MboxDesk archive guide
How to export selected MBOX messages to PDF and EML
Converting an entire MBOX into a folder of opaque files is rarely the best handoff. A smaller reviewed set is easier to read, verify and explain when the export keeps both human-readable output and source context.
1. Freeze the source
Finish copying or downloading the MBOX before review begins. Hash the source and avoid tools that silently rewrite line endings or message separators.
2. Select in context
Search and group messages into threads, then mark only the correspondence relevant to the handoff. Inspect original headers and dates instead of relying only on rendered body text.
3. Keep raw EML and readable PDF
EML preserves the selected message bytes and headers for compatible mail tools. PDF gives recipients a convenient reading copy. One format should not pretend to replace the other.
4. Add manifests and checksums
List every selected message with source filename, raw offset, byte length and SHA-256. Include attachment hashes, a receipt and a checksum file for the exported package.
5. Verify before delivery
Recalculate package checksums after copying to the destination. If the source changed since import, stop and reopen it rather than exporting from stale offsets.