How to Save Thunderbird Emails as TXT on Mac – A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

admin | how to software technology Thunderbird | 5 minutes read | Modified on: 07-07-2026
save thunderbird emails as txt on mac

Effective email management is a key requirement for both individuals and businesses handling important communications. While Mozilla Thunderbird stores emails in its own mailbox format, there are situations where saving emails as plain text (TXT) files becomes necessary. TXT files are lightweight, universally supported, and easy to access on virtually any operating system without requiring an email client. If you’re looking for a reliable way to save Thunderbird emails as TXT on Mac, this guide covers both manual and professional methods. Whether you need to archive emails, create backups, analyse email content, or share messages in a simple format, this article will help you complete the process without compromising your valuable data.

Why Save Thunderbird Emails as TXT on Mac?

Thunderbird is one of the most popular email clients for macOS users. However, its mailbox files cannot always be accessed without Thunderbird. Converting emails into TXT format offers greater flexibility and compatibility.

Some common reasons include:

  • Create a readable backup of important emails.
  • Access emails without installing Thunderbird.
  • Store emails in a lightweight format.
  • Share email content easily.
  • Archive emails for long-term storage.
  • Simplify email documentation.
  • Import text data into other applications.

TXT files can be opened with Text Edit, Notepad, Visual Studio Code, or almost any text editor available on Mac.

Read More:

How to Migrate from Thunderbird to Evolution with IMAP?

How to Transfer from Thunderbird to Apple Mail?

Challenges While Converting Thunderbird Emails to TXT Format

Although the process sounds simple, Mac users often face several issues:

  • Exporting multiple emails individually consumes time.
  • Attachments are not stored within TXT files.
  • Manual methods are unsuitable for large mailboxes.
  • Folder hierarchy may not remain organized.
  • Formatting can be affected.
  • Risk of accidentally missing important emails.

For users with hundreds or thousands of emails, manual conversion quickly becomes impractical.

Manual Method to Save Thunderbird Emails as TXT on Mac

Thunderbird provides a basic option to save individual emails as text files.

Step 1: Open Mozilla Thunderbird

Launch Thunderbird on your Mac.

Access the mailbox where the email you want to export is stored.

Step 2: Select the Email

Choose the desired email message.

Step 3: Save the Email

First Go to File then choose the Save As option to File

Choose a destination folder.

Select Text File (.txt) if available or save in the desired format supported by your Thunderbird version and Click Save.

Repeat these steps for every email you wish to export.

Professional Solution to Convert Thunderbird Emails to TXT on Mac

The MacMister Thunderbird Converter for Mac provides a faster, more reliable way to export Thunderbird emails into TXT format while preserving important email information. The software securely transfers complete mailbox data, including emails, attachments, metadata, and folder hierarchy while maintaining the original structure. Its intuitive interface makes the migration process simple for both technical and non-technical users. The application supports bulk mailbox conversion, allowing users to export multiple Thunderbird profiles in a single operation, users can also export from Thunderbird to PST saving both time and effort.

It also provides mailbox preview and selective folder migration, enabling users to export only the required emails. Compatible with the latest macOS versions, the tool delivers reliable performance even with large Thunderbird mailboxes. The software automates the entire conversion process, allowing users to export multiple Thunderbird emails simultaneously with just a few clicks. Experience the free version and export up to 25 items from the folder of your choice at zero cost.

Steps to Save Thunderbird Emails as TXT on Mac Using the Thunderbird Export Tool for Mac

  1. Install the mentioned Mac Thunderbird to TXT Converter on your Mac system.
  2. Launch the application and load the Thunderbird profile or manually add mailbox data.
  3. Preview the selected mailbox folders and select the emails or folders you wish to export.
  4. Pick the TXT as the output format from the file saving option.
  5. Apply optional filters if required and select the destination folder to save the files in your required folders.
  6. Click export button to begin the conversion process to save Thunderbird emails as TXT on Mac.

Preeminent Features of Thunderbird to TXT Converter for Mac

  • The Mac Thunderbird import tool allows users to convert thousands of Thunderbird emails to TXT format in one go
  • Thunderbird Converter for Mac maintains all the essential email metadata including sender details, recipient information, subject, date, time, email body, etc.
  • Export only required emails using advanced filters such as date range, subject, sender, folder selection as your requirement.
  • Mac Thunderbird Conversion tool converts large Thunderbird profiles without performance issues.
  • Designed specifically for macOS users with an intuitive and user-friendly interface suitable for all users.
  • The software performs the conversion in read-only mode, ensuring your original Thunderbird mailbox remains unchanged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will attachments be included in TXT files?

No. TXT files contain the textual content of emails. Attachments are not embedded in the TXT format, though some tools can save them separately.

Is the original Thunderbird mailbox modified during conversion?

No. it operate in read-only mode and do not alter your original mailbox data.

Is the manual method suitable for business users?

The manual method is acceptable for exporting a few emails. However, organizations dealing with large mailboxes should use a professional solution to save time and ensure data accuracy.

Conclusion

Converting Thunderbird emails to TXT files on Mac is a practical way to archive, share, or access email content in a universally supported format. While Thunderbird’s manual method to save Thunderbird emails as TXT on Mac works for exporting individual messages, it becomes tedious and inefficient when handling numerous emails.

Also Read: How to Fix Thunderbird STMP Error and send Messages Successfully?

The Mac Thunderbird Converter simplifies the entire process by enabling bulk conversion, preserving essential email information, and maintaining mailbox organization. From individual users to IT professionals managing extensive email collections, the Thunderbird Mac Conversion Tool makes it easy to save Thunderbird emails as TXT on Mac and backup Thunderbird emails on Mac securely through a secure, accurate, and hassle-free conversion process.