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Table of Content
Introduction
Application Category & Support
Organization
MIME, Format Version & File Signature
Location
Relevant Action
How to open and view EML File
Tools to open EML File
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What is An EML File Extension? - Explained

Overview of an EML File

An EML file format represents a single email message saved in a standard email structure. It stores email headers, message content, hyperlinks, and attachments in single EML file.

EML file extension is very much equipped in supporting the ASCII text format for the email headers. In addition to this, the rest of the email body can also store email attachments and hyperlinks. EML files, in particular, are supported by Microsoft Outlook Express. But in addition to that, there is a huge list of email clients that support EML files.

This page explains what are EML files, their features, supported applications, and how users can open and view EML files.

Application Category

EML files belong to the email message file category. Each EML file stores a single email in a readable text-based format. It contains email header, message content, and attachment references. Although EML files are primarily text files. It may also contain binary data when attachments such as images or documents are added.

Applications Supported

EML files are widely supported by both desktop and web-based email clients across different operating systems. These files can be opened, viewed, and imported using below listed email applications:

EML files are commonly used for sharing and archiving individual email messages.

Developer Organization

EML file format was originally introduced by Microsoft Corporation as part of its email ecosystem, including Outlook Express and Windows Live Mail. Over time, the format became widely adopted by other email clients because it follows standard internet email protocols.

EML files are supported by multiple platforms and email applications. This makes EML file a reliable email file format for storing single email messages.

MIME Type of EML Files (Outlook & Windows Live Mail)

Message/rfc822 is the MIME type associated with EML files. This MIME type indicates that the EML file contains a complete email message structured according to internet email standards.

Email clients and mail servers use MIME type to correctly recognize, open, and process EML files.

  • message/rfc822

File Format

  • The format of EML files is Text and Binary.

What is File Signature of EML File?

File signature of an EML file is a sequence of hexadecimal values that helps operating systems and software identify the file type. For EML files, the file signature usually begins with:

46 72 6F 6D 3A 20

This hexadecimal sequence represents the word “From:”. It is commonly appears at the beginning of an email header. File signatures are mainly used for technical verification and forensic analysis. This hexadecimal number confirm whether a file is a genuine EML file or not.

Location of EML File Format

Windows Live Mail

Windows Live Mail automatically stores EML files at the below listed path.

  • Window XP: – C:\Documents and settings\UserName\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows Live Mail
  • Vista & Windows 7: – C:\Users\UserName\AppsData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Live Mail
  • Vista & Windows 8: – C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Packges\Microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps\LocalState\Indexed\LiveComm\Mail

Microsoft Classic Outlook

Microsoft Classic Outlook does not store emails as EML by default. But users can save individual emails manually.

  • Open the email in Outlook.
  • Click File → Save As.
  • Choose Text Only (.txt) or drag-and-drop the email to a folder to save it as an .eml file.

Note: Outlook primarily uses PST and OST formats for email storage.

Mozilla Thunderbird

Thunderbird supports EML files and allow users to single emails as EML file.

  • Drag and drop an email to a folder on your system, or
  • Right-click the email → Save As → File

Apple Mail (macOS)

Apple Mail allows users to save emails as EML format locally.

  • Launch Apple Mail application and select the Email
  • drag the email to a folder and it will save in EML format

Gmail (Web Interface)

Gmail does not store emails locally, but users can download messages as EML files.

  • Login to your Gmail Account.
  • Click the three-dot menu.
  • Select Download message.

In the system’s default download folder, email is downloaded in .eml format.

How to Open and View EML File?

There are various software and Email clients that open EML file. This software are as follows, Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, Thunderbird, Novell GroupWise, SeaMonkey, The BAT, Dream Mail, Fox Mail, Windows Live Mail, Mail App.

As an alternative, corrupt EML files can be opened using tools mentioned below.

Tools That Open EML File Extension

 

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