How to Create a .EML Email File Using Only a Text Editor

Creating a .EML (Electronic Mail) file using a text editor is easy! It involves crafting a plain text document that adheres to the MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) format, which is the standard for email messages. Here’s a basic guide to help you create a simple .EML file:

  1. Open a Text Editor:
    • Use a plain text editor such as Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (Mac), or any code editor of your choice.
  2. Compose the Header:
    • Begin with the email header, which includes details like sender, recipient, subject, and date. The format is key-value pairs separated by a colon.
To: recipient@example.com
From: sender@example.com
Subject: Your Subject
Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Note: Ensure each header line ends with a carriage return and line feed (\r\n).

Add a Blank Line:

  • Insert a blank line after the headers to separate them from the body. Line breaks are important.

Compose the Body:

  • Write the email body. You can include plain text or use HTML for formatting.
To: recipient@example.com
From: sender@example.com
Subject: Your Subject
Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Hello,

This is the body of your email.

Best regards,
Your Name

Now you have a basic .EML file that can be opened by email clients supporting the .EML format. Your operating system may recognize it as an email file and display it with an email envelope. Clicking on the file will cause it to open in the operating system’s default email application.

Keep in mind that more complex emails with attachments or advanced formatting may require additional MIME elements.

Remember that .EML files are essentially plain text, and while you can create them manually, it’s often more convenient to use email clients or specialized tools for composing emails, especially if attachments or complex formatting are involved.

Email Viewing Software

For information on Windows software for viewing, converting and indexing email files, including EML, MSG, MBOX, OST, PST files, visit our website where you can read more and download a free trial.

EML Viewer Lite – A simple tool for opening .eml, .msg and .pst email files

Screen shot showing location of MailDex 'create project' button.

EML Viewer Lite is a fully capable email viewer offered at an affordable price. It’s a great multi-email format tool for open email content stored as .eml, .msg and even .pst files.

To use EML Viewer Lite (which is also marketed as Pst Viewer Lite), just locate the folder containing your email files using the folder structure navigation on the left-hand side of the screen. Click on the folder, and EML Viewer Lite goes to work listing all of your messages.

 

EML Viewer Lite email viewer
EML Viewer Lite main menu

You can browse individual emails from the list.  Double click on an email to open it in a full window view.

The toolbar provides quick access to EML Viewer Lite’s most useful features, including Reply, Reply All, Forward email, search, and print.

 

Reply/Forward to .eml files with EmlViewer Lite.
EmlViewer Lite toolbar includes reply/forward ability.

The Reply and Forward functions work with Microsoft Windows’ default email client, so its not necessary to enter any email account informatio into EML Viewer Lite.

EML Viewer Lite can search all of your .eml files based on many specific criteria.  For example you can search emails that fall within a date range. Search by sender address, or find a text string within the email files.

 

EML Viewer search screen. Search .eml files.
Search .eml files

Individual EML files can be saved to different formats. To do this, select the message you want to save.  Next go to Mail > Save Message As  and select the target format.

 

Convert .eml file to different formats
Save .eml files as pdf, other formats

How is EML Viewer Lite different from EML Viewer Pro?

All of the core functions are present, including EML to PDF conversion, search, reply, forward, reply all, print and more.

The major difference is in the quantity of emails. EML Viewer Lite can export eml files individually, while EML Viewer Pro can bulk export .eml files by the thousands.

If bulk conversion of .eml files is not your core need, then you will find EML Viewer Lite to be a very capable viewer able to provide quick access to your .eml, .msg and .pst email files.

Click here to download a free trial of EML Viewer Lite.