MBOX

Methods to Convert MBOX File to PDF on Mac OS [Solved]

For archiving emails, PDFs are considered the most favored choice for users. It meets the diverse needs of individuals while offering an independent platform for viewing & printing the data. Often, users seek methods to convert MBOX file to PDFs on Mac due to several benefits.

The MBOX file format stores the entire inbox email messages with all attachments to a single text file. However, the file error or even oversizing of MBOX file format leads to file corruption which prevents users from importing the file on different email clients.

For the same, converting data of a .mbox file to Adobe PDF certainly curbs these challenges. So, read this blog to discover the methods to export the emails of MBOX files to document format.

Understanding of MBOX and PDF File Format

MBOX is a versatile file format for archiving the data of email messages with all embedded attachments. This file extension is supported by multiple email clients including Apple Mail, Thunderbird, etc. To access the email information, users need to import the data of the MBOX file from any of these email services.

On the other hand, PDFs are designed to preview the data. It offers an independent solution for viewing the document instantly irrespective of any file corruption or data loss. With this, let’s find the common factors behind convert MBOX to PDF file format.

Why Convert MBOX File to PDF File?

There are several benefits to converting the email messages of MBOX files to Adobe PDF with attachments. So, read the reasons down below:

• Archiving Email Messages:- PDFs are commonly known for archiving emails and documents. Hence, users have a similar quest when it comes to convert MBOX to PDF Mac OS as it allows them to secure the data with the password-protection feature.
• Portability & Compatibility:- PDF allows users to streamline communication while sharing the email information stored in MBOX files. Due to its seamless portability and compatibility factor, users prefer to share the data in PDF file format.
• Printable Document:- Another reason to convert MBOX file to PDF includes making a printable copy of emails. Also, it supports the exact layout and formatting of the text, making it the utmost choice for presentation.

Overall, converting the MBOX files into PDF documents allows users to organize, preserve, collaborate, and even share email data with different platforms and applications irrespective of the fear of file corruption.

Methods to Convert MBOX to PDF with Attachments on Mac OS

In this section, we will answer the user query i.e. “How do I transform mbox to pdf with attachments”. Here, we will unfold two manual approaches for converting the MBOX email attachments to PDF file format. So, let’s dive into it.

Method-1: Convert MBOX file to PDF via Thunderbird 

Mozilla Thunderbird allows its users to export emails in PDF file format and save locally on system. But it requires to have active profile in Thunderbird. It limits users to export on single email at a time. If you want to export complete mailbox then this is not ideal solution.

• Step-1. Launch Mozilla Thunderbird on your macOS machine.
• Step-2. After this, configure the required email account and hit login.
• Step-3. In Thunderbird, install the add-on i.e. ImportExportTools NG.
• Step-4. Now, import the MBOX file through this add-on in Thunderbird.
• Step-5. Open the emails from the imported MBOX file for export.
• Step-6. Navigate to “Move” and then, press the Print feature.
• Step-7. Choose the “Save to PDF” option > tab on the Save button.
• Step-8. Lastly, browse the path and press the Save box instantly.

Now, find the exported PDFs on the located destination path.

Method-2: Convert MBOX file to PDF via Apple Mail

Apple Mail user can follow below listed steps to export data from MBOX file and save it into the PDF file format.

• Step-1. Open Apple Mail on any Mac OS version.
• Step-2. Move to import options to add the MBOX file.
• Step-3. Now, open the required emails in Mac Mail.
• Step-4. Tab on File and then, click on Export as PDF.
• Step-5. Click on the Save options to set the saving path.

To finish the process, find the resultant PDF in the saved location.

Limitations of The Above Methods

• Performing the step guidance of Thunderbird for accessing the MBOX files into PDF causes several challenges. Unfortunately, the add-on plugins might vary from one version to another. Therefore, users first need to find this extension before exercising the steps.
• Similar to Thunderbird, using the steps of Mac Mail to convert MBOX to PDF with attachments offers unparalleled disadvantages. Moreover, users need to perform repetitive steps till the complete conversion of .mbox data to PDF documents.
• Lastly, it is a tiresome yet complicated task for both tech-savvy and untrained Configuring the wrong step guidance left users with either formatting errors or loss of effort. In this case, look for the expert’s choice for accessing the MBOX data in PDF.

Software Working Video

Concluding Words

In this technical blog, we have addressed the query of convert MBOX file to PDF file format. For the same, we have suggested some approaches to access the data of MBOX in document format. As we talked about the limitations and got to know about the time consumption and the amount of effort it takes, I would personally recommend you to go with the professional solution as there are no chances of data loss in the process. It allows you to complete the task in just a few clicks.

Got Questions?! We Have Solutions!

Q. How do I convert MBOX file to PDF file?

• Open Apple Mail on any Mac OS version.
• Move to import options to add the MBOX file.
• Now, open the required emails in Mac Mail.
• Tab on File and then, click on Export as PDF.
• Click on the Save options to set the saving path.

Q. How do I convert MBOX to PDF on Mac?

Launch the Thunderbird client on your Mac Machine. Add extension to the client. Import the MBOX file through this add-on in Thunderbird, Choose the “Save to PDF” option > tab on the Save button. Select the location pathway.