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How to Split MBOX Files from Google Takeout

A Detailed Guide

By Dev KaushikPublished about a year ago • 4 min read
split mbox files from google takeout

In this article, we will talk about ways to split Mbox Files from Google Takeout. When you download your email data using Google Takeout, it exports the data as MBOX files. Yet these files can grow, and become insanely huge in size, making it possible for accessing or migrating the data to be inefficient. By splitting these huge MBOX files into smaller, more manageable files you can make the email follow-up much more convenient.

We will see how to divide MBOX files from Google Takeout with several methods and tools including the easy-to-use SysTools MBOX Splitter Tool in this guide so that the whole process becomes really easy.

Why Separate MBOX Files From Google Takeout?

Before we move to its steps, let’s discuss why is it necessary to split an MBOX file:

Enhanced Performance: We don’t need to work with large MBOX files that can’t be opened instantly and take a longer duration of time to open.

Easy to Migrate: Splitting MBOX files helps you in the easy migration of data to another platform or email application.

Prevent Corruption: It’s less likely that you will get corruption when you move or import smaller files.

Better Managed: Splitting MBOX files according to date, size, and sender helps in better organization.

Process to Extract before Starting to Split MBOX Files from Google Takeout

Access Google Takeout: Go to Google Takeout.

Select Data to Export:

  • Uncheck all the services except Gmail.
  • Exporting Manually by Hand picking is also possible.

Export Emails:

  • Choose the file type as. zip and what the zipped file size should be.
  • Click “Create Export” to begin this process.

Download the MBOX File: After we are done with the export, download the zip file and install the file to your computer offline.

Now you have the MBOX file we need. The following steps detail how to split MBOX files from Google Takeout:

#1: Divide Mbox Files from Google Takeout into Individual Files with Text Editors

We can also use the editors for text to split. Follow the steps below:

Open the MBOX File: We can open the Mbox file using a text editor like Notepad++ or another advanced editor supporting large files.

Identify Split Points: Look for email headers (such as “From” or “Subject”) to determine where the file should be cut.

Copy and Save Segments:

  • Break the file into chunks according to how big will be acceptable, or how many would be sent per e-mail.
  • Save segments as fresh MBOX files.

Test the Split Files:

  • Import the files elsewhere into an email client to compare.
  • Warning: This trick can be a little bit challenging and not for large files or non-technical users.

Method 2: Split MBOX Files from Google Takeout Thunderbird Add-ons

Another method to do the process is by using Add-ons for the splitting process.

Install Thunderbird: Download Mozilla Thunderbird on your device and then install it.

Use the ImportExportTools NG Add-on:

  • Navigate to the Thunderbird Add-ons area and look up “ImportExportTools NG.”
  • Install the add-on and restart Thunderbird.

Import the MBOX File: Bring in the MBOX file into Thunderbird using ImportExportTools NG that we added.

Export by Date Range: Separate the MBOX file on the basis of date or size using the export option present in the add-on.

Save the Split Files:

  • Download the split files to the location on your computer you want to.
  • This is less burdensome than splitting manually but is still multi-step and possibly not compatible.

Method 3: Divide Mbox Files from Google Takeout by means of a Dedicated MBOX Splitter Software

An efficient and most reliable approach to Split Mbox Files from Google Takeout is to opt for SysTools MBOX Splitter Tool. This commercial utility permits to divide MBOX files with all data safety.

How to use the MBOX Splitter Software:

Get Tool and Install: Click the button to download the MBOX Splitter onto your computer or any other device.

Load the MBOX File: Run the program and then click the Add MBOX File option to load the exported Google Takeout MBOX file.

Select Splitting Criteria: Deciding the criteria for the splitting: based on size, by date, sender, or file folder.

Start the Splitting Process: Select “Split” to start the operation. It will split the MBOX file into small-size files which can be managed easily.

Verify the Output: Go to the output directory and check the files are in the correct size.

Benefits of Using a MBOX Splitter Software:

  • User-friendly interface.
  • Multiple splitting options.
  • Maintains the integrity of your information and avoids that too.
  • Easily handles big MBOX files.

Best Practices To Split MBOX Files from Google Takeout

The following are some steps on how to divide MBOX files in an efficient manner.

  • Create a Backup Copy of the Original File: Make sure you have a backup of your original MBOX file before starting the splitting process.
  • Pick Up the Right Tool: To save from manual pitfalls use professional tools for large Mbox files.
  • Test Split Files: Import the smaller files into an email client to verify correctness after splitting.

Conclusion

It can be quite a tiresome task to manage emails, especially when dealing with countless archived files, but if you know how to split MBOX files from Google Takeout, it just makes life much easier. Whether you like to go manually, get the help of Thunderbird add-ons, or opt for a professional solution, there is a solution for every segment.

For a better option, Use a professional MBOX Splitter Software: If you are looking for a reliable utility that can effectively extract MBOX files with precise results then, you can opt for a professional MBOX Splitter Tool which is trusted by many. Follow the above methods and easily complete your task to split Mbox Files from Thunderbird easily.

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    Written by Dev Kaushik