How to Batch Convert EML Email Files to PDF in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to batch-convert multiple EML email files into PDF format using Acrobat Pro DC and wants to know if third-party software is necessary.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to mass convert saved raw email files (EML format, such as those exported from Thunderbird) into PDF documents for offline archiving or sharing.
- Observed behavior
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC does not natively support direct batch conversion of raw EML files, requiring a workaround through Microsoft Outlook or an external tool.
Gather all your EML files into a single folder on your computer and check if you have Microsoft Outlook installed, as the native Acrobat method requires it.
Import EML Files into Microsoft Outlook and Use the Acrobat Plug-in
Since Acrobat natively integrates with Microsoft Outlook, you can import your EML files into Outlook and use the built-in Acrobat plug-in to batch convert them.
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC does not handle standalone EML files directly but includes a powerful plug-in for Microsoft Outlook. By importing your emails into Outlook first, you can easily bypass this limitation and batch process your messages into PDFs.
Open Microsoft Outlook, create a new temporary mail folder, and drag and drop all your EML files from your computer into this folder.
Click on the first imported email, hold the Shift key, and click the last email to select the entire batch you wish to convert.
Navigate to the 'Acrobat' tab located on the top ribbon menu in Microsoft Outlook.
Click on 'Selected Messages' from the ribbon and select 'Create New PDF'. Choose a destination folder to save your converted files.
Use a Dedicated Third-Party EML to PDF Converter
If you do not have Microsoft Outlook, you will need specialized third-party software to batch process the EML files into PDFs directly.
Manage Converted PDFs with WPS Office
While converting EML files to PDF requires specific email clients or converters, managing and editing those resulting PDFs doesn't have to be expensive. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight suite to view, annotate, and merge your PDFs alongside full compatibility with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and complete the quick installation process.
- 2. Open your PDFs: Launch WPS Office, go to the 'PDF' tab, and open the PDF files you just converted from your emails.
- 3. Edit or merge: Use the intuitive top ribbon to merge multiple email PDFs, highlight important text, or add annotations as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Adobe Acrobat natively convert Thunderbird EML files to PDF?
No, Acrobat Pro DC does not have direct built-in support for converting raw EML files exported from Thunderbird. It relies on the Adobe Acrobat plug-in designed specifically for Microsoft Outlook.
How are attachments handled when batch converting emails to PDF in Outlook?
When using the Acrobat plug-in for Outlook, you can configure the settings via 'Conversion Settings' to either append supported attachments to the final PDF document or include them as embedded files within the PDF.
Is it possible to batch convert EML to PDF for free?
Free methods generally require importing the EML files into a free email client like Thunderbird and using a 'Print to PDF' add-on. However, this often requires processing the emails individually rather than in a seamless batch.
