Letter Opener

Open EML Files. The best way to view email EML files from any email client.

Open EML files from any email client in your browser. View messages from Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Gmail, Outlook, and hundreds of other email applications.

What are EML Files?

EML files are email messages saved in the standard RFC 5322 format, making them the universal email file format supported by virtually all email clients. EML stands for “Electronic Mail“ and contains the complete email including headers, body text, HTML formatting, and attachments.

Unlike proprietary formats like MSG, EML files are platform-independent and can be created and read by any email application that follows internet email standards.

How do I open an EML file online?

  1. Go to the EML Viewer page.
  2. Drag and drop your .eml file into the window, or click “Open File…“ to select it from your device.

The tool will automatically extract and display the original email message and any attached files.

Data Protection: All processing takes place in your browser — your files never leave your device.

How do I open an EML file in Google Drive?

You can open .eml files directly from Google Drive using the Letter Opener add-on.

Option 1 — Install from Google Drive

  1. In Google Drive, click the .eml file.
  2. In the “No preview available“ window, click “Connect more apps“.
  3. Search for “Letter Opener“ and click “Install“ on the product page.
  4. Once installed, use “Open with → Letter Opener“ to view .eml files directly in Google Drive.

Option 2 — Install from Google Workspace Marketplace

  1. Go to the Letter Opener listing.
  2. Click “Install“ and follow the prompts to connect it to your Google account.
  3. After installation, open any .eml file in Google Drive and choose “Open with → Letter Opener“.

EML File Compatibility

Letter Opener supports EML files created by all major email clients and services:

Desktop Email Clients

  • Mozilla Thunderbird
  • Apple Mail
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Windows Mail
  • Mailbird
  • Postbox
  • Evolution

Web Email Services

  • Gmail (Google Takeout)
  • Outlook.com / Hotmail
  • Yahoo Mail
  • AOL Mail
  • ProtonMail
  • FastMail
  • Zoho Mail

Why Choose Letter Opener for EML Files?

  • Universal Compatibility: Opens EML files from any email client or service
  • Preserve Formatting: Maintains HTML formatting, images, and embedded content
  • Complete Headers: View full email headers including routing and authentication information
  • Attachment Support: Access and download all file attachments
  • No Installation: Works directly in your web browser without software
  • Privacy First: All processing takes place in your browser — your files never leave your device.

EML File Technical Details

EML files follow the RFC 5322 standard for Internet Message Format, which defines the structure for email messages. Key components include:

  • Message headers (From, To, Subject, Date, Message-ID)
  • MIME structure for multipart content
  • Plain text and HTML message bodies
  • Base64-encoded file attachments
  • Digital signatures and authentication headers
  • Custom headers added by email servers and clients

Troubleshooting EML Files

Corrupted EML File

If an EML file appears corrupted or won't open, it may have been saved improperly or damaged during transfer. Letter Opener includes robust parsing that can handle many formatting issues.

Missing Images or Attachments

Some EML files may reference external images or have attachments stripped for security. Letter Opener will display available content and indicate missing elements.

Encoding Issues

EML files can contain text in various character encodings. Letter Opener automatically detects and properly displays international characters and symbols.

Need Help with Other Email Formats?

Letter Opener supports multiple email file formats: