If you’ve ever received an email attachment in EML, MSG, or OFT format and wondered how to open it in the latest versions of Outlook or Outlook on the Web, you’re not alone. This guide walks you through the best methods to access these file types seamlessly, whether you’re using the new Outlook desktop app or Outlook on the Web (OWA). Designed for IT professionals, casual users, and anyone needing quick access to these email formats, this article provides clear, actionable steps to open and view your email files effectively.
1. Opening EML Files in Outlook 365 Desktop
EML files are standard email message files that store the content of an email along with attachments. In Outlook 365, you can open EML files by simply dragging and dropping them into an open Outlook window or by right-clicking and choosing ‘Open with’ Outlook if you have it associated correctly. This method preserves the email’s original formatting and attachments, making it ideal for reviewing saved emails without importing them into your mailbox.
2. Viewing MSG Files in Outlook 365
MSG files are Outlook-specific message files that contain a single email, including headers, body, and attachments. To open MSG files in the new Outlook, you can double-click the file if Outlook is set as the default program for MSG files. Alternatively, you can drag the MSG file into Outlook’s folder pane, which will open it as a new message window. This is particularly useful for viewing individual emails saved from other Outlook instances or exported from PST files.
3. Opening OFT Templates in Outlook 365
OFT files are email templates used in Outlook to create standardized messages. To open an OFT file in Outlook on the Web (OWA), you need to upload the template to your mailbox first. This can be done by dragging the OFT file into your Outlook on the Web mailbox or by saving it in your desktop Outlook and then syncing it to OWA. Once uploaded, you can open the template directly from your template folder to compose new emails based on it.
4. How to Import EML Files into Outlook
If you want to convert EML files into your Outlook mailbox, you can import them using a third-party tool or by opening each EML file in Outlook and then saving it into your mailbox. Some email clients like Thunderbird can import EML files easily, which can then be exported or moved into Outlook. This process is useful for archiving or consolidating multiple email messages into your primary email account.
5. Using Outlook Web App Extensions for EML and MSG Files
Outlook on the Web supports certain extensions that facilitate viewing EML and MSG files directly within the browser. For instance, add-ins like ‘MSG Viewer’ or ‘EML Viewer’ can be installed from the Microsoft Store, allowing you to open and read these file types without downloading or converting. These tools improve productivity by keeping everything within your web browser environment.
6. Converting EML/MSG Files to Outlook Format
Converting EML or MSG files into PST format can help you migrate emails into Outlook for easier management. Tools like Stellar Converter for EML or Kernel for Outlook PST Repair can batch convert these files, preserving folder structures and attachments. Once converted, you can import the PST into Outlook, giving you centralized access to all your emails in one place.
7. Opening OFT Files in Outlook 365 Desktop
Unlike EML and MSG files, OFT templates are not directly supported for opening in Outlook on the Web. To use an OFT template, open it in your desktop Outlook by double-clicking, which loads it into a new message window. You can then customize the message and send it or save it as a draft. Afterward, you can upload the message or template to Outlook on the Web if needed for web-based access.
8. Using Power Automate to Process EML and MSG Files
Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow) offers automation for handling email files. You can set up flows to automatically save EML or MSG files received via email attachments to OneDrive or SharePoint, or to convert them into Outlook items. This is especially useful for organizations managing large volumes of email archives or integrating email processing into broader workflows.
9. Best Practices for Managing Email Files in Outlook
Organize your email files by creating dedicated folders for EML, MSG, and OFT templates. Use consistent naming conventions and keep backups of important templates and email messages. When opening these files, always verify the source to prevent security risks, and prefer importing or converting files rather than opening suspicious attachments directly.
10. Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter problems opening EML, MSG, or OFT files, check your file associations in Windows to ensure Outlook is the default program. For web-based access, verify your add-ins are correctly installed and enabled. Also, ensure your Outlook version is up to date, as compatibility issues can prevent proper file opening. When in doubt, convert files to PST or other supported formats for easier import.
How to Choose
When selecting the best method to open EML, MSG, or OFT files, consider your primary needs: Do you want quick viewing or permanent import? Are you working in a desktop app or Outlook on the Web? Your choice should also depend on the volume of files, whether you need to preserve formatting, and security considerations. If frequent access is needed, importing files into your mailbox or converting them into PST is often the most efficient route. For occasional viewing, drag-and-drop or browser extensions work well.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I open EML files directly in Outlook on the Web? Yes, but you typically need to upload the EML files to your mailbox first, as OWA doesn’t natively support opening EML files without add-ins.
- Are MSG files compatible with Outlook on the Web? Not directly. You need to import or convert MSG files into your mailbox or convert them into PST files for easier management.
- How do I convert EML files to Outlook PST? Use third-party tools like Stellar Converter for EML or Kernel for Outlook PST to batch convert EML files into PST format for import into Outlook.
- Can I open OFT templates in Outlook on the Web? No, OFT templates are best opened in Outlook desktop. You can upload the email draft after customizing it if needed.
- What is the best way to manage multiple email formats? Centralize your emails by importing all into Outlook via PST files or use add-ins/extensions for quick viewing in Outlook on the Web.
- Are there security concerns opening email files? Yes, always verify the source before opening EML, MSG, or OFT files to prevent malware or phishing attacks.
Final Thoughts
Handling EML, MSG, and OFT files in Outlook and Outlook on the Web requires understanding their formats and the tools available. Whether you’re importing emails for archiving, viewing individual messages, or managing templates, choosing the right method depends on your workflow and environment. With the right tools and practices, you can efficiently access and organize your email files, ensuring smooth communication and data management in your Outlook experience.
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