How to Export Gmail to Text Files? Complete Guide

Jim Backus | March 5th, 2025 | Export Emails, Gmail

Do you want to export Gmail to text format? As a cloud-based email service, Gmail doesn’t offer such a kind of option. But, not to worry anymore. In this article, we have come up with some useful tricks to get your job done easily. Also, you can try an automated tool in case you want to convert Gmail to text in bulk. So, let’s start reading this blog to know the complete details.

Users prefer to export Gmail emails to plain text because text files are easy to open on any device, take up very little storage, and allow quick content search. They can be accessed offline and are often used by professionals for record-keeping and compliance.

In this blog, we’ll show you two easy ways to save Gmail emails as text files. If you have just a few emails, the manual method might be enough. But if you need to save many emails, you’ll need a better option. So, let’s look at both methods one by one, so you can choose what works best for you.

How to Export Gmail to Text Files Manually?

You can manually save Gmail emails as text files using the built-in print option.

  1. Open Gmail in your browser.
  2. Select the email you want to export.
  3. Click the three vertical dots (More) in the email window.
  4. Choose Print from the dropdown menu.
  5. In the print preview window, select Save as PDF or Text File (if supported).
  6. Save the file to your desired location on your computer.

Undoubtedly, it is a free and straightforward method, but it is suitable only for a small number of emails.

Also, it can be time-consuming if you need to export multiple emails.

How to Convert Gmail Emails to TXT Files in Bulk?

Download and install the Advik Gmail Backup Tool on your system. The software can export Gmail emails to Text files in a few simple clicks. With this utility, you can export Gmail to Text files with attachments in bulk. During the export process, the program will maintain the folder hierarchy and key elements of emails. It provides various advanced filter options to export selected emails from Gmail based on date range, to, from, subject, etc.

Download the software for free and give it a try.

 

Steps to Export Gmail to Text Files

Step 1. Run the software on your Windows system.

convert gmail emails to text file

Step 2. Enter your Gmail login credentials and press the “Login” tab.

export gmail emails to text

Step 3. Select mailbox folders and click Next.

gmail to text converter

Step 4. Choose “RTF” as a saving option from the list.

convert gmail message to text file

Step 5. Choose the destination path to save the resultant data file.

export gmail emails to text

Step 6. In this step, you can choose the file name of your exported text file through different options.

gmail to text converter

Step 7. Apply Email Filters if required and click the Backup button to start.

convert gmail message to text file

Finished! Now you do not need to make any additional efforts, the software will start downloading Gmail messages to plain text files. This is one of the widely chosen solutions to export Gmail to Text files in bulk with attachments.

Watch How to Export Gmail Messages to Plain Text Format

Benefits of Choosing the Best Gmail to TXT Converter

You might be wondering what the benefits are when choosing this solution. Let me explain, first of all, you can save complete Gmail messages/emails to .txt files. The software offers various features that allow users to easily convert Gmail to Text file. Some of the key features of the tool are:

  • Batch Mode: The software has a batch mode feature that allows you to export emails from multiple Gmail accounts. Just load all your Gmail account details and convert them into Text files in a single attempt.
  • Multiple file formats: The tool allows users to save Gmail emails as PDF, PST, MBOX, EML, DOC, DOCX, HTML, and more.
  • Email Migration: Users can securely migrate their Gmail messages to several other email platforms like HostGator, Office 365, GoDaddy, iCloud, Hotmail, Opera Mail, Thunderbird, Live Exchange, and many others.
  • Email Filters: The software allows exporting Gmail emails based on various parameters such as date, time, subject, email address, etc. So that you can convert Gmail emails to text selectively.
  • Maintaining Email Properties: The software keeps intact all meta properties of Gmail emails during the conversion process. It copies all text components of the emails into the Text file, creating an exact copy of the email.
  • User-friendly Interface: This tool comes with a simple and easy-to-use interface suitable for both technical and non-technical users. So, anyone can use it without any issues.
  • 100% Data Security: The software provides a completely secure interface that does not store any user personal data, including email account credentials, in the software interface caches.

Final Words

This guide has explained two effective ways to export Gmail to Text files. Now it’s up to you to decide which method suits you best for converting Gmail to text format. For a reliable and professional solution, experts recommend using the automated Gmail-to-text converter software. You can also try the free trial version to explore its step-by-step process.

The trial version allows you to convert 25 items per folder from your Gmail account to .txt files, helping you evaluate the tool’s features and capabilities before opting for the full version.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—our support team is available 24/7 to assist you.

FAQs

Q1. Can I open the text files on any device?

Ans. Yes, text files are universally compatible and can be opened on any device with a basic text editor like Notepad or TextEdit.

Q2. How can I ensure that my Gmail emails are correctly saved as text files?

Ans. To ensure accuracy, you should test the export process with a few emails first.

Q3. Is there any built-in option in Gmail to download emails as .txt files?

Ans. No, Gmail does not provide a direct way to export emails in .txt format. You’ll have to do it manually or use third-party software.

Q4.  I tried copying Gmail content into Notepad, but it looks messy. Why?

Ans. When copying emails manually, formatting may not transfer properly. Some hidden characters or extra spaces may appear.

Q5. How do I forward emails from Gmail to text?

Ans. To forward Gmail emails as a text message, copy the content of the email and paste it into a text message on your phone or messaging app.