How to open an EML file
An EML file stores one email using the standard internet message format and can be opened in a browser or mail application.
FormatPeek Editorial TeamTechnical details checked against the current viewerPublished September 10, 2026 · Updated September 10, 2026
Open an EML file in your browser
- Open the free EML viewer online and drop the EML file in.
- Check the sender, recipients, date, message content and headers.
- Download any attachments you need.
FormatPeek parses the file locally on your device. Remote images are blocked to reduce unwanted tracking.
Desktop options
Outlook, Apple Mail and Thunderbird can commonly open EML files. Use your system’s Open with command if needed.
Troubleshooting
Signed, encrypted, malformed or unusually nested messages may need the program that created them.
Want to import it? Read how to open an EML file in Gmail.