Which Method Fits Your Thunderbird Mailbox?
Save All can download attachments from one message at a time. A bulk save needs an extension or a separate tool.
| Method | Messages at once | Cost | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Save All | One | Free | A few emails |
| Extension | Selected messages | Free | Folders you can select |
| MBOX Attachment Extractor | Full MBOX files | Paid after demo | Large mailboxes with filters |
Can Thunderbird Download Attachments on Its Own?
Method #1: Save All (Free)
Who it suits. Users with a few messages. Extra application. None.
- Open the email that has attachments.
- Select Save All in the attachment pane.
- Choose the folder and select Save.
- Repeat the steps for every other email.
A Mozilla support answer states that no native way exists to save attachments from several emails at once. The repeat steps take time on a large folder.
Can an Extension Save Attachments From Selected Emails?
Method #2: AttachmentExtractor Continued (Free)
Who it suits. Users who can select the emails inside Thunderbird. Extra application. The extension.
- Install AttachmentExtractor Continued from the extensions page and restart the client.
- Select the emails that contain the attachments.
- Right click and select Extract From Selected Messages To.
- Select Browse and choose the destination folder.
Extensions follow Thunderbird releases, so check the versions on the extension page before you install. Some reviewers report that extraction fails for IMAP messages until they copy the mail to Local Folders. Read the reviewer reports for your version.
Another free option is FiltaQuilla, which adds a filter action that saves attachments.
How does a MBOX Attachment Extractor Work?
Method #3: MBOX Attachment Extractor (Paid After Demo)
Who it suits. Users with large or old Thunderbird mailboxes. Extra application. MBOX Attachment Extractor.
Thunderbird stores mail in MBOX files. MBOX Attachment Extractor reads MBOX, MBX and MBS files, so Thunderbird does not need to be open.
- Start the software and add the MBOX files or the folder.
- Choose to preserve or flatten the folder hierarchy.
- Set the filters for date range, file size and file type.
- Select a naming convention for the attachments.
- Set the destination and select Extract.
MBOX Attachment Extractor can download attachments from MBOX files in bulk. The software renames duplicate files in the same folder instead of overwriting them and creates a success and failure report. The demo extracts the first 10 attachments.
What should You Check Before You Extract?
- Copy your Thunderbird profile folder to a safe place first.
- Test the method on five emails before you download attachments from a large folder.
- Use a naming pattern that adds the date or sender, so files do not overwrite one another.
- Count the attachments in the destination folder after the extraction.
Moving mail between clients? Read how to import Gmail emails to Thunderbird and how to open a MBOX file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Thunderbird Download Attachments From Multiple Emails at Once?
Not natively. A Mozilla support answer says no built in way exists. Use an extension or a MBOX tool.
What does Save All do in Thunderbird?
Save All saves every attachment of the open message to the folder that you choose.
Which Extension Saves Attachments From Selected Emails?
AttachmentExtractor Continued adds a command that extracts attachments from selected messages. Check the version note on the extension page.
Can I Filter Attachments by Type or Size?
Yes. MBOX Attachment Extractor has date, size and file type filters.
Does MBOX Attachment Extractor Need Thunderbird?
No. The software reads MBOX, MBX and MBS files directly.
Does the Demo Limit the Extraction?
Yes. The vendor page states that the demo extracts the first 10 attachments.
Will Duplicate File Names Replace Older Files?
Not in MBOX Attachment Extractor, which renames duplicates. Use a naming pattern in an extension to avoid overwrites.
Author's Verdict
Use Save All for a few emails and an extension for selected folders.
Use MBOX Attachment Extractor when the mailbox is large or needs filters.
Key Takeaways
- Native bulk saving does not exist.
- Extensions follow Thunderbird versions.
- MBOX tools work without the client.
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