How to Export IMAP to MBOX File?

This guide will inform you how to export IMAP to MBOX file by using both manual and professional methods. In this article, we are going to discuss the step-by-step process to convert IMAP to MBOX format. Read this complete article till the end to get the best and most effective solution.

Before we begin the methods, let’s understand the purposes.

Why Users Export IMAP to MBOX Format?

There are several reasons why users convert the MBOX format. Some of the most important reasons are listed below.

• MBOX is ideal for organizing old emails and storing them in a readable and portable structure.
• Provides additional security in case of accidental deletion, data backup to local hard drive or server failure.
• MBOX supports multiple email clients, simplifying access to email accounts.
• Improves performance by deleting emails from the cloud, thus freeing up storage space on the server.
• MBOX simplifies the heavy configuration process of migrating emails from one IMAP service to another.

These were some of the most common reasons why users switch for MBOX files.

Now, Let’s move towards methods of converesion.

Maunual Methods to Convert IMAP to MBOX

After testing multiple methods we are explaining two best manual ways to export IMAP to MBOX format, that we found more useful then others. So read both the manaul methods and decide which one is best for you.

How to Export IMAP Emails to MBOX Using Thunderbird?

We use Thunderbird to convert IMAP emails to MBOX format. This process involves two main steps to create an MBOX file. Therefore, follow each step carefully to export your emails as an MBOX file.

Step 1. Setup email account with Thunderbird

1. Run the application to your desktop. 
2. Click on the “Gear” icon to open settings. 
3. Click on “Account Setting“, go to “New Account” option.
4. Then, click on “Mail Account” to add your account. 
5. Here, enter your “Full Name“, “Mail address“, and “Password” and configure account with thunderbird.
6. Then, click on “Continue“ button. 
7. Now select the “IMAP” option and hit “Continue”. 

Done! Your account is added to thunderbird.

Now, let’s move on to Step 2.

Step 2. Export from Thunderbird.

1. Install the “ImportExportTools NG” add-on in your Thunderbird application. (If you already installed then move to next step)
2. After that, Go to your IMAP email account mailbox and right-click and select ImportExportTools NG option.
3. Select “Export Account” option. 
4. Here you will see a popup by thunderbird, click “OK” button to get your “MBOX” file. 
5. Now Browse file location and select folder to save your MBOX files.

Finally! Your exported MBOX file will saved to selected folder for thunderbird application.

Follow the above step by step instruction and get your MBOX files.

How to Download IMAP Emails to MBOX Format Using Google Takeout?

To get IMAP emails in MBOX format, carefully follow the instructions below to create an MBOX file.

1. Open “Google Chrome” application in your windows PC.
2. Search “Google” and type “Google Takeout” and hit “Enter” on your keyboard.
3. Scroll down slowly and choose “Create a new export”.
4. Deselect all the Check marks.
   
5. Check mark only on the “Mail” option and click the “Next Step” button. 
6. You will find a list of options.
7. Select the option “Send download link via email“. 
8. Select “.zip” option and also choose “File Type & Size”
9. Afterwards, select “File Size” according to your need.
10. After that click on “Create Archive“.
    
11. Your export process will start in and move to archive section in a few seconds but you don’t get mbox file immediately.
    
12. When export process is completed you will receive a email from google in which you find “download archive” button.
13. Open the received email, and dircetly click on given “Download archive” button in the email. 

Finally, your MBOX file is extract in your windows folder.

Limitations of manual methods:

We have explained two manual methods above, and both methods have limitations, which are shown below.

• If you use the Thunderbird application to export IMAP files to MBOX file format, your system may freeze and attachments will lost due to incomplete data backup.
• When using Google Takeout, you have to wait 24 hours for your MBOX file to become available. Google does not offer an option for automatic backups. Furthermore, users cannot export files from specific folders.

In this case you can check out next method below.

How to Convert IMAP Emails to MBOX Automaticly?

If you feel both the above metioned method is lengthy and you are not able to use so don’t worry, now you need to try an instant solution, i.e., Xtraxtor. This tool simply export IMAP to MBOX files while maintaining file hierarchy with email attachments. It also offers the option to selectively convert IMAP to MBOX with advanced filter. Additionally, you can also take backup of IMAP to MBOX.

Click below to download the free demo version of this software and test its working.

Steps to Convert IMAP emails to MBOX Files

1. Complete the instalation and open the Software in your operating system. 
2. Click on Open button and select email account option and choose Add account. 
3. Now, enter your Email account with its App password click on Add button. 
4. Now, simply click on Export button and select MBOX. 
5. Here, select the Folders> Browse the location> Save. 

Finally! Your IMAP account email is drictly exported in MBOX format.

If you follow the step-by-step instructions above, you can smoothly export your IMAP server to MBOX.

Advantages of using Professional Solution

• It works on 200+ webmail accounts for the backup process.
• This software’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible to non-tech users.
• Using the same tool you can also export IMAP to PST file format.
• There are various advanced filters such as to, from , date, time, cc, bcc, etc.
• It is compatible with Windows versions 11, 10, 8, 8.1, 7, and XP.
• The solution is safe and secure and doesn’t lose any data during the process.
• It preserves folder hierarchy and transfer emails in their original format.

Wrap Up

In this blog, we explained both the manual and the professional methods. We found that the manual method is lengthy, can freeze our system, and takes about 24 hours. Additionally, it doesn’t allow us to selectively export IMAP to MBOX. Therefore, using a reccomended tool is the best option that can convert IMAP to MBOX in just a few clicks and on time.