What is MBOX Mail on a Mac?
MBOX stores many email messages in one plain text file. Apple Mail, Thunderbird and Gmail Takeout all produce MBOX files.
macOS has no viewer that opens the format with a double click. You import the file into a mail app or read it as text.
| Goal | Method | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Read the mail in a mail app | Apple Mail import | Free |
| Read the mail in Thunderbird | Thunderbird import | Free |
| Check the raw text | Text editor | Free |
| Convert the mail to PDF or PST | Mac MBOX Converter | Paid |
How do You Import MBOX Mail Into Apple Mail?
Method #1: Apple Mail Import (Free)
Who it suits. Mac users who want the mail inside Mail on a Mac. Extra application. None.
- Open the Mail app on your Mac.
- Choose File, then Import Mailboxes.
- Select Files in mbox format and select Continue.
- Locate the file or the folder that holds it and select Choose.
- Select Continue and wait for the import to end.
The messages appear in a new mailbox named Import in the sidebar of the Mac app. Drag folders and messages to your own mailboxes on the Mac, then delete the Import mailbox. Apple explains the steps on its page for importing mailboxes into Mail.
Follow the guide to import Outlook PST to Mac Mail for a PST source.
Can Thunderbird Read MBOX Mail?
Method #2: Thunderbird (Free)
Use it when. You prefer Thunderbird to Apple Mail. Extra application. Thunderbird.
Thunderbird stores its own mail in MBOX files, so the format fits the app. Install Thunderbird for Mac and import the file on your Mac.
Follow the guide to import MBOX to Thunderbird for the steps.
Can a Text Editor Show MBOX Mail?
Method #3: Text Editor (Free)
Who it suits. Users who need one message in a hurry. Extra application. TextEdit.
- Right click the file and choose Open With.
- Choose TextEdit.
- Search for the sender or the subject.
The editor shows headers and message text in one long page. Attachments appear as blocks of encoded text, so you cannot open them.
A text editor freezes on large files. Use the Mail app or a converter for large sources.
How do You Convert MBOX Mail?
Method #4: SysTools Mac MBOX Converter (Paid)
Use it when. You need PDF, EML or PST output. Extra application. Mac MBOX Converter.
SysTools Mac MBOX Converter converts MBOX files to PST, EML, EMLX, MSG, PDF, TXT, CSV and HTML. The vendor lists a date filter and naming conventions for the output files.
The free demo exports 25 items per folder. Read the guide to convert MBOX to PDF for the PDF steps.
What are the Limits of These Methods?
- The Mail app imports MBOX mail and not PST files.
- The import copies the mail, so a large source needs free disk space.
- A text editor shows no attachments and no folders.
- Thunderbird needs its own profile and import step.
- A converter demo exports 25 items per folder.
Heads Up. Copy the source before you import it. Retain the original until you check the message count in the new mailbox.
Where Else do You Go From Here?
- Learn the format in the guide to the MBOX file format.
- Read mail in Outlook with the guide to open an MBOX file in Outlook.
- Compare tools in the guide to the MBOX migration tool for Windows and Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do You Open the Format in Apple Mail?
Import the file in Apple Mail with File, Import Mailboxes and Files in mbox format.
Where do Imported MBOX Messages Appear?
Messages appear in a new mailbox named Import in the Mac Mail sidebar.
Can a Mac Open MBOX Mail With a Double Click?
No. Import the file into a mail app or open it in a text editor.
Can TextEdit Show MBOX Mail?
Yes. TextEdit shows the raw text, but attachments appear as encoded blocks.
Does Apple Mail Import PST Files?
No. The app imports its own mailboxes and MBOX files only.
What if the MBOX Source is Large?
Use Thunderbird or a converter. A text editor freezes on large files on a Mac.
Can You Convert MBOX Mail to PDF?
Yes. A converter exports MBOX mail to PDF, EML, PST and other formats.
Author's Verdict
Use Apple Mail to read the mail and a converter when you need PDF or PST output.
Copy the file before any import.
Key Takeaways
- An MBOX file holds many emails in one text file.
- Apple Mail imports MBOX through File and Import Mailboxes.
- A converter creates PDF, EML or PST output.
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