Quick Methods to Convert MBOX files to TXT Format

Summary: In an ongoing legal case, a law firm is accessing a large email archive that is saved in MBOX format. But, they needed a more practical and easier way to access these MBOX files and speed up the process. Therefore, they decided to convert MBOX Files to TXT format. They can do so either by manual techniques or by using MCD MBOX Migrator Tool for a more simplified and efficient solution. Converting them to TXT format will allow the legal team to quickly search, highlight, and submit the relevant information as part of the case record. 

Comparison between MBOX Vs. TXT Format

The table given below compares the MBOX and TXT formats for better understanding. Have a look to clearly understand the difference between the two:

BASIS	MBOX	TXT
Full Form	Mailbox (.mbox)	Text (.txt)
Used for	Stores multiple email messages per file	Saves raw text with no or basic formatting.
Content	Contains full email data	Only contains readable text from the emails
Human-Readable	Not human-readable	Fully Readable
Required Software	Any compatible Email Client like Thunderbird, Apple Mail.	Any Text Editor like Notepad, TextEdit, etc.
Searchability	Difficult to Search	Easy to Search

Understanding the Need to Convert MBOX to Text Files

There are different scenarios where MBOX to TXT conversion proves beneficial. Below are the main points where this conversion is useful:

• Unlike MBOX Files that need specialized tools for access, plain text file can be searched through any text editor.
• TXT files are smaller than MBOX files, which makes them efficient for storage and long-term email archiving.
• In scenarios where you can’t access an email client, it is recommended to convert MBOX files into TXT format. The TXT format is accessible in any Text Editor.
• Sharing emails in a text format guarantees compatibility for recipients who don’t use an email client that supports MBOX files. 
• When you convert MBOX to TXT, you get only the readable plain text with no complex formatting. 

How to Convert MBOX Files to TXT?

Several methods are available for converting emails from MBOX files to plain text. These include both manual and automated methods. Let’s look into the most straightforward and effective solutions. You can choose the one that is suitable for your needs. 

Manual Method 01: Convert MBOX to TEXT Format Using Thunderbird

This method is ideal for those working with small and medium-sized files. It involves a simple process that can be performed even by a non-technical user. Moreover, the process retains the original folder structure and formatting of the content. 

To convert an MBOX file into a plain text file, perform these steps:

1. First, install the Thunderbird application on your system.
2. Now, open it and go to Tools > Add-ons > Search ImportExportTools NG and install it.
3. Then, restart Thunderbird.
4. Right-click on the Local Folders and choose ImportExportTools NG.
5. Select Import mbox file, and then select your file.
6. Once the MBOX file appears in Thunderbird, right-click on it.
7. Choose ImportExportTools NG > Export all messages in the folder > Plain text format. 

Limitations: When handling large MBOX files, Thunderbird’s performance might degrade. Also note that it does not save the attachments; it only references them as links. If needed, the attachments are to be exported separately.

Manual Method 02: Convert MBOX to Plain Text Using Command-Line Tools (Unix, Linux, Mac)

This method is ideal for bulk email conversions. It is also effective if the user wants to back up each message separately as an individual TXT file. 

Perform the step-by-step instructions to begin the process:

1. Open the Command Line Terminal.

• Linus: Ctrl+Alt+T
• macOS: Command+Space > type: “Terminal” > Enter.

2. Now, navigate to your MBOX directory by running this command:

cd /path/to/your/mboxfile

3. Run the command to split the MBOX files into emails: 

csplit -k your_mboxfile ‘/^From /’ ‘{*}’

4. Then, convert the emails to plain text format: 

html2text xx00_cleaned.txt > xx00_cleaned_plain.txt

5. If needed, install the html2text tool:

• Linux: sudo apt install html2text
• macOS: brew install html2text

6. Now, convert all the emails at once: 

for file in xx*_cleaned.txt; do  html2text “$file” > “${file%.txt}_plain.txt”done

Limitations: This method converts the emails in their raw form. Also, the user needs to manually remove the headers or technical data. In addition to this, the original formatting is not preserved.

Fully Secure Software to Convert MBOX Files to TXT

The MBOX Converter is a comprehensive utility that supports the conversion of multiple MBOX Files to various formats. It also supports exporting directly to email platforms like Thunderbird and Outlook. The tool includes features like batch processing, duplicate email detection and removal, and filters by date. With a built-in preview feature, it enables users to preview their content before conversion. 

Simplified steps to convert MBOX to Text Files:

1. Download and run the converter tool.
2. Click Continue and select Add File to load your file.
3. Now, browse and select the desired MBOX file and open it to add it.
4. Expand the tree hierarchical structure, preview the content, and click on Next to continue.
5. Under Saves/Backup/Migrate As, choose File Formats and select TXT from the drop-down menu.
6. Opt for the optional features if required.
7. Then, select the destination location to save the resultant TXT file.
8. Lastly, click on Convert to start the conversion process. 

Conclusion

Transferring an MBOX file to TXT is crucial for cross-platform compatibility and representing content in a readable format. Through this blog, we have looked at both the manual and an efficient automated approach. The manual approach involves technical manual steps and takes a lot of time, and a smart professional MBOX Converter Tool automates the process to convert MBOX Files to TXT format. With the professional tool, the user can convert MBOX files faster, accurately, and error-free. It is suitable for both individuals and businesses.

Related Guide: Convert MBOX to PST Files, Split MBOX Files into Smaller Files

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