folder
- The email saves automatically as .eml format
Alternative Method
- Simply drag and drop the email from your inbox to your desktop or any folder
- The file will automatically be saved in .eml format
How to Save EML Files in Thunderbird
Mozilla Thunderbird provides excellent support for EML files:
- Right-click the email you want to save
- Select "Save As" from the context menu
- Choose your destination and filename
- Ensure the format is set to "Mail files (*.eml)"
- Click "Save"
How to Save EML Files in ProtonMail
ProtonMail focuses on security but still allows email exports:
- Open the email you want to save
- Click the three dots icon (More options)
- Select "Export" from the dropdown
- The email downloads as an .eml file to your Downloads folder
Using EML Files
Once you've saved your emails as EML files, you can use them in various ways. You can open them in any email client by double-clicking the file or importing them into a different email account. They're perfect for archiving important correspondence, sharing emails with colleagues who use different email platforms, or maintaining records for legal and compliance requirements.
If you're looking to convert your .eml files into images, then ScreenshotEmails makes it easy to upload your .eml file and download PNG previews of the desktop and mobile versions of your email. It handles all of the cropping automatically so you don't have to use multiple tools to easily screenshot your EML files.