In today’s digital age, email remains one of the most essential modes of communication. Whether you are a student, a professional, or a business owner, your inbox contains valuable information agreements, receipts, confirmations, conversations, legal messages, and much more. Many email clients store individual messages in the EML file format, which is supported by Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Apple Mail, Outlook Express, and even some modern webmail tools. However, there are many situations where users need to convert EML files into PDF format. PDF is universally compatible, easy to print, secure, and ideal for documentation or legal use. But the conversion process is not always straightforward because different email clients handle EML files differently.

This blog offers a complete, fresh, and detailed guide on why people convert EML to PDF, the challenges, manual methods, and the best solution to convert EML files into PDF quickly and accurately.

Why Convert EML to PDF?

Users convert EML files to PDF for several important reasons:

1. Universal Compatibility: PDF works on every device Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and any browser. EML requires a specific email client to open.

2. Legal & Professional Use: PDFs preserve the layout, structure, and original email formatting, which makes them ideal for Legal cases, Business documentation, Record-keeping

3. Secure Storage: PDF allows password protection, encryption, and restricted sharing options. EML does not support built-in security features.

4. Easy Sharing & Printing: PDFs can be shared easily without compatibility issues. They are also the most preferred format for printing emails.

5. Long-Term Archiving: Businesses convert large amounts of emails into PDF to maintain permanent, readable records.

Challenges in Converting EML to PDF                             

Even though the conversion sounds simple, users face several problems:

1. No Direct PDF Export in Many Email Clients

Most EML-supporting clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Windows Live Mail do not offer a built-in “Save as PDF” option.

2. Attachments May Not Convert Properly

Images, links, inline media, and attached files might get lost during manual conversion.

3. Formatting Issues

Manually converted PDFs sometimes lose Font style, Hyperlinks, Signature layout, Inline images, Metadata

4. Converting Multiple EML Files Is Difficult

Manual methods require one-by-one conversion, which becomes impossible when handling hundreds or thousands of EML messages.

5. Cross-platform Problems

Not all EML clients allow printing or exporting to PDF, especially on macOS.

Because of these obstacles, users often look for alternative solutions.

Manual Methods to Convert EML to PDF

There are a few manual techniques, but each comes with limitations. Still, they work for small data or occasional conversion.

Method 1: Open EML in a Supported Email Client and Print as PDF

This method works for Windows and Mac.

Steps of Manual Method:

1. Double-click the EML file to open it in the default email client.

2. Go to File then Print.

3. Choose Save as PDF or Microsoft Print to PDF.

4. Choose a location and save the PDF.

Limitations:

• Converts only one email at a time
• Loses formatting sometimes
• Does not properly convert attachments
• Time-consuming for bulk users

Method 2: Convert EML to PDF Using Thunderbird Add-ons

Thunderbird users can install extensions like ImportExportTool NG.

Steps:

1. Install the add-on in Thunderbird.

2. Import EML files into Thunderbird.

3. Select the emails to right-click to Export to PDF.

Limitations:

• Works inconsistently
• Unable to convert attachments automatically
• Breaks formatting in HTML messages
• Not stable for large archives

Method 3: Convert EML to PDF through a Text Editor

You can open EML in Notepad or Text Edit, but this method destroys formatting completely. It’s only suitable for basic text emails.

The Best Solution: Use a Professional EML to PDF Converter

For accurate, fast, and bulk conversion, CubexSoft EML to PDF Converter tool is the most reliable choice. It solves all formatting issues and preserves every part of the email. You can migrate from EML to PDF effortlessly and without losing any data. It comes with many features which are really useful like preview option, detailed log report, etc. it also has some popular file formats such as MSG, PST, PDF, Office 365, MBOX, etc. also it is compatible with all the Mac and Windows operating systems. You can also get the free trial and export up to 25 emails from your chosen folder.

Benefits of Using a Professional Converter

Bulk Conversion: Convert hundreds or thousands of EML files in one go.

Preserves Email Formatting: Retains fonts, colors, signatures, links, inline images, and HTML layout.

Converts Attachments: Most tools save attachments in their original format or embed them in the PDF.

Maintains Metadata: Preserves To, From, Subject, Date, CC, and message headers.

Advanced Filters: Users can convert emails by Date range, Sender, Subject, Specific folders.

Works on Both Windows & Mac: Ideal for users who work across platforms.

Faster & More Accurate: Has a very simple and easy interface.

Professional tools ensure stable performance even for large mailboxes.

How the EML to PDF Converter Works

Step 1: Install the EML to PDF Converter.

Step 2: Add EML Files or Folders.

Step 3: click next after previewing the files.

Step 4: Choose PDF as the Output Format.

Step 5: Choose Destination Folder

Step 6: Start Conversion.

Within minutes, your EML files are safely converted into high-quality PDF documents.

Final Thoughts

The method to Convert EML to PDF has become increasingly important for users who need secure, readable, and long-lasting email records. While manual methods exist, they are time-consuming, unreliable, and not designed for bulk conversion. The CubexSoft EML Converter offers the easiest and most accurate solution, preserving the full structure and details of each message. With this tool, you can convert unlimited EML files into PDF in just a few clicks without losing formatting, attachments, or quality.