Have you received or downloaded an EML file and don't know what it is or how to open it? Don't panic! In this article, we'll explain what an EML file is, what it's used for, and how to read it with different programs or online services. Follow the guide!
What is an EML file?
An EML file is an email in file format that contains the message text, headers, HTML formatting, and any attachments. It is a standardized format that can be read by most email clients or dedicated tools.
An EML file can be created by saving an email to your computer for offline reading or backup. For example, with the Windows 10 Mail app, you can click the three dots in the upper right corner of the message and choose " Save As " to create an EML file.
An EML file can also be sent as an attachment by a mail server following a transmission or deliverability error. In this case, the EML file contains the original email that could not be delivered correctly.
How do I open an EML file on Windows ?
If you have an EML file on your Windowscomputer, there are several solutions to open it and read its contents.
With an email client
The easiest way to open an EML file is to use an email client such as Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Mail, or Thunderbird. These programs can read EML files and display them like regular emails.
To open an EML file with an email client, simply double-click it. If the program doesn't appear in the list of available applications, you can right-click the file, choose " Open with, " and then select your preferred email client.
If you are using Outlook Express and EML files are not opening correctly , another program may have hijacked the EML extension. In this case, you need to reset the file associations for Outlook Express by following these steps:
- Close Outlook Express if it is open.
- Press ⊞ Win + R.
- Enter msimn /reg and press Enter.
- File associations will be reset for Outlook Express. EML files should now open automatically in Express when you double-click them.
With an online service
If you do not have an email client installed on your computer or do not want to use one, you can opt for an online service that allows you to open EML files directly from your web browser.
For example, the free website Encryptomatic allows you to read an EML file online in just a few clicks. Here's how:
- Log in to Encryptomatic .
- Click Browse to navigate through your folders.
- Select the EML file you want to open. The site will then display the email content.
How do I open an EML file on a Mac?
If you have a Mac, you can also open EML files using different methods.
With Mail
Mail is the email client built into macOS. It can read EML files without any problems. To open an EML file with Mail, simply drag and drop onto the Mail icon in the dock or right-click on the file and choose "Open with" then "Mail".
With Outlook
Outlook is another email client available for Mac. It can also open EML files, displaying them like regular emails. To open an EML file with Outlook, simply double -click or right-click the file and choose "Open with" then "Outlook".
With an online service
As with Windows , you can use an online service to open EML files on a Mac. For example, you can use Encryptomatic as explained previously, or another site like Online Converter, which also allows you to convert EML files to other formats.
How do I open an EML file on an iPad?
If you have an iPad, you can also open EML files with a few tricks.
With Mail
Mail is the email client built into iOS. It can read EML files if you receive them as email attachments. To open an EML file with Mail, simply tap the attachment to view it.
With Gmail
Gmail is another email client available for iPad. It can also read EML files if you receive them as email attachments. To open an EML file with Gmail, simply tap the attachment and then tap the "i" icon in the top right corner to view the email content.
With a dedicated app
If you've downloaded an EML file to your iPad or received it through a method other than email, you can use a dedicated app to open it. For example, the free Klammer app lets you open EML and MSG files on your iPad. Here's how.
- Open the application where the EML file is located (Safari, Dropbox, etc.).
- Tap the " Share " button and choose " Open in Klammer ".
- The EML file then opens in Klammer and you can read its contents.
How to open an EML file on Android?
Android smartphone or you can also open EML files using different methods.
With Gmail
Gmail is the email client on Android. It can read EML files if you receive them as email attachments. To open an EML file with Gmail, simply tap the attachment to view it.
With a dedicated app
If you've downloaded an EML file to your Android device or received it through a method other than email, you can use a dedicated app to open it. For example, the free app Coolutils Mail Viewer allows you to open EML and MSG files on your Android device. Here's how:
- Open the application where the EML file is located (Chrome, Google Drive, etc.).
- Tap the " Share " button and choose " Open with Coolutils Mail Viewer ".
- The EML file then opens in Coolutils Mail Viewer and you can read its contents.
FAQ
What is the difference between an EML file and an MSG file?
An MSG file is another email file format used by Microsoft Outlook . It also contains the message text, headers, HTML formatting, and attachments. The main difference is that MSG files are in binary format, while EML files are in text format.
How to convert an EML file to PDF?
If you want to convert an EML file to PDF for easier sharing or printing, you can use an online service like Online Converter, which allows you to do this for free. Here's how:
- Log in to Online Converter .
- Click on " Choose a file " to select the EML file you want to convert.
- Click on " Start conversion " to begin the process.
- Download the generated PDF file.
How do I create an EML file?
If you want to create an EML file from an email you have received or sent, you can use your email client to save the email as a file. For example, with Outlook , you can right-click on the email and choose " Save As, " then select the "Email Message File (*.eml)" format.
How do I edit an EML file?
If you want to modify the content of an EML file , you can use a text editor like Notepad or Wordpad to open the file and make the desired changes. However, be careful not to alter the file structure or the email headers. Otherwise, you risk rendering the file unreadable or invalid .
How do I delete an EML file?
If you want to delete an EML file from your computer or mobile device , you can simply move it to the Recycle Bin or permanently delete it. There's no particular risk in deleting an EML file unless you want to keep a copy of the email it contains. In that case, you can use data recovery software like Recuva for Android , which will allow you to restore your deleted EML files to your smartphone or tablet.
Conclusion
You now know what an EML file is and how to easily open it on different devices . An EML file is an email in file format that contains the message text, headers, HTML formatting, and attachments. You can open it with an email client like Outlook or Thunderbird, with an online service like Encryptomatic or Online Converter, or with a dedicated application like Klammer or Coolutils Mail Viewer.
