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, date, subject), and sometimes attachments — all bundled into one file with a .eml extension. You end up with EML files when you export or read emails from Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, or other email programs, or when someone sends you one directly.

Unlike opening an email inside your email program, opening an EML file means opening a standalone file that sits on your desktop or in a folder. The file itself is just plain text with some formatting, so it can be opened by several different programs depending on what you have installed.

Key Takeaways

  • EML files are individual emails saved as standalone files, and you can open them with your email program, a text editor, or a web browser.
  • The easiest method is usually double-clicking the file — your computer will open it with whatever email program you use most.
  • If double-clicking does not work, you can right-click the file and choose "Open With" to pick a different program.
  • Text editors like Notepad or Word will open an EML file, but you will see the raw email code alongside the message text.

Opening an EML file by double-clicking it

The simplest way to open an EML file is to find it on your computer and double-click it. Your computer will look for an email program you have installed — Outlook, Apple Mail, Gmail, Thunderbird — and open the file there automatically.

If you have multiple email programs installed, your computer uses whichever one is set as the default. The email will open in that program and look like a normal email message. You can read it, forward it, print it, or save attachments from it just as you would any other email.

Changing which program opens the file

If double-clicking opens the EML file in a program you do not want to use, you can change it. Right-click the EML file and select "Open With" (on Windows) or "Open With" (on Mac). A list of programs will appear.

Choose the email program you prefer — Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, or Gmail if you have the desktop version installed. 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" and check it. After that, double-clicking any EML file will use your chosen program.

Opening an EML file in a text editor

If you do not have an email program installed, or if you want to see the raw structure of the email, you can open an EML file in a text editor like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac). Right-click the file, choose "Open With", and select Notepad or TextEdit from the list.

The file will open and show you the email message along with a lot of code at the top — this is the email header, which contains routing information, timestamps, and other technical details. The actual message text will be readable at the bottom. This method is useful if you need to check where an email actually came from or if you are troubleshooting a problem, but it is harder to read than opening it in an email program.

Opening an EML file in a web browser

Some web browsers, including Chrome and Firefox, can open EML files directly. Drag the EML file into your browser window, or right-click the file and select "Open With" and choose your browser. The email will display in a readable format in a new tab.

This method works well if you just need to read the email quickly and do not need to reply or forward it. The browser will show the message text and any images that were in the original email, though attachments may not be accessible this way.

Handling attachments in EML files

If the original email had attachments, they are usually embedded in the EML file. When you open the file in an email program, you will see the attachments listed and can read or save them to your computer. The exact steps depend on which email program you use — in Outlook you right-click the attachment and choose "Save As", while in Apple Mail you click the attachment and drag it to your desktop.

If you open the EML file in a text editor or browser, attachments may not display or may be shown as encoded text. For this reason, opening EML files in an email program is the best way to access any files that were originally attached to the message.

Troubleshooting when nothing opens

If double-clicking the EML file does nothing, your computer may not have a default program set for this file type. Right-click the file and select "Open With". If the list is empty or shows only programs that do not work, choose "Browse" or "More Options" and navigate to a program you know is installed — Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, or even Notepad.

On Windows, you can also go to Settings, then Apps, then Default Apps, and scroll down to find "File Type Associations". Look for .eml in the list and click it to choose which program should open it. On Mac, right-click the EML file, select "Get Info", and under "Open With" choose your preferred program, then click "Change All" to set it as the default for all EML files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an EML file on my phone?

Some email apps on Android and iPhone can open EML files if you read them to your phone, but support varies. Gmail and Outlook on mobile may not handle EML files well. Your best option is to forward the email to yourself through your email program on a computer, then access it normally on your phone.

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

EML files are just email messages, so they carry the same risks as any email. Do not click links or read attachments from an EML file if you do not trust the sender. If the file came from an unexpected source, treat it with the same caution you would use for any suspicious email.

Why does my EML file open as a text file with code?

Your computer does not have an email program set as the default for EML files, so it is using a text editor instead. Right-click the file, choose "Open With", and select an email program like Outlook or Apple Mail. Check the box to make it the default, and future EML files will open correctly.

Can I convert an EML file to PDF?

Open the EML file in your email program or web browser, then use the print function and choose "Print to PDF" or "Save as PDF" from the printer dropdown. This creates a PDF copy of the email that you can store or share without needing to keep the EML file.