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 TeamPresented by Claire Bennett, editorial personaPublished September 10, 2026 · Updated September 10, 2026
Private by designYour file is opened locally in this browser. It is never uploaded to our server and disappears when you close this page.
Open an EML file in this browser
- Drop the EML file into the box above.
- 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.