How to Read EML files as RTF Format?

Have you ever received an EML file and needed to open it in a clean, editable format like RTF? It usually happens when someone shares an email outside of the original email client, and you just want to read or edit the content without installing extra programs.

The good news is that you can view EML files as RTF format without much trouble. In this guide, I’ll explain what EML and RTF files are, why people convert between them, and the easiest ways to do it — both manually and with a professional solution.

What is an EML File?

An EML file stores a single email message. It contains:

• Email headers (sender, receiver, subject, date)

• Message body (text or HTML content)

• Attachments (if included in the original email)

Email applications like Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, Windows Mail, and Apple Mail can open EML files directly. But if you don’t have these programs installed, accessing the file can become inconvenient.

What is an RTF File?

RTF stands for Rich Text Format. It is a document format developed by Microsoft that supports:

• Basic text formatting (bold, italic, underline)

• Font styles and sizes

• Paragraph alignment

• Simple images and objects

The biggest advantage of RTF is compatibility. You can open RTF files in Microsoft Word, WordPad, Google Docs (after upload), and many other word processors. It does not depend on a specific email client.

Why Convert EML to RTF?

Before moving to the methods, let’s understand why someone would want to view EML as RTF:

• Easy Editing:  RTF allows you to edit email content in any word processor.

• Better Compatibility:  RTF files open on almost every operating system without special software.

• Document Storage:  If you need to store email content as documentation, RTF is easier to organize and print.

• Legal or Office Use: In professional environments, emails are often saved as document files for records or submission.

#1. View EML as RTF Using Microsoft Outlook

If you already have Outlook installed, this is one of the simplest methods.

Steps:

1. Locate the EML file on your computer.

2. Right-click the file and choose Open With → Microsoft Outlook.

3. Once the email opens, go to File.

4. Click Save As.

5. In the “Save as type” dropdown, select Rich Text Format (*.rtf).

6. Choose the destination folder.

7. Click Save.

The email will now be available in RTF format and can be opened in Word or WordPad.

#2. Convert EML to RTF Using Mozilla Thunderbird

Thunderbird can also help, but it may require an additional add-on depending on the version.

Steps:

1. Open Thunderbird.

2. Import the EML file into Thunderbird (drag and drop works in most versions).

3. Open the email.

4. Click on File → Save As.

5. If RTF is available as an option, choose it. Otherwise, save as HTML and later convert to RTF using Word.

This method works, but it is not ideal for handling many files.

Limitations of Manual Methods

While manual solutions work, they have some drawbacks:

• You can convert only one file at a time.

• Outlook or Thunderbird must be installed.

• Large batches take a lot of time.

• Formatting may slightly change in some cases.

• Attachments are not always handled properly in document view.

If you are dealing with dozens or hundreds of EML files, manual methods are not practical.

#3. Professional Method to Convert EML to RTF in Bulk

When multiple EML files need to be converted at once, using a dedicated BitRecover EML Converter is more efficient. A professional EML Converter allows you to:

• Add single or multiple EML files

• Select RTF as the output format

• Convert everything in one go

• Preserve formatting and attachments

Simple Steps to Use a Professional Tool

1. Install the EML Converter software on your system.

2. Add EML files or select the entire folder.

3. Preview the emails if required.

4. Choose RTF as the saving format.

5. Select the destination path.

6. Click Convert to start the process.

Within minutes, all selected EML files will be available in RTF format.

Key Benefits of Using a Professional Solution

• Saves time during bulk conversion

• Maintains email formatting and layout

• Convert EML files to PST, PDF, EMLX and 25+ file formats and email clients.

• Preserves metadata like subject, sender, and date

• No need to configure email clients

• Works even if Outlook is not installed

Final Words

Viewing EML files as RTF format is not complicated. If you only need to convert one or two files, Outlook can handle the task easily. However, for multiple files or professional usage, a dedicated converter makes the job faster and more reliable.

RTF format gives you flexibility. It allows you to read, edit, print, and store email content as a standard document without depending on an email application.

Choose the method that fits your situation, and you’ll be able to access your EML files in RTF format without any hassle.