Extract Attachments from MBOX Files with Ease

Jared Young ~ Modified: January 8th, 2025 ~ How to ~ 6 Minutes Reading

In this blog, you will learn how to extract attachments from MBOX files, two great techniques. Also, we will explain reasons to save the contacts of MBOX files. So, we start the blog by explaining what MBOX file is?

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As you know MBOX file is a file format which store multiple files in one single file. It is a popular file which you can found from many email programs like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Eudora. Here, the data is saved in plain text format where each message is separated by a block. MBOX carry complete information of emails, including attachments, email address, and other meta properties. There are many users out there who wants to save their email attachments from the MBOX file. But, why is that.

Reasons to Export MBOX File Attachments

There are times where users have to save their important attachments for their work. Below are the common reasons for wanting to download the attachments.

Due to the large size of the attachments in the MBOX file, chances of file corruption is increased. This is why it is better to extract your attachments.
Some email programs do not support email attachments. So, by saving the attachment in PDF or other compatible format you can easily view them.
To prevent your crucial MBOX attachments from deletion. It is best to separately download them into other locations.

So, it is beneficial to have your email attachments into the MBOX file. To do that, we will prescibe you two solutions to save the MBOX file attachments.

Extract Attachments from MBOX File using Thunderbird

Thunderbird is one of the programs that can open MBOX files. Officially Thunderbird provide a free add-in which you can use to import and extract your attachments. Here are the steps to do it.

Step 1: Go to the addons.thunderbird.net site. Find “Attachment Extractor” and “Import/Export Tools NG”. download the add-on.
Step 2: Now, start your Thunderbird client, and go to the “Tools” option.
Step 3: Click on “Import/Export Tools NG”, then “Import MBOX” file.
Step 4: Browse the location of the MBOX file and open it in your program.
Step 5: Your MBOX file is now in the Thunderbird, we can now extract the attachments.
Step 6: Select the email folder where your MBOX file is stored. “Right click” the folder.
Step 7: Click on the “Extract All Attachments to” option and hit the “Browse” button to save the file.

This method will save your MBOX file attachments free of cost. However, these add-ins does not work in the latest version of Thunderbird and it exports the attachments in bad quality. To avoid these issues you can use the professional software.

Next Read: Guide to Extract Attachments from Thunderbird

Expert Way to Export all Attachments From MBOX File

Corbett Email Attachment Extractor is a professional solution we are going to use to that allows you to extract the attachments. With this utility, one can easily extract email attachments from any programs without any issue. Also, it offers extension-based filter to download attachments of specific attributes. for example, JPG, PDF, DOC, Docx, etc.

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A demo version of the software is available that allows you to test the software. To use this software below are the detailed steps.

Guide to Extract Attachments from MBOX File

Step 1: Launch the Tool and click on Open >> Email Data Files >> MBOX file.
Step 2: Examine the MBOX files and directories on your computer
Step 3: Now, click the Extract >> Attachments option from the list.
Step 4: Next, browse the designation path & apply data filters. At last click “Save” to extract attachments from MBOX files.

Prime Features of MBOX Attachment Extractor

Independent Solution: The software works independently and allows you to extract attachments from MBOX files without installing any third-party application or email client.
File Extensions Filter: This option allows users to save the selected attachment from the entire mailbox. Users can specify the file extension name to get attachments of a particular file type.
Selective Extraction: The software allows you to extract and download attachments from selected folders. Users can use the checkbox option to select the required folders.
Output Options: The software offers you more than just extracting the data. With the help of this solution, you can easily export your MBOX file to multiple document formats, email file formats, desktop clients and email services.
Compatible with Windows OS: The tool easily downloaded in Windows OS in both old and new versions of the Windows.

Next Read: Want to Extract Email Addresses from MBOX Files

User’s Mostly Asked Questions

Q) How to extract data from MBOX file?

Install Corbett MBOX Extractor on Windows.
Click on Open >> Email Data Files >> MBOX.
Browse & Upload the MBOX File to Software panel.
Now, Click on the Extract button & select Attachments.
Click on Save to Extract MBOX file.

Q) Can I extract attachments of a specific extension from an MBOX file?

Manually, it is not possible to download attachments of a specific extension. However, you can opt for Corbett Software, which offers advanced data filters to download data from a specific extension.

Q) Does MBOX Include Attachments?

Yes, MBOX is an email storage format that includes attachments. It stores emails and their attachments in a plain text file, allowing for combined storage of content in a mailbox.

Concluding Words

In the above blog, we have discussed the best method to extract attachments from MBOX files. Our team is receiving multiple user inquiries regarding the same concern. Therefore, to help users, we have compiled this post and explained a professional solution. Our recommendation is to go for an automated solution that provides accurate and precise results, as it is not possible to manually extract all attachments from the MBOX file.