MSG File Viewer & EML Viewer
Open email files privately online
Open multiple MSG and EML files at once. View and download all attachments. Everything runs locally—no servers, no uploads, complete privacy.
Why professionals choose MSG Viewer
Built for simplicity, privacy, and reliability.
Multiple files support
Open and view multiple MSG and EML files at once. No need to process files one by one.
Complete privacy
No server, no uploads, no tracking. Your emails are processed entirely on your device.
Download attachments
View and download all attachments from your emails. Images, documents, everything.
Local processing
Everything happens in your browser. No internet connection needed after installation.
Cross-platform
Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Anywhere Chrome runs, we run.
Free forever
No subscriptions, no premium tiers. Everything is free for everyone.
Privacy is not a feature, it's a foundation
MSG Viewer was built from the ground up with privacy in mind. Your email files never leave your computer. There's no server to hack, no database to breach, and no company that can access your data. The extension runs entirely in your browser using local JavaScript.
No uploads
Files are processed locally in your browser
No tracking
We don't track what files you open
No accounts
No sign-ups, no data collection
Perfect for
Legal professionals
Review email evidence and attachments securely
IT administrators
Troubleshoot email issues without Outlook
Remote workers
Access MSG files on any computer instantly
How it works
MSG Viewer makes opening email files as simple as opening a document. Three simple steps to start viewing your MSG and EML files.
Add to Chrome
Install MSG Viewer from the Chrome Web Store with a single click. The extension requires minimal permissions and installs in seconds.
Import your files
Click the MSG Viewer icon in your toolbar and select your MSG or EML files. You can import multiple files at once for batch viewing.
View and manage emails
Your emails open instantly with full formatting, embedded images, and attachments. Everything is preserved exactly as it was sent.
Email content
- Full HTML formatting
- Embedded images
- All metadata
Attachments
- Preview inline
- Download individually
- Original filenames
Common scenarios
Batch processing emails
Need to review multiple emails quickly? Use the extension popup to select multiple MSG/EML files. They'll open together with a handy sidebar for easy navigation.
Legal discovery
Review email evidence without installing Outlook. All metadata is preserved and viewable, including headers and routing information.
Remote access
Access MSG files on any computer with Chrome. No need to install Outlook or worry about compatibility issues.
Email archival
Quickly browse through archived emails. Extract attachments from old messages without needing the original email client.
Remember: Your files never leave your computer. Everything happens locally in your browser.
What are MSG files?
Understanding MSG Files
MSG files are Microsoft Outlook's proprietary format for storing email messages. Each MSG file contains a complete email including:
- Email body (HTML and plain text)
- File attachments
- Email headers and metadata
- Timestamps and routing info
Why Use MSG Viewer?
Without Microsoft Outlook installed, MSG files cannot be opened natively. MSG Viewer solves this by:
- ✓ Opening MSG files without Outlook
- ✓ Preserving all formatting and attachments
- ✓ Working on any operating system
- ✓ Processing files locally for privacy
Common MSG File Scenarios
Email Archives
Organizations often archive emails as MSG files for compliance and record-keeping. MSG Viewer lets you access these archives without maintaining Outlook licenses.
Legal Discovery
Law firms frequently receive MSG files as evidence. View these files instantly while maintaining the chain of custody and preserving metadata.
Email Migrations
When switching email systems, MSG files are often exported. Review and process these files in bulk before importing to a new system.
Cross-Platform Access
Mac and Linux users receiving MSG files from Windows users can now open them without compatibility issues or virtual machines.
What are EML files?
Understanding EML Files
EML is the standard RFC-822 format used by many email clients. Unlike MSG files, EML files are text-based and more widely supported. They contain:
- Complete email headers
- MIME-encoded content
- Embedded attachments
- HTML and plain text versions
EML File Sources
EML files are created by various email clients and services:
- • Mozilla Thunderbird
- • Apple Mail
- • Windows Live Mail
- • Many webmail services (export feature)
MSG vs EML: Key Differences
| Feature | MSG Files | EML Files |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Binary (proprietary) | Text-based (RFC-822) |
| Created by | Microsoft Outlook | Various email clients |
| Compatibility | Outlook-specific | Widely supported |
| Features | Rich Outlook features | Standard email features |
MSG Viewer handles both formats equally well, giving you a consistent viewing experience regardless of the file type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about viewing MSG and EML files
How do I open MSG files without Microsoft Outlook?
MSG Viewer Chrome extension lets you open MSG files without Outlook. Simply install our free extension from the Chrome Web Store, click the extension icon, and use "Import Files" to select your MSG files. They'll open instantly, showing all content, attachments, and metadata. No Microsoft Office or Outlook installation required.
What's the difference between MSG and EML files?
MSG files are Microsoft Outlook's proprietary binary format, while EML files use the standard RFC-822 text-based format. Key differences include:
- • MSG files store Outlook-specific features like categories and flags
- • EML files are more widely compatible across email clients
- • MSG files are binary; EML files are plain text with MIME encoding
- • Both formats store emails, attachments, and metadata
MSG Viewer handles both formats seamlessly, giving you the same viewing experience regardless of file type.
Is MSG Viewer really free? Are there any hidden costs?
Yes, MSG Viewer is 100% free forever. There are no hidden costs, premium tiers, subscriptions, or paid features. Every feature is available to all users at no cost. We believe email access should be universal and free. The extension is supported through minimal, non-intrusive methods that don't compromise your privacy or experience.
How secure is MSG Viewer? Can you see my emails?
MSG Viewer is designed with privacy as the foundation. Your emails are processed entirely in your browser using JavaScript. There's no server component - your files never leave your computer. We cannot see, access, or store your emails because they're never transmitted anywhere. This isn't just a privacy policy promise; it's how the technology works. You can even use MSG Viewer offline after installation.
Can I open multiple MSG files at the same time?
Yes! MSG Viewer supports batch processing of multiple files. You can select multiple MSG or EML files at once, and each will open in its own browser tab. This is particularly useful for:
- • Reviewing email archives
- • Legal discovery processes
- • Email migration projects
- • Bulk attachment extraction
There's no limit to how many files you can open simultaneously.
How do I download attachments from MSG files?
When you open an MSG or EML file with MSG Viewer, all attachments are displayed at the bottom of the email. Each attachment shows its filename and size. Simply click the "Download" button next to any attachment to save it to your computer. All attachments retain their original filenames and are downloaded in their original format. You can also preview certain attachment types directly in the browser.
Does MSG Viewer work on Mac and Linux?
Yes! MSG Viewer works on any operating system that can run Google Chrome, including:
- • Windows (7, 8, 10, 11)
- • macOS (10.10 and later)
- • Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc.)
- • Chrome OS
This makes it perfect for Mac and Linux users who receive MSG files from Windows Outlook users but don't have access to Microsoft Office.
What email metadata can I view?
MSG Viewer displays comprehensive email metadata including:
- • From, To, CC, and BCC recipients
- • Send and receive dates with timestamps
- • Subject line and conversation thread
- • Email headers and routing information
- • Message ID and references
- • Priority and importance flags
- • Attachment count and details
- • Original email client information
This makes MSG Viewer ideal for legal, compliance, and forensic use cases where metadata preservation is critical.
Still have questions?
Contact Support