How to Migrate Evolution to Thunderbird? Complete Overview

Summary: This blog will sort out the issue of the user that wants to migrate Evolution to Thunderbird. It will start from reasons to manual methods, and after that comes the professional way section to simply manage your MBOX files in a better way with advanced options. It offers various options to convert, so continue reading till the end.

Why to Export from Evolution to Thunderbird?

There are few reasons why users migrate Evolution to Thunderbird. Let’s read those in the given section.

• Thunderbird provides more add-ons option
• Compatible with all three major operating system
• It is an open-source platform or you can say community
• You can easily manage your multiple accounts here
• Easy to migrate and take email backup
• Gives you multiple mail format support
• Unique customization feature to filter MBOX data

Small Points to Consider:

Before you go, check these crucial points.

• You have given permission to access your mailbox
• Backup your Evolution mail first
• Update Thunderbird to the latest version
• Close all background tabs while exporting
• Make sure, you have enough hard drive space

You can also explore the guide on how to import BlueMail to Thunderbird?

Manual Methods to Migrate Evolution to Thunderbird Account

You can go with these two methods to convert evolution to thunderbird. Let’s follow them one by one.

#1. Use Native Import Feature to Import Evolution Mail

1. Firstly, you can find your Evolution mailbox files under this location:

~/.local/share/evolution/mail/

2. Secondly, copy only the necessary MBOX files to another location
3. Download and open Thunderbird’s latest version
4. Go to the Local Folders option and select Import
5. Click on “Import from a file” and locate your copied MBOX file
6. Check all emails are well imported

#2. Through ImportExportTools NG Add-on

You need to select and move the Evolution MBOX files which are in your local mail folder.

1. Open Thunderbird and install the ImportExportTools NG Add-on extension.
2. Restart Thunderbird to load the plug-in.
3. There, you need to go to Tools > Add-ons and Themes.

 

4. Select Local Folders and click ImportExportTools NG > + Add to Thunderbird option.

5. Here, you will see Add button, just press it.

6. Locate the MBOX files which you need to import and begin the process.
7. Wait to finish the process and verify all your emails and attachments.

Limitations of Using Manual Methods

The manual steps to migrate Evolution to Thunderbird have various limitations too.

• Large mailboxes might take more hours
• You need to import individually for every emails
• If you have nested folders, then it might not show
• Improper copying might corrupt mailbox files
• High risk of duplicate emails when you import repeatedly
• You need to do the changes in Thunderbird, which is unfamiliar to non-tech users

Migrate Evolution to Thunderbird Client – Pro Solution

If you are exporting your Evolution mail manually, then it can take more time of yours. You can go with SysTools Thunderbird Import Wizard for a fast and easy option to convert. It is a secure option to manage your MBOX files and open it in Thunderbird. You will not lose any type of emails, or attachments. It takes less time compared to others and presents the data as it was before.

Tool Steps to Export Evolution to Thunderbird Quickly

1. Firstly, you need to install the software on your system.

2. Then, click on Add File(s)/Folder option and add the MBOX file.

3. The software shows you all your profiles that are in your Thunderbird.

4. Select a profile where you want to import the MBOX/MBX file by using the Identities drop down list.

 

Hint: Please make sure that you have configured Thunderbird with your email accounts or local profile. Or else, you get the message of configuring it.

5. In order to maintain the folder structure of imported files, select the Maintain Folder Hierarchy option.

6. Click on the Import option.

7. You will find all your imported files in the Thunderbird Profile.

 

Note: If you have an IMAP account, then you can’t import the data. Hence, you should choose either POP or Local Folder.

Manual Vs Automated Method – Comparison Table

This is the table which shows all the options which both these methods provide. You can differentiate and go with the desired steps.

Quick Tips:

• Backup your Evolution mailboxes before you start
• Close Thunderbird when you import the emails
• Check the end folder structure after the process
• If you are using a manual method, import the mailboxes in parts

Conclusion

It is a good move to migrate Evolution to Thunderbird. As it keeps email on your computer in the MBOX format. When you use the manual method for migration, it becomes difficult especially when you have too many mailboxes. If you want to avoid all these, then go with our professional solution for an error-free process. It can help users to get the emails, attachments in the proper folder structure.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

This section covers the user related queries and migrate Evolution to Thunderbird easily.

Q1. Is it possible for Thunderbird to open Evolution email directly?

Ans. Only, if the Evolution email file is in MBOX format and your Thunderbird software allows importing of MBOX.

Q2. Does Evolution Support MBOX File Format?

Ans. Yes, the local evolution email usually comes in MBOX format, but the structure can differ according to the set-up.

Q3. After migration, will I get all my attachments in the same structure?

Ans. Yes, both these methods save attachments through the intact mailbox files. You don’t need to put extra effort on managing folder structure.

Q4. Can I migrate multiple Evolution mailboxes at once?

Ans. It can only be done if you use our professional solution mentioned above. With the help of this software, you can migrate more than one mailbox at once with the same email properties.