Quick Summary:
Manually saving Thunderbird EML files as PDFs works only for a few emails – and comes with major risks like missing attachments, corrupted files, and lost folder hierarchy. For reliable, bulk conversion with full data security, preserved structure, and intact attachments, a dedicated EML to PDF converter is the best solution. It automates the process, avoids data loss, and handles thousands of EMLs quickly and safely.
There are various popular choices to manage personal and business emails, as it is a reliable tool to handle EMLs and is free of cost. But most of the users who want their data in PDF format for documentation, record keeping, or sharing look to save Thunderbird EML files as PDF. In this article, we will learn the best way to save multiple Thunderbird EML files as PDF with security and attachments.
The fastest way to convert your Thunderbird EML to PDF is by using the printing to PDF or ImportExportTools NG option manually, or bulk convert using the automated tool with attachments. The manual method is risky and should be used at your own risk, as it does not guarantee to preserve attachments and data structure.
On the other hand, if you want to export Thunderbird EML to PDF with all the elements, attachments, and structure & hierarchy, the best way is to save Thunderbird EMLs to PDF using an EML to PDF converter.
You can use any of the methods that suit you, so to get a clear picture of both approaches, let’s discuss both methods briefly below.
How to Save Thunderbird EML Files as PDF Manually for Free?

Manually, you can convert your EMLs using the print to PDF option one by one or the ImportExportTools NG add-on. Let’s discuss both methods below:
Method 1: Print to PDF
- Go to your local folder and browse your EML files.
- Right-click on the EML file > Open with > Thunderbird.
- After opening the EML on Thunderbird, press Ctrl + P > select printer as Microsoft Print to PDF > Print.
- Now, repeat the steps for each Thunderbird EML file to convert into PDF.
Method 2: ImportExportTools NG
- Open Thunderbird and go to settings option > settings option > add-ons and themes.
- Then, search ImportExportTools NG and add it to Thunderbird.
- Afterward, create a folder in the local folder and right-click > ImportExportTools NG > Import EML messages > All EML messages from directory and subdirectories.
- Now, it will import the EMLs and display them.
- Again, right-click on the folder you created in the local folder > click ImportExportTools NG > folder export (mbox) > as mbox file.
Note: Using this method, you can surely save Thunderbird EML files as PDF, but there is no guarantee that this method will export your EMLs with attachments and original hierarchy. Let’s throw some light on why a user should not prefer the manual method to export Thunderbird EML to PDF.
Why Not Use the Manual Approach to Save Thunderbird EML as PDF?
Exporting Thunderbird EML files using the Thunderbird application in bulk can be convenient for users as it is free, but it comes with a major limitation, as discussed below:
- It can convert EML in bulk, but does not guarantee to export it with full data security, attachments, or all the important elements. Saving large Thunderbird EML files as PDF may corrupt the files while converting.
- The manual method does not preserve the original hierarchy, data structure of the files. Most of the time, it disturbs the original hierarchy, which creates a lot of chaos and difficulty in managing if you have a large number of files to handle.
- While converting EML files, Thunderbird often skips the corrupted or damaged files, which causes data loss.
- Requires technical knowledge, as performing wrong steps may result in data loss and errors.
- Provides no data security and integrity, works completely on the cloud, which is risky for large files when converting in bulk.

Best Way to Save Multiple Thunderbird EML Files as PDF Securely
To overcome all the limitations of the manual approach and make your conversion easier and secure, the way is to use an automated EML to PDF converter like BitRecover, which will save Thunderbird EML files as PDF with full security, all the attachments, and important elements. Let’s see how this software works:
Workflow: Steps to Export Thunderbird EML to PDF
- Step 1: Download and run the software on your device.
- Step 2: Add Thunderbird EML folders or files by clicking on the “select files” or “select folders” option.
- Step 3: Choose your desired advanced options, like convert attachments as PDF, exclude meta headers, black & white mode, destination path, file naming options, and many more, as per your requirements to manage files more effectively.
- Step 4: Lastly, hit the convert button, and it will save Thunderbird EML files as PDF without any data loss or corruption in large batches.
Why EML to PDF Converter? Prime Functions
- Keeps all the attachments, fonts, images, links, metadata, properties, and other important elements intact without any changes or data loss.
- You do not need to install Thunderbird to save Thunderbird EML files as PDF while converting using the expert tool. It works independently without the support of a third-party application or email client.
- The automated method keeps the original hierarchy and structure of the files and folders the same. It does not make any changes in the folder structure.
- It offers 100% data security as it does not save the data on the cloud and forwards a copy of EML files instead of the original ones to convert. This makes it a safe & secure tool to use as it works totally on the desktop.
- The EML to PDF converter tool is easy to use and comes with a user-friendly interface that requires no technical knowledge or training to use.
- You can save Thunderbird EML files as PDF with advanced filters like saving attachments as a PDF separately, excluding meta headers, and many more.
- Runs in the background and saves a lot of time. It is a powerful software that saves a lot of time by converting hundreds or thousands of Thunderbird EML files into PDF without any size restriction or corruption.
Conclusion

As we conclude this article, we can clearly see that the most efficient and secure way to convert EMLs into PDF is by using the automated converter. The Thunderbird manual way can also be used, but it is not suitable or advisable, as it results in data loss, corruption, and missing elements.
So, the manual method is only suitable when you have fewer EML files to convert, but when you are looking to save Thunderbird EML files as PDF in bulk without any data loss, restriction, or missing details, and working professionally on a large scale, then using the expert software is the best alternative to use.






