This blog is solely dedicated to those people who want to learn “what is a MSG file” and “how to read MSG file” with all their attributes intact. Thus, it is a highly searchable query because many email client experts, students, engineers, programmers, and software developers want to know about this Outlook MSG extension. Therefore, read this article patiently till the very end section. So, should we begin? Let’s start then!
MSG File Extension Overview
File Extension | *.msg |
Developer | Microsoft Corporation |
Category | Text Files |
Format | Binary |
What is a MSG File Format?
MSG file extension was developed by Microsoft Corporation for MS Exchange or Outlook programs. It can contain plain ASCII text for saving the message header as well as the body. Thus, an MSG file is a single Outlook message file extension that is capable of storing all email components outside the Outlook interface. Therefore, whether it’s Microsoft Outlook contacts, emails, tasks, or appointments, this file extension supports every form of Outlook data. Over and above that, it also contains the attributes of files such as contact details, date, time, subject, links, signature, email text, sender, receiver, headings, etc.
Additionally, Microsoft Outlook users mainly archive MSG files for their personal or professional future use. Plus, forensic investigators also extract MSG files from Outlook to save, read, and investigate the Outlook email files accurately. Not only that but sometimes, those users who want to print or share specific Outlook messages for completing business and personal needs then they also archive specific Outlook messages in MSG extension.
How to Read MSG File?
There are different ways to read MSG files with or without the use of Outlook. Thus, to make you aware of both ways, we have briefly mentioned them in the below-shared section. So, have a quick look at them.
Technique 1: Double-click the MSG File
- Install and log in to MS Outlook in your system.
- Now, browse the saved MSG files.
- Then, double-click on any particular MSG file.
- Thus, it will automatically let you read MSG file in Outlook.
Note: This solution is not suggested to read bulk MSG files as it is completely manual and demands the user to read each file separately. Moreover, it is not a standalone method as access to MS Outlook is a must to follow it effectively.
Technique 2: Use Professional MSG Reader
If MS Outlook is not installed on your machine and you want to read the MSG files then you can download free MSG Viewer. This software allows uploading a whole folder having multiple MSG files in the software GUI. The tool is capable of previewing complete detailed information without MS Outlook dependency. One of the best features of this application is that it offers different preview options in which it also displays the attachments intact with the file. The steps to use it to read MSG file are as follows:
- Install free MSG viewer on your system.
- Click on Select Folder.
- Select the MSG files that you want to read.
- For more specific results, apply filters such as Search on, Search for, etc.
- From the given list of MSG files, click on any email and view that.
Note: This tool is completely free of cost to view MSG files without any hassle. However, one can get the upgraded version of this tool which allows the user to not just read the MSG file but also convert it into the desired file format.
Technique 3: Prefer an MSG Converter
If you want to read Outlook messages in other non-supportable programs then you can use MSG Converter Software. The tool is not just able to read Outlook MSG files but also save them in 30+ file extensions like MSG to MBOX, EML, EMLX, PDF, XPS, DOC, RTF, MHT, etc. Moreover, its MSG file-saving options also include email clients and email actions such as Thunderbird, Gmail, Yahoo, Zimbra, and so on which is not present in any other automated solution in the industry. The steps to use this amazing tool are as follows:
- Install the MSG Converter.
- Select Files/Folders to pick the MSG files.
- Choose any of the desired file formats.
- Apply filters for precise output.
- Choose the saving destination and naming options.
- Click on Convert and it’s done.
Note: Once the MSG file is converted, browse the saving location and double-click on the file to read MSG file in the selected file format or email client.
Why Should One Get Professional Tools to Read MSG Files?
- They offer a trial version to let the user explore the software before buying the licensed one.
- These tools are suitable for bulk MSG file reading and save a lot of resources.
- Using pro solutions ensures data safety and security while viewing the MSG files.
- These tools have easy MSG file selection options and advanced filters to get specific output.
- Professional solutions helps in organizing MSG files in separate lables which makes them easy to access.
- Automated software is very fast, reliable, and easy to use which provides a great user experience to access MSG files in a readable format.
FAQs
1. What is an MSG file format?
MSG files are the single files of Outlook that are saved locally in the system. They contain all the attachments and attributes of a particular Outlook email.
2. Why do people want to open MSG files in other formats?
The most common reason to open MSG files in other formats is to view, read, and save MSG files in any other email format or email client. Doing this also takes a backup of the important MSG files and saves them in a specific folder for long-term access.
3. Is there any free MSG reader?
Yes, the above-mentioned professional tools are some of the best MSG readers that are not only free to view MSG files but also avail licensed versions to convert them into other extensions.
Conclusion
After reading this blog post, we expect that most of the users have understood “what is a MSG file and how can one read MSG files swiftly”. Thus, we have suggested different techniques to read Outlook message files immediately and therefore, you can choose any method as per your choice to not just read but also save MSG files in any desired format.