Thunderbird Import Export Tools NG - Complete Guide

Overview: Mozilla Thunderbird provides built-in features for handling emails and folders. However, sometimes users want different ways to back up their data. That is where Thunderbird ImportExportTools NG comes in. It is an extension which helps to export or import data from the Thunderbird client. This guide will explain what is ImportExportTools NG add-on for Thunderbird, how you can install it, key features, and also what restrictions you should consider while working with Thunderbird mailbox.

Alternative to Import Export NG for MBOX Export

Using Import Export NG extension always provides extra functionality. But it has also many limitations. User can use trusted utility to overcome Import Export NG limitations and export their Thunderbird mailbox to different formats. Try free demo version and check software capabilities:

Download for Windows Download for Mac

Thunderbird users can easily add this ImportExportTools NG extension. Follow below listed instructions and easily add the extension and use it for various functionality. But before that let use first list the various versions of Import Export extension.

Version & Compatibility Updates:

ImportExportTools NG is kept up to date in order to maintain compatibility with recent versions of Thunderbird. As per the last update, the most current version that is available is 15.0.1 (June 22, 2026), which is compatible with all versions ranging from 140.0 to 153. This is because the software and add-ons keep on updating. So, it is recommended for users to use the latest version of the add-on before installing.

Manual Steps to Install Thunderbird ImportExportTools NG

Step-1: Open Thunderbird first.

Step-2: Now, go to the “Tools” option, and click on “Add ons”.

tools

Step-3: Click on “Extensions”, and search “import-export tool”, then hit on the enter key.

extension

Step-4: Look for Import Export Tools NG in the search results and click on “Add to Thunderbird”.

add-ons

Step-5: After this, you will get a notification on your screen that you want to “Add Import Export Tools NG”.

add

Step-6: Import-Export Tools NG got added on Thunderbird, now you can click on the “Restart Now” button.

restart
NOTE: The Thunderbird menus could be different according to the version you are using. It is necessary that you use the latest version of the extension. The latest version of the extension is 15.0.1.

How ImportExportTools NG Works in Thunderbird?

Thunderbird Import Export Tools NG can be utilized in the following ways:

  • Email account
  • Mailbox folder
  • Email messages

Let’s discuss these methods.

EMAIL ACCOUNT

email

Right-click on the Email account and select ImportExportTools NG, then select your preferred option(s):

  • Export all the folders: In this option, the mailbox folder has a separate MBOX file. Example: Inbox, Drafts, Templates, Sent, Trash, etc.
  • Export all the folders (with structure): This option is the same as “Export all the folders”. There is a concept of SBD folder, and this folder is used for the maintenance of folder hierarchy.
  • Search and export: Using this option, you can search for messages in an email account via different filters. Then export all or selected search results in EML, HTML, MBOX, etc.
  • Import mbox file: This option is used for importing an MBOX file in a Thunderbird application.
  • Copy folder path on disk: You can copy the location and save it on the disk.
  • Open directory where is the folder file: Used to find the local destination of the Email Account.

MAILBOX FOLDER

inbox

Right-click on Mailbox Folder and select ImportExportTools NG, then select your preferred option(s):

  • Export folder: In this option, the mailbox folder has a separate MBOX file. In a separate destination, the subfolders and multiple folders are exported.
  • Export folder(zipped): This option is as like as an “Export folder”. All the folders are exported in a squeeze folder.
  • Export all messages in the folder: Users can export email messages in these file formats
    1. EML Format
    2. HTML Format
    3. HTML Format(with attachments)
    4. Plain Text Format
    5. Plain Text Format(with attachments)
    6. As single text file
    7. As single text file(with attachments)
    8. Spreadsheet(CSV)
    9. PDF Format
    10. just index(HTML)
    11. just index(CSV)
  • Search and Export: The functionality of search and export is similar to the previous section. However, here we are focusing on searching within the selected mailbox folder.
  • Import MBOX file: This file is used to import an MBOX file to Thunderbird.
  • Import messages: Used to import all the messages to Thunderbird.
  • Import all messages from a directory:
    • Just from the directory
    • Also from its subdirectories
  • Copy folder path on disk: You can save location on a disk.
  • Open directory where is the folder file: Indicates local destination of your mailbox folder.

EMAIL MESSAGES

messages

This method allows you to select multiple email messages and export them into different file formats. For this select, the desired emails, right-click on them and choose to save selected messages option. Then select any of the given file formats:

  • EML format
  • HTML format
  • HTML format(with attachment)
  • Plain Text format
  • Plain Text format(with attachment)
  • Spreadsheet(CSV)
  • as MBOX file(new)
  • as MBOX file(append)
  • PDF format
  • with HTML index
    1. EML format
    2. HTML format
    3. HTML format(with attachment)
    4. Plain Text Format
    5. Plain Text Format(with attachment)
  • just index(HTML)
  • just index(CSV)

Limitations of Using ImportExportTools NG Add-on

  • It works only within Thunderbird, so first you have to launch the email client
  • Features may vary according to the add-on version you are using
  • Not the best choice for managing huge MBOX mailbox data
  • Manual steps can take time while exporting several folders or files
  • There is no advanced support to migrate emails in bulk
  • You need to have Thunderbird in order to use the add-on
    •  
    Important to Note: ImportExportTools NG extension in Thunderbird cannot handle MBOX files or folders larger than 4 GB size. If you import/export the files beyond that size, then it will result in an error or some sort of failure.

    ImportExportTools NG or a Dedicated Thunderbird Import Tool?

    The correct choice will depend on your needs in regard to the Thunderbird mailbox. If you need to export Thunderbird folders, messages, or mailbox data. Then, you can use the ImportExportTools NG add-on method.

    However, users also want to import their MBOX files into the Thunderbird client. Especially when you work with multiple mailboxes, folders, attachments, or filters. Then, you will probably need a professional Thunderbird import tool.

    Direct Way to Import MBOX Data into Thunderbird Desktop

    If you already have MBOX files with you and want to import those emails into Thunderbird. You can always try our dedicated Thunderbird import tool rather than doing it manually. It allows you to import single MBOX or entire folders at once. You may download the demo version of the software to check if it suits your requirements.

    Download for Windows Download for Mac

    Conclusion

    In this blog, we have covered all the relevant data about Thunderbird Import Export Tools NG, which help you to understand its functions. It is an extension for Mozilla Thunderbird that provides features to export email folders and mailboxes in MBOX format. This allows users to save emails in various popular formats including your plain text. But there are two different aspects, like exporting Thunderbird data and importing MBOX files. If you want to transfer Thunderbird data, use the ImportExportTools NG add-on. When you need to import MBOX files into Thunderbird, then opt our professional thunderbird import tool.