Guide · Open
How to open an .eml file
An .eml file is a single email saved to disk — from Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Gmail or a mail server export. Double-click it and Windows may ask which app to use, or open it in a mail program you never set up. MSGView opens it in your browser instead: the message, the sender, the date and every attachment, without installing anything.
Open an .eml file in 3 steps
- Open MSGViewGo to msgview.app in any modern browser on Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS, iPhone or Android. No install, no account.
- Drop the .eml fileDrag the file onto the page or pick it with “Open your file…”. It is read and parsed inside the browser tab; it is never sent to a server.
- Read it and save what you needSee the formatted message, the headers and the attachments. Save attachments one by one or as a .zip, or save the whole email as PDF, HTML or text.
What is an EML file?
EML is the standard format for one email message (RFC 822 / MIME). It is plain text underneath: the headers (From, To, Subject, Date), the body in text and HTML, and attachments encoded inside the same file. Almost every mail program can export a message as .eml, which is why you get them from colleagues, archives and legal or HR requests.
EML vs MSG
.msg is Outlook’s own binary format; .eml is the open standard every other mail program uses. Both hold the same thing — one email with its attachments — and MSGView opens both.
Convert EML to PDF
Need to keep or share it? After opening the email, choose PDF: you get the message text with its headers in a document anyone can open. See EML to PDF.
Private by design
Many online EML viewers upload your email to their server. An email can contain contracts, invoices or personal details, so MSGView never does: the file is parsed in your browser tab and nothing leaves your device.
FAQ
What is an .eml file?
A single email saved in the standard RFC 822 / MIME format: headers, body and attachments in one file. Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail and most other mail programs can create and open it.
How do I open an .eml file without Outlook?
Open msgview.app and drop the file on the page. The email, its sender, date and attachments appear in your browser; nothing is installed and nothing is uploaded.
Can I open an .eml file on iPhone or Android?
Yes. Save the file to Files or Downloads, open msgview.app in Safari or Chrome and pick the file. It works the same as on a computer.
How do I get the attachments out of an .eml file?
Open it in MSGView: every attachment is listed with its name and size. Save them one by one or all at once as a .zip.