Thunderbird

Import Thunderbird SBD to Outlook by Converting to PST or EML

By Admin

Updated: March 25, 2026 ~ 4 Minutes Reading

Table of Contents

You import Thunderbird SBD (Subdirectory) files to Outlook using a dedicated SBD to PST Converter Tool to convert Thunderbird SBD to a PST file and further import the PST in Outlook New, Classic, or Mac.

Why Import SBD File in Outlook?

Mozilla Thunderbird stores email data in many formats, including SBD format. There can be many reasons why a user may need to import only an SBD file in Outlook, such as:

Note: Outlook does not support SBD format, hence they cannot be directly imported into Outlook; you first need to convert them to PST. Only SBD with MBOX files inside can be converted to PST and imported into Outlook.

This guide gives exact step-by-step instructions to convert Thunderbird SBD to Outlook PST without losing properties and import them in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013 & other versions.

Thunderbird SBD to PST Converter to Import in Outlook

Get the Thunderbird Converter, a specialized tool to convert all Thunderbird-associated files like MBOX, SBD, ZIP (backup), etc., into multiple formats like PST, EML, PDF, MSG, etc., with all emails for easy Mozilla Thunderbird migration into other email clients while preserving all the attributes.

Download the tool – a free trial is available to convert 25 emails per folder.

Advantages of Using the SBD to Outlook PST Converter Tool

  • Enables you to select multiple SBD folders at once without any file size restriction.
  • Maintains folder hierarchy, email header, and other email content like formatting, signature, etc.
  • Let’s you limitlessly preview email structure from SBD files without restriction.
  • Offers a filter option to selectively convert Thunderbird SBD data into PST based on date, sender, receiver, etc.
  • Dedicated option to split the exported PST in case the SBD is too large.
  • Easy to interface and simple setup, making SBD to PST conversion accessible to all.
  • The SBD to PST converter lets you choose the saving destination.

How to Import SBD Files into Outlook from Mozilla Thunderbird?

  1. Download the Thunderbird to PST converter.
    Interface of SBD to PST converter
  2. Choose the option for Let Me Select Thunderbird Mailbox Data.
  3. Click on Select Folder.
    select folder option to Import sbd files in Outlook by converting to PST
  4. Open the SBD.
  5. Preview and select the email folder from the SBD.
  6. Choose PST (Outlook Data File) from the saving option.
    choose PST saving option
  7. Press Next to begin the SBD to PST conversion.

Steps to Import the Converted SBD in Outlook

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook New or Classic. 
  2. Click on File.
  3. Choose Open & Export.
    open & export option in Outlook
  4. Click on Open Outlook Data File (PST).
  5. Choose the converted file and press Open.

You have successfully imported Thunderbird SBD files to Outlook.

Is there any Free-Manual Way to Import SBD Files to Outlook?

Yes, however, the SBD files must be non-corrupted SBD. Here are the steps to follow:

Pre-Requisite: In Mozilla Thunderbird, navigate to Menu >> Themes & Add-ons, then search for and install the ImportExportTools NG add-on.

  1. Open Mozilla Thunderbird on your computer.
  2. Go to the local folder and create a new folder namely SBDImport.
  3. Right-Click and choose ImportExport NG Tools
  4. Choose Import MBOX files
  5. Select the non-extension files from the SBD folder.
  6. Press Open to confirm and restart Thunderbird.
  7. Right-click on the SBDImport folder >> ImportExport NG Tools
  8. Export EML messages >> individual EML messages
  9. Open Outlook
  10. Drag and drop the EML files from File Explorer or Finder to Outlook.

Although this method works in certain scenarios to import SBD files to Outlook. It is not 100% reliable. Users often complain about missing data and lost folder properties.

What is an SBD File in Thunderbird?

.sbd/SBD – stands for SubDirectory. SBD is a folder container used by Mozilla Thunderbird SBD to manage subfolders.

Every email account and every mailbox under a configured IMAP or POP account with a subfolder has an SBD folder.

Generally, an SBD folder contains .msf files (local index of the subfolder) and the non-extension MBOX to save emails. However, for the IMAP folder, MBOX may be missing.

Need More Help Converting Thunderbird SBD Files to Outlook PST format?

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