Simply Convert IMAP Emails to PDF with Attachments in 2 Minutes

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  • Updated on January 27th, 2025

IMAP is a protocol that makes access to email easier. Users can open and read their emails across any device without downloading them. Convenient? Yes, it is. However, full data security is not ensured nor is offline access guaranteed. Therefore, most people prefer to convert IMAP emails into PDFs. A PDF file is universally accepted, secure, and can be accessed offline on several platforms. It will help businesses and individuals handle large amounts of sensitive data. Backup IMAP emails in a simple way, using FRT Freeware IMAP Mail Backup Tool, an advanced tool. Let’s proceed further to convert IMAP emails into PDF format.

Why Save Emails as PDFs?

IMAP, (stands for Internet Message Access Protocol), is one of the most used email protocols. One can access emails on multiple devices, with data in sync across all platforms. It does not download and delete emails from the server like POP3 does. Instead, it leaves the emails on the server, so users can easily access them from anywhere. However, it poses some risks as well. This might be potential server downtime or data breaches. On the other hand, PDF is the most suitable format for saving archived emails.

Therefore, converting IMAP emails to PDF presents a secure approach and it allows offline access as well. Here are some prominent reasons why users convert IMAP server emails to PDFs:

  • One can access IMAP emails even without the internet after converting IMAP emails to PDF.
  • PDFs are a preferred format to keep your important data secure. It provides password-protection and encryption features.
  • It is a universally accessible format. Users can open and read PDF files on any system and mobile phones.
  • For legal and documentation purposes, PDF file format is considered the most authentic format.

Hence, PDF is a more versatile, platform-independent, and secure format, which is considered for keeping a secure backup of emails.

How to Convert IMAP Emails into PDF Effectively?

It is very important to choose the proper method to prevent any kind of data loss or corruption. Hence, we have given two most preferred options to save emails in PDF format. The free manual method involves access to a Thunderbird account while the professional tool has no such constraints. Let’s take a look at both in detail.

Method 1: Export IMAP Emails to PDF via Thunderbird

Follow the given steps one after another to complete the backup process:

Step 1: Configure IMAP Account in Thunderbird

  1. Launch Mozilla Thunderbird on your PC.
  2. Go to (the top-right corner) and select Account Settings.
  3. Next, click on Account Actions > select Add Mail Account.
  4. Enter your name, email ID, and password. Click Configure Manually.
  5. Enter the following details:

Set Incoming Server Details

  • Protocol: IMAP
  • Hostname: Remove any extra characters like a leading full stop.
  • Port: Use 993 for IMAP
  • Keep default settings for Connection Security and Authentication Method.
  • Ensure the username is correct.

Set Outgoing Server Details

  • Hostname: Match it with the incoming hostname.
  • Port: Use 465.
  • Keep default settings for Connection Security and Authentication Method
  1. Click on the Re-test button to verify the details > Click Done.
  2. Finally, click Finish to complete the configuration and open your inbox.

Step 2: Convert IMAP to PDF File

  1. Download the ImportExportTools NG add-on and install it in Thunderbird.
  2. Then, right-click on the folder you wish to export to PDF.
  3. Choose the ImportExportTools option > click on Export all messages in folder.
  4. At last, select the PDF format and choose a saving folder to convert all emails from an IMAP server to a PDF document.

Hence, this is how you save emails from your IMAP account to PDF via Thunderbird. But what if, you do not have access to Thunderbird? The manual process would fail in that case. Similarly, there are many other limitations of the manual process. 

Why are the Limitations of the Manual Process?

Here are some reasons why you should avoid manual processes to convert IMAP emails into PDFs:

  • Exporting attachments with this process can be challenging.
  • Configuring accounts and add-on installation requires technical expertise.
  • Also, there might be a risk of data loss and corruption.
  • Bulk conversion of IMAP emails can be hectic and time-consuming.

So, what’s an alternative to this solution? Well, experts suggest using professional software is specially designed to download all emails from IMAP server to PDF. Below is the best software you may find.

Method 2: Convert IMAP Emails into PDFs With Professional Tool

FRT Freeware IMAP Mail Backup Tool is the dedicated software that will help you save IMAP Server emails into PDF files. The tool directly fetches your IMAP emails and converts them to destination format within a few simple steps. It is 100% secure and reliable utility for all, even for newbies. In addition, you do not have to worry about the compatibility issue as it supports all Windows operating systems.

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Follow the steps properly to convert IMAP server emails to PDF:

  1. Download the FRT Freeware IMAP Backup Tool and install it.
  2. Run the tool and enter IMAP email credentials to log in.
  3. Preview IMAP mailbox data in the preview panel. Select folders to export.
  4. Click on the Export option at the top. Choose PDF as the saving option.
  5. Specify the saving path to save the output PDF file.
  6. Lastly, click on the Convert button to convert IMAP emails into PDF locally.

Follow a few easy steps, and you’re good to go! To make sure the tool is a perfect fit for you, run a free demo version for trials.

Why Choose Professional Software?

Some exclusive features of the tool which is why you must opt for this:

  • A unique solution to batch convert IMAP emails easily.
  • Supports migrating attachment files as well.
  • Enable users to migrate large and bulky data hassle-free.
  • Besides PDF, you can save emails to other formats like PST, EML, etc.
  • No mailbox size limit and zero risk of data loss.
  • It is a compatible software across all PC of Windows.
  • Easy to operate, minimal disruption, and delivers quick results.

Conclusion

It is important to convert IMAP emails into PDF files when you need to access emails offline or create a backup. However, finding the appropriate solution is a real task. The manual approach offers basic conversion and has some limitations too. It lacks efficiency and reliability which is why a professional solution is needed. The IMAP Backup Tool is a comprehensive solution for all technical and non-technical users. Run the software and get quick results with this proficient tool.

Most Trending Questions

Q. How do I convert Apple email to PDF?

Ans- To convert Apple Mail emails to PDF, do as directed:
1. Open Apple Mail and choose an email to save.
2. Click on File > Export as PDF.
3. Choose the saving location, and save the PDF file.
For bulk conversion, go for FRT Freeware IMAP Backup Tool which will simplify the process. It is an efficient way to create secure backups or share emails easily.

Q. How do I export emails from IMAP server?

Ans- To export emails manually from IMAP Server, you can use MS Outlook or Thunderbird. However, the FRT Freeware IMAP Migration Tool is highly recommended for novice users. It supports bulk email migration and manages attachments effectively. Moreover, it ensures the security of your important data and the tool is widely compatible.

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