Free MSG Converter
Convert to Any Format
Convert Outlook MSG files to EML, PDF, MBOX, CSV, HTML, JSON, or TXT.
Drop MSG file here
or click to browse
What Is MSG Conversion?
MSG is Microsoft Outlook's native format for storing a single email message. The file is an OLE2/CFB (Compound File Binary) container — the same underlying technology used in older Office documents. Inside the container, Outlook stores MAPI (Messaging Application Programming Interface) properties: the subject (e.g. __substg1.0_0037001F for Unicode), sender name and address, display To and CC, plain-text and HTML body, transport headers, and attachment substorages. When you save an email from Outlook as "Outlook Message Format (.msg)", you get this binary file. Converting MSG means reading that structure and turning it into other formats — such as EML (standard RFC 822-style message), PDF (via printable HTML), MBOX, CSV, HTML, TXT, or JSON — so you can open, archive, or process the email without Outlook.
Our free MSG Converter processes everything on your device. You drop one .msg file, and the tool parses it using the CFB library: it reads the OLE2 container, locates the MAPI property streams (Subject, Sender, Display To/CC, body plain, body HTML, transport headers), and enumerates attachment substorages to show attachment names and count. A UTF-16LE helper decodes Unicode streams; HTML body is decoded as UTF-8. The parsed message can then be exported as EML (with RFC 822-style headers built from the extracted fields), PDF (print dialog), MBOX, CSV, HTML, TXT, or JSON. All processing happens on your device; nothing is uploaded. One MSG file yields one message; for many messages use multiple MSG files or our PST/OLM converters.
Common conversion scenarios include moving from Outlook to Thunderbird or Apple Mail (MSG to EML or MBOX), archiving important emails as PDF, exporting metadata to CSV or JSON for analysis, and converting to HTML or TXT for readability. Because the tool works online, you can use it on any operating system without installing Outlook. MSG is the standard way Outlook saves a single message; converting it to EML or other formats is a common step in migration and backup workflows.
Features of the MSG Converter
Convert MSG to multiple formats with one tool
Multiple output formats
Export MSG to EML (RFC 822), PDF (print-ready), MBOX, CSV, HTML, TXT, or JSON. One tool for archive and migration.
OLE2/CFB parsing
Parses Outlook MSG using Compound File Binary format. Extracts MAPI properties: Subject, Sender, To, CC, body (plain/HTML), transport headers, attachment list.
No upload
MSG is read and converted entirely on your device. Nothing is sent to any server.
Private & secure
Your MSG file never leaves your device. Ideal for work or personal conversion.
Outlook native format
MSG is Microsoft Outlook's native single-message format. Save any email as .msg from Outlook, then convert here.
Attachment info
Shows attachment count and names from the MSG. Export includes metadata; binary attachment export can be added in desktop tools.
How to Convert MSG Online
Four steps — no install, no sign-up
Open the MSG Converter
Go to the MSG Converter page and you'll see the upload area.
Drop your .msg file
Drag and drop one Outlook .msg file, or click to browse. File info and parsed email preview appear.
Choose output format
Select EML, PDF, MBOX, CSV, HTML, TXT, or JSON. Review From, To, Subject, Date, body snippet, and attachment count.
Convert & download
Click Convert & Download. PDF opens the print dialog; other formats download immediately.
Free vs Paid — MSG Converter
Get started free, upgrade when you need more power.
Unlock the Full Power of MSG Converter
Remove daily limits, process larger files up to 500 MB, enable batch processing, and get priority support.
File Viewers includes:
- 21 file viewers included
- Unlimited daily uses
- 100 MB file size limit
- All file formats supported
- Email analysis tools
Also available in the All Tools Bundle
User Q&A
Common questions about MSG conversion
Why convert MSG to EML?
EML is a universal single-message format. Converting MSG to EML lets you open the email in Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Gmail, or any client that supports EML.
Why convert MSG to PDF?
PDF is ideal for archiving or printing. The tool generates a printable HTML page; use Print → Save as PDF to get a PDF file.
What is the MSG format?
MSG is Microsoft Outlook's native format for a single email. It is an OLE2/CFB (Compound File Binary) container storing MAPI properties, headers, body (plain/HTML), and attachments.
Do you upload my MSG file?
No. The MSG Converter processes everything privately on your device. Your file is never uploaded — nothing is sent to our servers.
Use Cases for MSG Conversion
When and why to convert MSG files
MSG to Thunderbird
Convert MSG to EML or MBOX to open Outlook emails in Mozilla Thunderbird.
Archive as PDF
Convert MSG to a printable HTML page, then save as PDF for long-term archive.
CSV for analysis
Export From, To, Subject, Date, and body preview to CSV for reporting.
JSON for developers
Get structured JSON (headers, body, attachment list) for scripting or integration.
No Outlook on this PC
Convert MSG on Mac or Linux without installing Microsoft Outlook.
Compliance & backup
Export MSG to standard formats (EML, PDF, TXT, HTML) for legal or backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
More answers about the MSG Converter
Q1. What is an MSG file?
Q2. Do you upload my MSG file?
Q3. What is the difference between MSG and EML?
Q4. Can I convert MSG to PDF?
Q5. Does it support attachments?
Q6. Is the MSG Converter free?
Q7. Does it work on Mac?
Q8. What about PST or OLM files?
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