How to Archive IMAP Email in Thunderbird? Complete Guide

Why Backup IMAP Emails to Thunderbird?

Using IMAP syncs your emails with the server. So any change in Thunderbird reflects in your online account. Archiving in Thunderbird helps you:

• Declutter your inbox without deleting emails.
• To keep emails organized in yearly or custom folders.
• Helps free up server space by moving emails to local folders.
• Also, easily search and access old messages when needed.

Several Methods to Archive IMAP Email in Thunderbird

There are two ways to archive IMAP emails:

• Manual Method: Use Thudnerbird to backup emails, no advanced features.
• Automatic Tool: Backup IMAP emails with advanced features.

Manual Methods to Save IMAP Emails in Thunderbird

Here, we explain three manual methods to archive IMAP emails. But these methods are only able to archive a few emails. Follow each method carefully. 

Method 01: Use Direct Archiving in Thunderbird

1. Fisrtly, open the Thunderbird application on your system.
2. Then, select one or multiple emails you want to archive.
3. After that, right-click on the selected email(s).
4. Now, click on the Archive option from the dropdown.
5. Thunderbird will move the emails to the Archive folder under Local Folders.

Method 02: Archive IMAP Email in Thunderbird Using Profile Directory

You can also archive Thunderbird emails manually from the system folders, even without opening the application. Here is how you can perform it:

1. Initially, close Thunderbird if it’s running.
2. Next, open this path on your system:
3. C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles
4. After that, find and open the Mail folder.
5. Then, open the Local Folders. You’ll see files like Inbox, Sent, Trash, etc.
6. Further, drag and drop the required files to archive them.
7. Once moved, open Thunderbird and delete the folder from within the app if no longer needed.

Method 03: Subscribe IMAP folder with Thunderbird

1. Launch Thunderbird and right-click on Local Folders.
2. After that, select New Folder…
3. Name your folder something like “Archived Mails” and click Create Folder.
4. Now, go to your IMAP account and select the emails you want to archive.
5. Right-click the selection, click Move To > Local Folders > Archived Mails.
6. Your selected emails will now appear under the newly created folder.

Limitations of the Manual Method

• Emails are not always saved in their original folder structure.
• Manual archiving can be hectic for beginners.
• Attachments may be skipped, which can lead to data loss.
• These methods cannot recover emails that have already been deleted.
• Also, possible compatibility issues with newer versions of Thunderbird or other clients.

Professional Tool to Archive IMAP Email in Thunderbird

To avoid the limitations of the manual method, it’s highly suggested to use the professional CloudMigration IMAP Backup Tool. You can easily backup all your important emails, contacts, and attachments into a preferred format. This tool preserves all your formatting, structure, and metadata during the entire process. In addition, you can export IMAP Emails to MBOX and other file formats with the advanced features.

Simple Steps to Backup IMAP Emails to Thunderbird

1. Firstly, download the CloudMigration IMAP Backup Tool and install it.
   
 
2. Then, enter your IMAP credentials, ID, and Password to Sign In.
   
 
3. Now, verify and choose the added emails that you want to backup.
   
 
4. Further, select MBOX as the Saving Format from the list.
   
 
5. Lastly, apply features/filters as per your needs. Click Start Process.
   

Why Choose CloudMigration IMAP Backup Tool?

Conclusion

To conclude, archiving IMAP emails in Thunderbird is the best way to save your emails securely. Above, we explained several methods to archive IMAP Email in Thunderbird. The manual methods work fine, but they can be time-consuming and contain several limitations. However, you can easily overcome these limitations with the alternative professional tool. It gives you a quick, secure, and 100% accurate backup. 

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Md Shoaib

Hi, I’m Md Shoaib! I enjoy writing about technologies and helping my readers with their queries, and I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself and grow. Professionally, I work as a Digital Marketer, where I specialize in SEO and Copywriting.

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