How to Change EML File to .txt(Text) Format?

Have you ever received an email in EML format and needed to convert it into a simple text file? As we know, EML files store email messages. Although, it will be quite difficult to open EML files without an email client. In such a scenario, you just need to extract the plain text from your emails without all the extra formatting. If you convert EML to Text then it will be easy to read and share without any additional application. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the simplest methods using Mozilla Thunderbird and Notepad to convert EML files to TXT without any hassle. For more accurate results, you can use the EML to TXT Converter to complete the conversion quickly and effortlessly.

What Makes TXT a Better Choice as Compared to EML Files?

If you just need the plain text from an email, TXT is the way to proceed with. It’s simple, lightweight, and works on any device. TXT doesn’t have extra formatting or attachments. Hence, it is easy to read, search and share. If you want a hassle-free way to keep important email content, converting EML to TXT is a smart and efficient way.

Here’s a basic table that compares EML and TXT files and explains why TXT is often the better option. Along with that, this table provides a clear understanding of why someone wants to  convert EML file to Text:

Basic Feature	EML File	TXT File
Accessibility	Requires an email client (Outlook, Thunderbird, etc.)	You can open the Text file on any device.
File Size	EML Files are large due to email formatting and metadata	As it contains only plain text, hence it is small
Ease of Search	It is hard to search the EML files.	It is quite easy to search Text files.
Storage & Backup	Takes up more space and is difficult to manage	Simple to store and organize with minimal space usage
Compatibility	If the email client is unavailable, it cannot be open properly.	Text file is the universal format that works on all devices and platforms
Sharing	EML File requires email client to view it properly	You can share and open instantly without special software
Data Extraction	Difficult to extract specific EML content without conversion tools	TXT File is easy to copy, edit, or extract information

How to Convert EML to Text?

If you need to change EML files into TXT, there are several simple ways to perform this conversion. The first way is to open the EML file in Notepad and save it as a TXT file. You can also use Thunderbird to open and convert EML files to Text. If you have many files, using EML to TXT Converter comes out as the best solution. However, the best method will totally depend on how many emails you need to convert. Further, we’ll explain the easiest ways to accomplish the conversion with all of the discussed methods. 

Method 01: Manually Convert EML to TXT with Notepad

If you want to get the text from an EML file without using any software, Notepad is a good option. This method will help you to open and save EML files as TXT without any trouble. Just follow the steps below to convert EML to Text easily: 

• First of all, navigate to the file/folder where you stored the EML files. 
• After that, choose the specific EML file that you want to convert.
• Now, perform right-click on the file, select “Open with” and choose Notepad. 
• When you pick the Notepad, it will display all your EML data in Notepad. 
• Here, you should navigate to the “File” option and click on the  “Save As” option.
• From the Save As option, choose the Text Document (*.txt).
• Later, assign the name and saving location to the resultant Text file.
• To complete the process, click “Save”. Now, your EML file is converted to TXT.

Important Note: This method works okay for basic email text extraction. You should keep in mind that this method is not compitable to preserve attachments and proper format all the time. 

Method 02: Use Thunderbird to Convert EML Files to Text Format

Another way to change the EML file as Text is using the Thunderbird application. Basically, Thunderbird supports the EML files and provides the option to Convert EML to Text. Here are the steps to perform the conversion process using Thunderbird: 

• Firstly, launch and open the Thunderbird on your existing system. 
• Now, select the EML files you want to convert. 
• After that, right-click on the selected emails.
• Hover over Save Selected Messages >> “Plain text format.
• Now, decide where you want to save the converted EML files. 

Note: If you don’t find the option of “Save Selected Messages”, then you have to install the ImportExportTools NG add-on to convert your EML file as Text. 

• Open Thunderbird and click the menu icon available on the right side. 
• Now, go to Add-ons and Themes and pick the Find more add-ons option. 
• Next, you should search for ImportExportTools NG >>Add to Thunderbird.
• After installation, restart Thunderbird to activate the add-on.
• Once the add-on is installed, you can follow the steps above to save your EML files as TXT.

Limits of Using Notepad and Thunderbird to Convert EML to TXT

Notepad and Thunderbird are free and simple ways to turn EML files into TXT, but there are some pointers which are associated with these methods:  

• With these methods, you can only save the email text, not the attachments.
• There is no format support for fonts, colors, images, and other styles. 
• Notepad displays the email code along with the text, which is quite hard to read.
• Above we saw that Thunderbird may need an extra tool for bulk conversion.
• On the other hand, Notepad needs you to open and save each file manually.

If you want to keep attachments, formatting, or convert many EML files quickly, an EML to TXT converter tool  will be the appropriate solution. 

Method 03: The Best Alternative for EML to TXT Conversion

For a fast, accurate, and efficient way to convert EML to TXT without limitations, the DRS Softech EML Converter Tool is the best approach. Because, it provides accurate conversion without losing any important details of EML files. You can batch convert EML to TXT with the help of this utility. Here are some of the main features associated with this utility:

• EML to TXT conversion at a single click without involving technical expertise.
• Multiple EML files can be converted together in one go, thereby it save the time.
• Contrary to Notepad and Thunderbird, this application does not lose email attachments.
• Along with that, it maintains the email formatting, metadata, and subject lines as it was. 
• Works separately without the need for Thunderbird, Outlook, or any other program.
• Apart from TXT, you can export EML files to CSV, PDF, PST, MBOX, MSG, and other formats.
• Basic and user-friendly layout to make the conversion process effortless for anyone.
• This utility is supported by all Windows versions and provide a hassle-free experience.

Simplified Steps to Convert EML to Text Using this Utility

• Firstly, you should install the DRS Softech EML Converter Tool on your system.
• Now, open the software and select the EML files or folders you want to convert.
• In the upcoming panel, it will display the list of selected EML file content >> Next.
• Mark the File Format Option and select TXT as the preferred saving file format.
• Here, you can utilize the additional feature of the software according to preference.
• Lastly, enter the path to save Text file and click the Convert button to start conversion. 

Related Post: Convert EML to MSG File.

Conclusion

Now, you know that, you can change EML files to TXT using Notepad or Thunderbird, but these methods have some drawbacks. They don’t keep attachments, remove formatting, and take extra steps. If you want a fast and easy way to convert multiple EML files without losing any details, the DRS Softech EML Converter Tool is great to batch convert EML to Text. It will save your precious time and keep your data safe.  Pick the method that works best for you according to your requirements.