Turning a Folder of EML Files into PDFs You Can Print, Archive or Hand Over
You have hundreds of .eml files saved from Windows Live Mail, Thunderbird or Outlook Express. You need them as PDFs, either for a backup, for printing, or to give to someone who doesn't have your mail program. Opening and printing each one by hand would take days. Birdie EML to PDF Converter is a Windows desktop tool that does this in bulk.
Quick facts
- Version: 7.3
- Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 (32-bit or 64-bit), plus Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2 and 2008
- Trial: the demo converts the first 25 emails from each folder
- Full version: unlimited conversion
- Installed size: about 72 MB
Key features
Convert whole folders of EML files in one pass
You can add individual files with Select Files or whole folders with Select Folders. You then tick only the folders you want. The software creates one separate PDF for each EML file. For example, 1000 EML files give you 1000 PDFs.
Control how the PDFs are named
By default, files are named subject + date. You can switch to other patterns, such as from + subject + date, date + from + subject, or date only. This makes a large archive easier to search by filename.
Keep headers, formatting and folder structure
The converter keeps the From, To, Subject and Date fields, the body formatting and images. It also keeps your original folder hierarchy. You can save the results to a location you choose, or into the same source folder.
Turn attachments into PDF pages (Pro edition)
The Convert Attachments as PDF option turns documents attached to your emails into PDF pages too. The vendor says this option comes only with the pro edition.
Hide selected header fields, or lock the text down
The Exclude Meta Headers filter lets you choose which of From, To, CC, BCC, Subject and Date appear in the PDF. A black and white mode makes the PDF non-searchable, so its text can't be copied or searched.
Who it's for
It suits anyone with a pile of EML files from an EML-based mail client. The vendor lists Outlook Express, Windows Mail, Windows Live Mail, Thunderbird, Zoho Mail, Mac Mail, Entourage and others. It also targets people who need records in a fixed format, such as lawyers and forensic analysts, since the vendor describes PDF as accepted for legal purposes. It runs offline, so your mail never leaves your computer.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Batch conversion with no file size limit
- Flexible file naming
- Folder structure preserved
- Works offline
- Header filter and non-searchable output options
Cons
- Windows only
- The trial stops at 25 emails per folder
- Attachment-to-PDF conversion is limited to the pro edition
- It only handles EML-type files, so it is no use for other mail formats
FAQs
Can it convert emails that have attachments?
Yes. To turn the attachments themselves into PDF pages, you need the pro edition and its Convert Attachments as PDF option.
Does it work on Windows 11?
Yes. The vendor says it supports Windows 11 and all earlier versions it lists.
How many emails can I convert in the trial?
The demo converts the first 25 emails from each folder. The licensed version has no limit.
Do I need Adobe Reader to open the results?
You need a PDF reader. The vendor says the output can be read in Adobe Reader 11.0 or any earlier version.
Can it handle very large EML files?
The vendor says there is no limit on EML file size.
System requirements
- Processor: Intel Pentium 1 GHz (2.4 GHz recommended)
- RAM: 2 GB (4 GB recommended)
- Disk space: 100 MB free
- OS: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 and recent Windows Server editions