Convert Thunderbird emails to PDF: Save Emails as PDF Files
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Written By
Aaradhya Jain -
Approved By
Shivam Rathore -
Updated on
December 27th, 2025 - Read Time
6 minutes
User Query: I use Mozilla Thunderbird for managing my emails. But now, I need to save some important conversations as PDF files for printing and sharing. Is there any simple way to convert Thunderbird emails to PDF without losing formatting or attachments?
Introduction: Mozilla Thunderbird is a free and open-source email client used by millions of users to manage their emails, contacts, and calendars. However, when users need to save or share important messages outside Thunderbird, converting them into a PDF file becomes a smart choice. PDFs are portable, easy to print, and universally supported across all devices and operating systems. In this guide, we’ll explore the manual and a professional DRS Thunderbird Backup Tool to help you export Thunderbird emails to PDF quickly and securely.
Real-Life Scenario: Export Individual Thunderbird Emails to PDF
A freelance consultant wanted to store all client communications as PDFs for tax documentation. Instead of saving each email manually, they used the DRS Thunderbird Backup Tool and exported all messages into well-organized PDF files within minutes. The process was fast, safe, and required no technical skills.
Simple & Quick Steps to Convert Thunderbird emails to PDF
- Download and install the DRS Thunderbird Email Backup Tool.
- Now, choose your Thunderbird Profile from the list and click Next.
- Then, you can preview and select the Thunderbird emails. Hit Next.
- Choose PDF as the Saving Format & apply advanced features. Click Convert.
Reasons to Save Thunderbird Email as PDF
There are several reasons why users prefer saving their Thunderbird emails as PDF files:
- PDFs are stable and can be opened on any system.
- You can easily send PDF emails as attachments.
- Business or legal records are best preserved in non-editable formats.
- Moreover, the PDF format keeps the email layout intact.
Method 01: Manual Way to Convert Thunderbird emails to PDF
Thunderbird provides an in-built “Print to PDF” feature, which lets you save individual emails as PDF files. However, this method only works for single emails at a time. Steps to Export Thunderbird Emails to PDF Manually:
- Firstly, open Mozilla Thunderbird on your computer.
- Then, select the email message you want to convert.
- Afterwards, go to the File tab and click on Print.
- In the Printer drop-down, choose Microsoft Print to PDF (or any PDF printer).
- Next, click on Print and select the destination folder.
- After that, rename the file and click Save.
- The email will now be stored as a PDF file in the chosen folder.
Limitations: Manually Migrate Emails from Thunderbird to PDF
While the manual method is easy for a few emails, it comes with some major drawbacks:
- Cannot convert multiple emails at once.
- Attachments are not included in the exported PDF.
- May lose HTML formatting in complex emails.
- Also, time-consuming for large mailboxes.
Note: If you have 50 GB or hundreds of emails to save, performing this process manually will take hours. In such cases, it’s better to use a professional tool that can automate the entire process.
Method 02: Professionally Convert Thunderbird emails to PDF
For quick and error-free conversion, you can use the DRS Thunderbird Backup Tool. A professional solution that allows you to export all your Thunderbird mailbox data into PDF format with complete accuracy. This tool is specially used for users who want to backup Thunderbird emails locally. It includes attachments, without losing formatting or structure. Designed for Home, Technician, Administrator, and Enterprise users to manage all Thunderbird emails.
One-Time Thunderbird to PDF Conversion Service
Don’t want to install software? Try our One-Time Conversion Service. Simply share your Thunderbird mailbox file securely, and our experts will convert all your emails into readable PDF files with attachments.
- 100% safe and private process.
- No installation or technical steps.
- Pay only once – no subscription.
- Fast and accurate conversion.
Detailed & Verified Steps to Convert Thunderbird emails to PDF:
- Primarily, download and install the DRS Thunderbird Email Backup Tool.
- Then, you can choose the Thunderbird profile from the drop-down list.
- The tool will display a preview and selection of your mailbox data.
- From the Save As list, choose the PDF as the output format.
- In the end, apply advanced features and click Convert to start the export process.
Is this DRS Tool Safe to Convert Thunderbird to PDF?
Yes. The DRS Thunderbird Backup Tool is 100% safe and reliable for converting Thunderbird emails to PDF. It has been tested by professionals and verified to ensure complete data privacy and accuracy during conversion. The software runs offline, ensuring your data stays on your local system.
Related Post: Remove Duplicate Emails in Thunderbird
Conclusion
In this technical blog post, we explored several methods to convert Thunderbird emails to PDF. The manual “Print to PDF” method is simple but suitable only for saving a few emails. It doesn’t include attachments and can be time-consuming for bulk data. On the other hand, the DRS Thunderbird Backup Tool offers a smart and automated way to export multiple Thunderbird emails to PDF in one go. It ensures that your email formatting, attachments, and folder structure remain intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: You can use Thunderbird’s built-in Print to PDF feature to manually save single emails as PDF files. Open an email, go to File > Print, choose Microsoft Print to PDF, and click Save. For batch conversion, use the DRS Thunderbird Backup Tool, which allows you to export multiple emails into PDF format along with attachments.
Ans: The manual method can only save one email at a time. However, the DRS Thunderbird Backup Tool lets you export multiple Thunderbird emails to PDF in one click. It supports bulk conversion and maintains the folder structure for better organization.
Ans: The DRS Thunderbird Backup Tool is one of the most reliable and secure tools for converting Thunderbird emails to PDF. It preserves email formatting, includes attachments, and offers advanced features like date filters, naming options, and folder preview before export.
Ans: Yes, the DRS Thunderbird Backup Tool supports both Windows and Mac operating systems. You can easily install the software on your system and export your Thunderbird mailbox to PDF safely and efficiently.
About The Author:
I, Aaradhya Jain, a technical content writer at DRS Solutions, specializes in delivering clear, practical guides on data management, migration, and recovery tools. With a detail-oriented and user-first approach mindset, I transform complex processes into actionable insights for IT professionals and decision-makers.
