Export Gmail to Text: Complete Guide to Save Emails as TXT

Overview: Imagine you need to access your important Gmail data after many years, that too without logging in, and with a lack of internet accessibility. In such a case, the best solution is to export Gmail to Text. TXT files allow users to store their emails in a portable and readable format that works on any device. This approach is ideal for archiving data for long-term and legal documentation. Due to this, the users get full control over their email data without platform dependency. Continue reading to explore various effective methods for the export, including the ConverterTools Gmail Backup Tool, and get more insights.

Why Do We Need to Export Gmail to Text File? 

  1. When users export Gmail data to Text, they can read it in plain-text format. 
  2. Users can use the email content for legal and e-discovery purposes.
  3. Moreover, you can easily share or print emails without formatting issues.
  4. Additionally, the TXT files take up relatively small space and are easier to save. 
  5. Also, you can analyze or process email data with text-based tools.

Proven Methods to Export Gmail Mails to Text

Considering the above reasons for Gmail to TXT export, let me introduce you to two straightforward yet effective methods of conversion. 

  • The Manual Method 
  • Advanced Solution

Method 1: Hands-On Approach to Export Gmail Emails to Text File

This method involves two stages to complete and may seem complex for non-technical users. Therefore, you must have a technical understanding to be able to convert Gmail emails into TXT format. Here, we will use the PDF format as the intermediary format and later on will convert this PDF data to the TXT format. 

Step 1: Save Gmail Files in PDF Format

  1. To begin, enter your Gmail account credentials >> Sign in to it. 
  2. After that, open the emails you want to export.
  3. Then, click on the Click the Print icon at the top-right corner.
  4. Next, select the Microsoft Print to PDF option as the Destination field. 
  5. Then, click on the Print button.
  6. Pick a desired name for your files >> specify the location on your system.
  7. At last, click on the Save button to save the Gmail email as a PDF file.

Step 2: Convert PDF Files to TXT Using MS Word

  1. Next, navigate to the folder that contains the converted PDF files. 
  2. After that, right-click the PDF file & select Open with >> click on Microsoft Word.
  3. Then, MS Word will convert >> open the PDF content.
  4. Now, click on the File tab >> choose the Save As option. 
  5. Under the Save as drop-down list, select the Plain Text (.txt) format.
  6. At last, click on the Save button to store the email as a TXT file.

Limitations of the Manual PDF-to-TXT Method

  • This method is not ideal for bulk exporting multiple Gmail emails
  • Moreover, it is time-consuming to export each file sequentially.
  • In addition, there is a high risk of loss of data formatting during conversion.
  • Also, the attachment might not remain preserved in TXT format

Method 2: Advanced Solution to Export Gmail to Text

In case you are looking for a quick export, better opt for the ConverterTools Gmail Backup tool. This software consists of a J-table and a search feature to help users select their required files and achieve data integrity at the end of conversion. Moreover, it keeps the original formatting and folder structure intact during the export. In addition, the entire process takes a few minutes to accomplish. Users can also migrate Gmail to Hotmail, Thunderbird, IMAP, Yahoo Mail, etc, email clients. Also, the advanced features of the software, such as removing duplicate emails, skipping previous mails, date range filter, etc., enhance the productivity of the user. 

Simplified Tutorial to Export Gmail to TXT Format

  1. Download the ConverterTools Gmail Backup Tool >>  launch it on your system.

    Run ConverterTools Gmail Backup Tool
  2. Then, sign in to an active Gmail account via Gmail credentials.

    Sign in to Gmail account
  3. After that, select the data displayed in the tree-heirarchy and preview it.

    Select data from tree-heirarchy
  4. Next, select DOC/DOCX under the file formats listed.

    Select DOC/DOCX
  5. You can also use the required features as per the specificity required.

    Use required filters
  6. At last, press the Next button to begin the migration.

    Click Next button

Conclusion

From the above, you would have understood the benefits that come when usefrs export Gmail to Text. Along with that, we also came across two different solutions for conversion. The manual method is ideal for small datasets. Whereas the automated approach can handle both small and large amounts of data efficiently with the help of its advanced solutions. Ultimately, all that matters is the user’s expertise and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q.1 Can I export selected Gmail emails instead of the entire mailbox?

Ans. Yes, with the help of ConverterTools Gmail Backup Tool, you can export selected Gmail emails instead of the entire mailbox. 
Steps to follow are:
1. Download and launch the ConverterTools Gmail Backup Tool.
2. Sign in using your Gmail account credentials.
3. Select the specific files/folders to export and preview them. 
4. Choose DOC/DOCX as the output file format.
5. Apply filters if needed and click Next to start the migration.

Q.2 What is the best way to export Gmail to TXT format?

Ans. ConverterTools Gmail Backup Tool is the best way to save Gmail emails to Text.

Q.3 Can attachments be exported when saving Gmail emails to text?

Ans. Yes, if you are using the above software, all your attachments be exported when saving Gmail emails to text. After the conversion, the attachments will be saved in the form of a PDF at the location provided by the user. You can read these PDFs via the Adobe reader application.

Q.4 Is Google Takeout good for exporting Gmail to text files?

Ans. Google Takeout exports Gmail data only in MBOX format and lacks flexibility, whereas the above-mentioned automated software directly converts Gmail emails to text files with better accuracy, filtering, and ease of use.

Q.5 Can I export Gmail emails to TXT format without Google Takeout?

Ans. Yes, you can export Gmail emails to TXT format without Google Takeout, with the help of the above software.

Q.6 Can I export Gmail emails to text on Windows and Mac?

Ans. Yes, along with the Windows version, the ConverterTools Gmail Backup Tool comes with a demo version.

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About The Author:

Loic Traves is a seasoned technical expert who has helped thousands of clients with Microsoft Outlook and various cloud-based email platforms. He enjoys writing about email client backups and migration processes. Passionate about supporting users in need, he strives to provide the latest insights, clear explanations, and practical, user-friendly solutions.

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