Read time: 3 Min
Are you looking for a way or method to export MBOX file to Maildir format without any data loss? Then this article gives you a complete guide for complete MBOX to Maildir conversion.
Why Convert MBOX to Maildir?
In the technological era, millions of users are still searching for the best method to convert MBOX files to Maildir format. Before we reach the conversion process, let’s know why users want to convert MBOX files to Maildir.
- Smooth Email Organization: The Maildir saves each email as a separate file. With this file, users can reduce corruption risks or errors.
- Efficient Performance: For keeping or accessing emails, Maildir is a complete modern service.
- Compatibility with Mail Servers: Maildir files are chosen over MBOX files by email servers such as Dovecot or Postfix.
- Reducing File Corruption: The Maildir file also reduces data loss, unlike the MBOX files that store all emails in a single file.
Now, since we discussed the reasons for the MBOX to Maildir conversion. Let’s go through the actual process.
How to Convert MBOX Emails to Maildir Manually?
In this section, users can learn the free technique to convert MBOX emails with attachments into Maildir format. Here we will use Thunderbird to convert MBOX to Maildir format. Here are the steps.
Note: If you are a Linux user, then you can use a built-in Python script to complete the MBOX to Maildir conversion.
- Start or Open Terminal.
- Install the “sudo apt-get install mb2md.”
- Go to MBOX files and run the command: “mb2md -s /path/to/your/mbox -d /path/to/your/maildir”
- Wait for the completion, and check the emails that are converted in Maildir format.
- Launch or install Thunderbird on your system.
- In Thunderbird, build a new account based on Maildir.
- Get the ImportExport NG add-on installed.
- Make use of Mozilla Thunderbird’s ImportExportTools NG add-on to import MBOX to Thunderbird mailbox.
- Drag and drop emails into any Maildir account from the imported MBOX folder.
- Check for the modified emails in the Maildir storage location.
Limitation of Manual Method
- This manual solution will be difficult when your MBOX file is large in size.
- The Thunderbird ImportExportTools NG Tool greyed out or fail due to compatibility; you can’t convert emails.
- Email formatting, inline images, and metadata will not be the manual solution.
- Each mailbox and email needs tobe be converted manually, which takes a lot of time.
Alternative Solution to Convert MBOX to Maildir Format in Bulk
You can use the BLR MBOX Converter to convert emails from MBOX to Maildir. This solution is effective and efficient in converting emails without any hassle. Using this mbox to pst converter tool, you can convert multiple MBOX files into Maildir format in bulk with no data loss. Moreover, while converting emails, this tool will maintain the folder and sub-folder hierarchy and structure.
Download the demo version to know how the actual conversion can be done.
Conclusion
If users use the free techniques to convert MBOX to Maildir, then they need to know, “How do I operate the method?” and also need too much time to switch mailbox files to Maildir. If users use the professional method to convert MBOX data or folders to Maildir, then they can easily export without having technical experience. Both methods can be used to switch mailbox files to Maildir format.
