How to Extract Attachments from MBOX Files? Solved

Written By

Published on
March 24th, 2025

Updated on
April 18, 2025

4 minutes Read

Summary: MBOX files are compatible with several popular email services, including Apple Mail, Thunderbird, and others. Hence, it enables users to access and open emails across different operating systems, such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. However, a common issue arises when attachments within MBOX files become corrupted. If you seek a reliable and efficient way to extract attachments from MBOX files, try the professional MBOX Converter.

Additionally, this blog provides effective and effortless techniques along with its detailed steps. Before we discuss how to extract attachments from your MBOX files, let’s understand why it is required. 

Why Extracting Attachments From Files?

By extracting attachments, you can gain numerous benefits. Some of them are described below. 

  • By saving attachments separately, users can manage their emails easily. 
  • When attachments get corrupted, it is an effective way to protect other data. 
  • Large attachments can be difficult to manage. So, extract them into a separate folder. 

Two Simple Methods to Extract All Attachments From MBOX File

Here, we will provide different procedures to resolve the user’s query “ How do I extract all attachments from a MBOX file?” To do this, we have found two reliable approaches, including native and professional. You can choose either solution that fits best. Now, let’s discuss them one by one. 

#1. Manually: Save Attachments From MBOX File

To manually carry out this process, you need to carefully read and follow the instructions below. This procedure requires Thunderbird or any email client that supports MBOX files; we will use Thunderbird in this guide.

  1. Firstly, import MBOX files into your Mozilla Thunderbird. 
  2. Once it is done, visit Tools -> Add-ons & Themes.
  3. Now, search for Attachment Extractor and download it. 
  4. Next, close and restart Thunderbird.
  5. After this, select the email message and right-tap -> Extract Attachments.
  6. Afterwards, assign the desired name and location.
  7. Later, you can select the option to delete attachments once it is extracted. 

Once you follow the above steps, extracted attachments will be saved at the desired location. This process might be effective but it is suitable for limited data. Otherwise, it will take days to extract attachments. Additionally, it will increase the risk of human error. Don’t worry! We have another technique. 

#2 Automated: Extract all Attachments from MBOX File

MacSonik MBOX Converter for Mac is a top-notch utility to complete this task effortlessly and quickly. Using this software, users can gain various advanced features that will simplify the process. For instance, it allows users to eliminate or save attachments in a separate folder. Other than this, you can also choose to remove duplicates, specific data ranges conversion and more. Still, it keeps the original folder hierarchy maintained and gives a 100% precise outcome with zero risk. 

Simple and Quick Steps to Save Attachments from MBOX File

The below steps will help you accomplish the task efficiently with 100% data protection. 

  1. To do this process, install and start the MBOX Converter Tool on your system. 
  2. Then, tap Select Files/Select Folder to search and MBOX files. Click Open
  3. Later, view the emails and attachments before starting the process. Hit Next
  4. Thereafter, select PDF from the list of file formats. 
  5. Further, enable the Save PDF Attachments Separately option. 
  6. Next, specify the destination path where you want to save the extracted attachments.
  7. In the end, click Convert to start the process of extracting attachments from the MBOX files. 

Also Read – Fix Mac Mail Stuck Moving Messages

Final Statement

Through this blog, your queries related to extracting attachments might be resolved. Most users save attachments separately to manage the data easily. It also helps in finding particular attachments from bulk data. To do this, we provide manual and professional. Using a manual approach can be risky as it is compatible with limited files. If you have bulk data, use an automated solution to complete this task efficiently and securely. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1.  How to extract attachments from MBOX?

To do this, follow the given steps correctly. 

1. Install and import MBOX files into Thunderbird. 
2. Next, add the Attachment Extractor. 
3. Then, select email message -> right-tap. 
4. Pick Extract Attachments. 
5. Provide the desired location and hit Save. 

Related Post

Copyright 2020 - macSonik. All rights reserved