File Extension Database

Open EML File

File extension EML is most commonly associated with an Outlook Express Electronic Mail (E-Mail) file. EML files are plaintext files used for storing an E-Mail message, and whilst they are used primarily by Microsoft Outlook Express, most other E-Mail clients can import and read them.

EML files contain the contents of an E-Mail message. This consists of a short header, which includes the E-Mail address of the sender and the recipient, as well as the subject and the time and date that the message was sent, and the main body of the E-Mail. As EML files are plaintext and have a standard file structure, almost all E-Mail clients are able to import them, and so the format is used to transfer E-Mails between different applications. EML files may also be E-Mail template files, which are essentially standard EML files albeit with information already filled in, such as the recipients, or text already added to the message body, such as a signature. This is particularly useful for E-Mails which are repeatedly sent to the same group of people or if a signature is required at the end of every E-Mail as this information is automatically added whenever a message using the EML template is composed.

EML files may also contain hyperlinks or linked attachments, so although they pose no risk themselves, they can link to malware such as viruses or spyware, so care should be exercised when opening EML files, particularly from unknown senders.

EML files can be opened using Microsoft Outlook Express, as well as most other E-Mail clients such as Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird and IncrediMail. EML files are plaintext, so can also be opened and relatively easily read using any text editor. EML files are structured in the same format as File extension MHT (MIME HTML), meaning that they can also be opened in web browsers such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Opera.

Typical EML application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Mail\wlmail.exe /eml:%1
C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office14\OUTLOOK.EXE /eml "%1"

Typical EML mime types:

message/rfc822

Frequently used application names to open EML files:

Windows Live

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Microsoft Internet Mail Message WLMail
Outlook.File.eml.14

How Can I Open EML File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open EML file is to find a EML file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a EML file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open EML file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as EML file opener then try to search online for "EML viewer", "application to open EML file" or "open EML file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open EML file

How Can I Open EML File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a EML file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a EML file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with EML file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as EML file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open EML file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open EML file then try to search for "EML viewer", "application to open EML file" or "read EML file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read EML file

How Can I Open EML File on Android

If you downloaded a EML file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded EML file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "EML".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "EML viewer", "EML file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open EML File on iPhone or iPad

To open EML File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the EML file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "EML". This way you can find apps which can open EML files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "EML viewer" or "EML file" online in your favorite search engine.