As a part of an in-depth investigation, a journalist may choose to publish email communications as a piece of evidence. These email messages could involve interactions with whistleblowers, internal business communications, etc. This will ensure transparency and credibility of the case. But the emails are in MBOX file format. The journalist decides to convert MBOX to HTML to present the article in an interactive and readable way for the audience. This conversion can be done manually and by using an expert-recommended MBOX Migrator Tool. Read the blog in detail to understand the purpose and process of converting MBOX files into HTML format.
MBOX (Mailbox) is a plain text file that stores email messages in a single file. It is primarily used to back up emails. HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) is used to create web pages by structuring and formatting content on the web. By transforming the MBOX data into HTML, the content displayed will be readable and presentable on the web.
Why Convert MBOX File to HTML?
Before we explore the details of this blog, let’s first understand why converting a MBOX file to HTML is beneficial. Review the points below to understand them better:
- HTML displays the emails in a simple structure while ensuring readability and clarity in the article.
- Converting MBOX to HTML allows users to share the email content online without any additional software.
- Emails in MBOX file, when converted to HTML, can be easily integrated into articles along with images, charts, etc.
- HTML allows clickable links, anchor tags, etc, making the content more engaging and interactive.
- HTML and CSS allow customization by allowing highlighting of the content.
- One can open the HTML files in any browser, making them easy to access and share.
- HTML preserves the email data in a long-lasting format, making it ideal for archiving.
How to Convert MBOX to HTML?
You can complete this conversion either manually or by using a conversion tool. While the manual process is effective, it can be complex and requires effort. Alternatively, using an automated conversion tool makes the process faster and error-free. Let’s go through both methods in detail.
Manual Method 1: Export MBOX to HTML Using Thunderbird
This is a simple and free method that is suitable for small-scale conversions. After converting MBOX files to HTML file format, each email will be saved as a separate HTML file.
Use the step-by-step approach to begin the conversion process:
- Open Mozilla Thunderbird.
- Go to Menu icon > Add-ons and Themes.
- Search ImportExportTools NG > Add to Thunderbird and install it.
- Restart Thunderbird and navigate to Local Folders.
- Right-click on Local Folders > ImportExportTools NG > Import mbox file.
- Choose Import directly one or more mbox files and click Ok.
- Locate your desired MBOX file and select it.
- Choose the emails in your .mbox file to convert to HTML.
- Right-click on the chosen files > ImportExportTools NG > Export all messages > as HTML format.
- Choose the destination folder to save your resultant file.
Limitations: There is no way to batch process emails across multiple MBOX files. Attachments are not converted with the emails, rather are downloaded separately.
Manual Method 2: Convert MBOX File to HTML Using the Copy-Paste Method
This is ideal for businesses or individuals looking to convert only a small number of files.
Given below are the steps to follow to initiate the conversion process:
- Open Thunderbird and install the ImportExportTools NG add-on to it.
- Right-click on the Local Folders > ImportExportTools NG > Import mbox file.
- Select the MBOX file and open it.
- Choose the desired email, open it, and copy the content of the email.
- Paste the copied content into Microsoft Word or Notepad.
- Now, in MS Word, click on File > Save as and save the file using the .html extension.
Limitations: It involves technical manual steps. Also, there may be a loss of complex formatting. The attachments won’t be copied with the email content. It needs to be copied and attached separately.
Expert-Recommended Tool to Convert MBOX to HTML
The MBOX to HTML Converter Tool is a reliable solution that allows users to convert MBOX files to HTML, PDF, etc. It supports migration to various email platforms such as Outlook, Thunderbird, etc. This tool eliminates duplicate files, supports bulk conversion, and provides a preview option to view the emails before conversion. Moreover, users have the flexibility to save the messages with or without attachments, filter emails by date, and much more.
Quick and simple steps to convert MBOX file to HTML:
- Download, install, and open the tool.
- Click on Continue > Add File.
- Browse the desired MBOX file and open it to add it.
- Expand the tree structure, preview the content, and click Next.
- Under Saves/Backup/Migrate As, choose File Formats and select HTML.
- Apply the additional features if required.
- Choose the destination folder to save the file.
- At last, click on Convert to begin the conversion.
Conclusion
Converting an MBOX file to HTML is essential to present the content in a structured, more readable format. In this blog, we have compared both the manual and an expert-recommended method. The manual method involves technical manual steps and takes time, and a smart professional MBOX to HTML Converter Tool simplifies the process to convert MBOX to HTML file format. With the professional tool, the user can convert MBOX files quickly, more accurately, and without errors. It is useful for both individuals and businesses.
Related Post: Import MBOX to cPanel Webmail.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q- How to convert MBOX file to HTML?
Ans- Follow these steps to convert MBOX to HTML:
- Open Thunderbird and download ImportExportTools NG.
- Import your MBOX file.
- Save the selected files with the .html extension.
Q- Which is the best software to convert MBOX files to HTML?
Ans- The MBOX to HTML Converter Tool is the best software recommended by experts. It comes with advanced features like bulk conversion, email filtering, saving attachments options, etc.
