How to Convert Thunderbird Emails to PDF? Updated Guide

Admin ~ January 15, 2025 ~ 6 Minutes Reading

Nowadays, everyone is busy finding ways to save their data. Many Thunderbird users often need to save Thunderbird emails as PDF files. They frequently search for the query, “How to convert Thunderbird email to PDF?” We have also received many queries related to this, so we decided to provide the correct procedure to help users avoid such issues in the future.

Thunderbird is the most popular desktop email client as it offers flexibility and managing multiple email accounts across one platform. Thunderbird is used for both personal and professional purposes to easily manage mailbox data. As Thunderbird default file is not widely accessible it makes it challenging for sharing and transferring files.

On the other hand, PDF stands for Portable document format and its widely accessible on almost every platform or device. PDF file is a reliable choice to save data for future use as it affects any formatting, content, layout and can easily access it without depending on Thunderbird.

Motives for Printing Multiple Thunderbird Emails to PDF

  • Users can convert Thunderbird emails as PDF for archiving and backup purposes. This ensures data security and availability in case of data loss or file corruption.
  • PDF files are easily compatible with almost every platform and device making it easy to share Thunderbird emails for collaboration, colleagues, clients or any other users.
  • Users may need to convert Thunderbird emails to PDF for legal or official purposes such as courtroom, documents, contracts or receipts etc. PDF files can be easily printed as hard copies.
  • PDF files allow users to access it offline without having an internet connection. This is particularly beneficial for those users travelling or have limited connectivity in their areas.
  • It keeps content, layout, images, text, documents preserved and remains accessible.
  • PDF also offers password protection to keep data protected from others and it’s too beneficial for evidence or documentation.
  • It can be easily organized and categorized making it simpler to manage and search a large volume of emails.
  • PDF also offers a watermark feature to keep data protected from copyright.

How to Export Thunderbird Emails to PDF Manually?

To export Thunderbird emails manually, there are various approaches. Let’s see each and every approach to understand the benefits:

How to Convert Thunderbird Emails to PDF Using Thunderbird to PDF Converter?

If you want to batch convert Thunderbird to PDF then we recommend you to use Thunderbird Converter as its all-in-one solution to migrate any size of Thunderbird mailbox data or can migrate any number of Thunderbird email accounts without losing any information.

Steps to Convert Thunderbird Emails to PDF

  1. Download and run “Thunderbird to PDF Converter” on your system.Launch Thunderbird to PDF Converter
  2. Select “Configure Thunderbird mailboxes data” and select files and folder as user required.Convert Configured Thunderbird profile
  3. Software preview “Thunderbird mailbox folder” and select as you want to migrate.Select Thunderbird mailbox folder to convert
  4. Choose “PDF file” in the multiple options of select saving options.Choose PDF option
  5. Select File Naming options to organize converted PDF file in a systematic manner.Select File Naming options
  6. Browse destination and click on Next to start “converting Thunderbird emails to PDF”.Provide destination to start Convert Thunderbird emails to PDF

Pinnacle features of Thunderbird to PDF Converter

  • It offers file naming options to export as subject+date(dd-mm-yyyy), from+subject+date(yyyy-mm-dd)+from+subject+date(dd-mm-yyyy), Auto Increment and so on.
  • You can also convert Thunderbird to EML, PDF, TXT, HTML, MBOX and 25+ select saving options.
  • This application offers dual options to migrate from default Thunderbird location, or you can also select any specific files or folders to migrate.
  • With this wizard, you can also take advantage of filter functionality to convert as per date range, from, to, subject, exclude folders, root folder, sender blank address, receiver blank address to keep away from unnecessary files.
  • This application can also migrate Thunderbird to Outlook, Maildir, Zimbra, Outlook for Mac or any IMAP Supported email platforms.

Method 2. How to Convert Thunderbird to PDF on Mac?

  1. First, open “Thunderbird” and select “Email” as you want to convert.
  2. Right-click on it and choose the “PDF” option in the list.
  3. Provide a “Path” for the resultant PDF files.
  4. Finally, all your emails will be saved in a “PDF file” at the desired location.

Method 3. How to Save Thunderbird Emails as PDF Using Print Option?

Follow the instructions to convert Thunderbird emails to PDF:

  1. First, launch “Mozilla Thunderbird” on your pc and select email as you want to export.
  2. Right-click on the chosen “Email” and select the “Print” option in the list.
  3. Browse destination “Microsoft print to PDF” option.
  4. Choose the “Folder” and enter Name of the converted PDF file.
  5. Press “Save button” to get converted Thunderbird emails to PDF.

Method 4. How to Export Thunderbird Emails to PDF Using Add-Ons?

  1. Go to the “Mozilla Thunderbird menu” and click on “Add-ons and Themes”.
  2. Search “Import/Export NG Tools” and click on “Add to Thunderbird”.
  3. Now, right click on the “Mailbox folder” as you want to convert Thunderbird emails to PDF.
  4. Choose “Import/Export NG Tools” and Select “Export All Messages in Folder”.
  5. Now if you need index click on “Messages and HTML Index” and otherwise click on Messages and Index with Subfolders as required.

Hurdles of Manual Methods

  • It requires handling emails individually, which is inefficient for managing large size mailbox data.
  • There’s a high possibility of missing attachments or email components during manual conversion.
  • It contains complex steps, which can’t be beneficial for those users who have limited technicalities.
  • It often lacks the capability to process multiple emails simultaneously, hindering productivity.
  • With manual solutions, users may face formatting issues, affecting readability and professionalism.
Typical Questions about Thunderbird to PDF Converter

How do I print an email as a PDF in Thunderbird?
To print an email as PDF in Thunderbird right click on the email as you want to save as PDF then click on the print button and choose destination as Microsoft print to PDF and press print button the choose folder and provide file name to get convert Thunderbird emails to PDF.


What is the difference between PDF and EML?
PDF is a document format that maintains structure and is a widely accessible format. EML is an electronic email used by various email clients such as Thunderbird, containing headers, body, attachments, PDF files are versatile format to sharing for collaboration, colleagues, clients, or friend.


How to convert Thunderbird emails to PDF?
You can convert Thunderbird emails to PDF by manually and using Thunderbird to PDF Converter. Manually open the email click on file>Print and select Save as PDF.

Time to Say Goodbye

In this well-researched article, we have first examined all the given approaches to convert Thunderbird emails to PDF. Since native formatting will not be preserved, and some email content may not reflect the same as it appears in Thunderbird, we recommend opting for the Thunderbird to PDF Converter. It is a completely advanced solution capable of converting emails of any size or any Thunderbird profile while maintaining the original appearance as seen in Thunderbird.