What an EML file is and why you have one

An EML file is a single email message saved as its own file on your computer. It contains the email text, headers (sender, recipient, date, subject), and any attachments bundled together in a plain-text format that most email programs can read. You end up with EML files when you export or read emails from your email account, when someone sends you one directly, or when your email program automatically saves messages in that format.

The file name ends in .eml — for example, "Invoice_from_supplier.eml" or "Meeting_notes.eml". Because EML is a standard format, you are not locked into one specific program to open it. That flexibility is useful if you are switching email providers, backing up important messages, or need to share a single email with someone else.

Key Takeaways

  • EML files open in most email programs including Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Gmail, as well as text editors.
  • The simplest method is to double-click the EML file — your computer will usually open it in your default email program automatically.
  • If double-clicking does not work, right-click the file, select "Open with", and choose an email program from the list.
  • You can also drag an EML file directly into an open email program window, and most will import it as a new message.
  • Opening an EML file in a text editor shows you the raw email code, which is useful for checking headers but not for reading the message normally.

Opening an EML file by double-clicking

The fastest way to open an EML file is to find it on your computer and double-click it. Your operating system will check which email program you use most often and open the file there automatically. If you use Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or another standard email client, this usually works without any extra steps.

If double-clicking opens the file in a text editor instead of your email program, your computer does not know which program should handle EML files. Move to the next section to fix that.

Using "Open with" to choose your email program

Right-click the EML file and look for an option called "Open with" (on Windows) or "Open with" (on Mac). A menu will appear showing programs installed on your computer. Look for your email program — Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Gmail, or whatever you use — and click it.

If you want this program to open all EML files from now on, look for a checkbox that says "Always use this app" or "Set as default" before you click. That way, future EML files will open in the same program without you having to choose each time.

If you do not see your email program in the list, your computer may not recognize it as an email handler. In that case, try dragging the EML file into an open email program window instead.

Dragging an EML file into your email program

Open your email program first — Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or Gmail in your browser. Then find the EML file on your computer using File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). Drag the EML file from the file manager and drop it into your email program window. Most email programs will import the message as a new email in your inbox or a folder you choose.

This method works even if your computer does not recognize EML as an email format, because you are telling the program directly what to do with the file. It is also the safest way if you are not sure whether double-clicking will open the file correctly.

Opening an EML file in a text editor

You can open any EML file in a text editor like Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (Mac), or VS Code if you want to see the raw email code. Right-click the file, choose "Open with", and select a text editor. The file will display as plain text, showing the email headers (From, To, Date, Subject, and technical routing information) followed by the message body.

This view is useful if you need to check where an email actually came from, verify the exact date it was sent, or look for hidden information in the headers. However, it is not the normal way to read an email — the formatting will be hard to follow, and attachments will show as code rather than as files you can use.

Importing EML files into Gmail or Outlook

If you want to move EML files into Gmail, you will need to use a third-party tool or import them through Thunderbird first, then forward them to your Gmail account. Gmail does not have a built-in EML import feature. Outlook, on the other hand, can import EML files directly: open Outlook, go to File menu, select "Open and Export", then "Import/Export", and follow the prompts to locate your EML files.

For other email programs, check the File or Settings menu for an "Import" option. Most modern email clients include one, though the exact steps vary by program.

What to do if an EML file will not open

If none of the methods above work, the file may be corrupted or the file extension may be wrong. Try renaming the file to make sure it actually ends in .eml — sometimes files get saved with a different extension by mistake. If renaming does not help, try opening it in a different email program. If you have access to the original email account where the message came from, you can usually read it again in EML format.

You can also try opening the file in a text editor to see whether the content is readable. If you see email headers and message text, the file is fine — it just needs the right program to display it properly. If the text editor shows only gibberish or error symbols, the file may have been corrupted during read or transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an EML file on my phone?

Most phones do not handle EML files natively. Your best option is to email the file to yourself, then open it normally in your phone's email app. Alternatively, some third-party email apps on Android and iOS can import EML files if you move the file to your phone first, but this requires extra steps.

Is it safe to open an EML file from someone I do not know?

EML files are plain text and cannot run code or install software on their own. However, they can contain malicious links or attachments, just like a regular email. Treat an EML file the same way you would treat an email from an unknown sender — do not click links or read attachments unless you are sure they are safe.

Will opening an EML file send a reply or notify the original sender?

No. Opening an EML file is the same as reading a saved email — it does not send any message back to the original sender and does not notify them that you opened it. The email is just a file on your computer at that point.

What is the difference between EML and MSG files?

MSG is Microsoft Outlook's native format, while EML is a standard format that works across many email programs. MSG files often preserve more formatting and metadata, but EML files are more portable. Most email programs can open both, though some features may not transfer perfectly between formats.

Can I convert an EML file to PDF?

Open the EML file in your email program first, then look for a Print or Export option. Many email programs let you print to PDF, which saves the email as a PDF file. This is useful if you need a permanent record of an email that you cannot edit.