Opening an EML file in Gmail seems like it should be straightforward, but often, users find themselves puzzled. EML files, essentially email messages saved with a .eml extension, are commonly encountered across various email platforms, particularly for those who switch between email clients. If you’ve ever stumbled upon an EML file and wondered how to access it within Gmail, you’re in the right place.
Understanding EML Files
First things first, let’s dive into what EML files are. Developed by Microsoft, EML files are a versatile format that encapsulates emails in their entirety, attachments included. This makes them incredibly useful for archiving or sharing emails outside of your email client. However, Gmail does not natively support opening EML files directly, which leads us to a workaround.
Downloading EML Files in Gmail
To manage EML files in Gmail, you might need to download them first. Gmail users can easily download emails as EML files by:
- Opening the desired email.
- Clicking on the “three dots” menu at the top right.
- Selecting “Download message”.
- Choosing where to save it on your computer.
Viewing EML Files via Gmail
Once you have your EML file, viewing it in Gmail requires a creative approach. Here’s a step-by-step method:
- Start composing a new email in Gmail.
- Drag and drop your EML file into the New Message window as an attachment.
- Address the email to yourself and click send.
- Once received, open the email and click on the attached EML file.
This process effectively allows you to view the contents of the EML file within Gmail’s web client. Though this method is more about viewing rather than editing, it serves the purpose for most users needing to access EML file content through Gmail.
Alternative Approaches
For those needing more flexibility, third-party EML Viewer applications offer a solution. These applications can open EML files outside of your email client, providing options to view, edit, or even convert them into a format more compatible with Gmail. After viewing or editing in an EML Viewer, you can save the file and then upload it to Gmail as an attachment for sending or archiving.
Wrapping Up with Ease
By now, the process of opening an EML file in Gmail should feel less like a mystery and more like a straightforward task. Whether you’re archiving important emails or sharing them with others, these methods ensure that EML files are accessible and manageable within your Gmail environment.
Your EML Files, Uncomplicated
- Can I edit an EML file once it’s opened in Gmail?
No, opening an EML file in Gmail is a read-only operation. Editing requires an EML Viewer application. - Is it possible to directly open an EML file in Gmail without sending it to myself?
Currently, Gmail does not support direct opening of EML files. The described workaround is the most straightforward method. - Can I open EML files on my mobile device using Gmail?
Opening EML files directly in Gmail on mobile devices follows a similar process but might require a third-party app for viewing. - What should I do if an EML file won’t open in Gmail?
Ensure the file is not corrupted and try opening it with an EML Viewer to check its content before attempting to open it in Gmail again.