How to Export Thunderbird Emails to RTF? Simple 5 Steps

Admin ~ March 3, 2025 ~ 5 Minutes Reading

How complex do you think it is to export Thunderbird emails to RTF? It might be a little difficult, but not as much as you expect. In this guide, we will explain the best methods manual and Thunderbird Converter to download emails from Thunderbird to RTF.

Thunderbird is an open source desktop email client known for its flexibility and open-source nature. While it contains emails in MBOX format by default. It allows you to configure email using POP, IMAP or SMTP Server.

RTF is a universal file format supported by most word processors, making it the preferred choice of users who want to store and manage email data outside of Thunderbird for backup, migration or want to preserve for long term usage.

Purpose to Download Emails from Thunderbird to RTF

  • RTF file maintains the original formatting of emails, including font, colors, hyperlinks, and basic layouts.
  • Unlike PDF, RTF files can be easily edited by any word processors like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice.
  • RTF is a widely accessible file on different operating systems or various applications.
  • Many businesses and professionals save important emails in RTF format for long term preservation.
  • RTF files can be stored locally and can be accessed offline without having an internet connection.

How to Export Thunderbird Emails to RTF Manually?

Mozilla Thunderbird doesn’t provide a direct option to download emails from Thunderbird to RTF. However, you can perform it manually by using Word processor as we have shared below:

  1. Open “Mozilla Thunderbird” on your system.
  2. Select the “Email” as you want to export.
  3. Open the “Email” and highlight the email.
  4. Press “CTRL+C” and open Microsoft Word, Google Docs or any RTF supported text editor.
  5. Press “CTRL+V” to paste the email content.
  6. Click on “File” then press on Save As.
  7. Select “RTF file” type and press Save button.

Lacks of Manual Method

  • This manual approach is not reliable for batch email.
  • You need to repeat the whole process to download Thunderbird email.
  • Formatting will not be maintained as appears in Thunderbird.
  • Higher possibility of data loss during the process.

How to Download Emails from Thunderbird to RTF Using Thunderbird to RTF Converter?

As manually have high chances of data loss and its not reliable for batch Thunderbird emails. So, we suggest you choose Thunderbird to RTF Converter as it is specially developed for Thunderbird users and it also can auto-detect Thunderbird profile. You just need to select Thunderbird email as you wish to convert into RTF file extension.

Steps to Export Thunderbird Emails to RTF

  1. Download and run “Thunderbird to RTF Converter” on your desktop.open Thunderbird to RTF Converter
  2. Click on “Configure Thunderbird mailbox data” or Let me select Thunderbird profile if needed.convert configured Thunderbird mailboxes data
  3. Choose “Thunderbird mailbox folders” as you want to convert.Browse Thunderbird mailbox folder
  4. Select “RTF file” in the list of select saving options and choose file naming options and select advanced filters.browse advanced filters
  5. Browse destination path and press Next to start “Export Thunderbird emails to RTF”.Start export Thunderbird emails to RTF

Eminent Features of Thunderbird to RTF Converter

  • It can also convert Thunderbird emails to PDF, PST, TXT, HTML, MBOX and 28+ available saving options.
  • This software has been specially designed with an easy to perform interface to make it reliable for all types of users.
  • With this software, you can use filter functionality to convert Thunderbird mailbox data as per date range, subject, sender, recipients, sender blank address, receiver blank address and many more.
  • It allows you to let me select the Thunderbird profile or also can auto-detect the Thunderbird profile.
  • You can also migrate Thunderbird emails to Outlook, Microsoft 365, Gmail and all IMAP Supported email platforms.

Common Questions About Exporting Thunderbird Emails to RTF

Why should I export Thunderbird emails to RTF?

RTF is a universally acceptable format and it maintains formatting, making it easier to edit and access on various word editors.

Can I export multiple Thunderbird emails to RTF manually?

No, manual method not allows to export multiple Thunderbird emails to RTF as it only allows to export single email at a time you need to repeat whole manual process to download each email. For batch conversion, you can use Thunderbird to RTF Converter as it capable to convert any numbers of Thunderbird emails.

Does the manual method retain the original formatting of Thunderbird emails?
No, copying and pasting emails into a word processor may not preserve the formatting as appears in the Thunderbird. Thunderbird to RTF Converter is a good choice as it allows bulk conversion and also preserved formatting as appears in Thunderbird.

Closing Remarks

If you have reached here, then we hope you got the solution to export Thunderbird emails to RTF manually or using Thunderbird to RTF Converter. If you want to download a few Thunderbird emails as RTF format then we recommend you to choose Thunderbird to RTF Converter as it offers fully maintained results and is also easy to perform by all users without having deep technical knowledge.