How Do I Convert Google Takeout to CSV? – Top 2 Methods

Bhawna Barwal | Email Conversion email migration file conversion google takeout Software Technology | 5 minutes read | Modified on: 24-08-2026
google takeout to csv

Introduction

In this guide, we will explain how to convert Google Takeout to CSV. Google Takeout provides a simple way to export mailbox data, but the downloaded data may not always be available in a format convenient for analysis, reporting, migration, or database management. If you export data from Gmail using Google Takeout, emails will typically be saved in the MBOX format.

MBOX format is supported by many email applications, but it is not the most user-friendly format for those who need structured information in spreadsheets or databases. While, CSV (Comma-Separated Values) saves data in a table-like format that can be opened by applications such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, etc. Here’s where a Google Takeout MBOX Converter plays an important role.

Method 1: Go with Direct Google Takeout to CSV Converter

CubexSoft Google Takeout Converter is a specialized utility designed to convert email data exported from Google Takeout into a structured CSV file. The software can process files from Google Takeout and export their email information into a spreadsheet-friendly format. The software is designed to convert downloaded files from Google Takeout into CSV format while retaining important email information such as sender, recipient, subject, date, and message content. The converter can be particularly helpful when a user has a large Google Takeout archive.

Opening and processing hundreds or thousands of emails manually can be time-consuming. The tool enables to convert MBOX to Excel supported CSV file format in bulk with 100% accuracy. The application is compatible with all Mac Operating Systems editions, for example Monterey, High-Sierra, Catalina, Big-Sur, Mojave, and many more. And demo edition of this finest tool enables you to convert 25 emails from Google Takeout to CSV files free of cost.

How Do I Convert Google Takeout to CSV? – Follow 4 Easy Steps

Step 1: Launch the Google Takeout MBOX to CSV Converter on Mac OS.

Step 2: Tap on the Add Files and Add Folder options to upload data.

Step 3: Select CSV as thetarget export format.

Step 4: Start the conversion by clicking on the Export button.

Features of Google Takeout to CSV Converter

Large MBOX File Processing: This app can simplify the handling of larger MBOX files compared with manual extraction.

User-Friendly Interface: The straightforward interface makes the conversion process accessible even to users who have limited technical knowledge. The workflow involves adding the MBOX file, selecting CSV, and starting the export.

Selective Data Export: The tool provides options for selecting particular folders, messages, or email fields. This can help users avoid exporting unnecessary information.

Preserves Important Email Information: During conversion, the software retains email properties such as sender, recipient, subject, date, and message content.

Method 2: How to Convert Google Takeout to CSV Manually?

Step1: Download your data from Google Takeout

  1. Sign in to the Google Account.
  2. Open Google Takeout.
  3. Click Deselect all.
  4. Select Mail.
  5. If necessary, click All Mail data included.
  6. Select the labels or mail categories you want to export.
  7. Click Next step.
  8. Select Send download link via email.
  9. Select Export type: One-time archive.
  10. Choose ZIP as the file type.
  11. Click Create export.

Open the Google Takeout email.

  1. Click Download archive.
  2. Extract the downloaded ZIP file on your computer.

Step2: Locate the MBOX file

  1. Open the extracted Takeout folder.
  2. Open the Mail folder.
  3. Look for an MBOX file.

Install an email client that can read MBOX

  1. Install and open Thunderbird.
  2. You do not need to download the messages again if your goal is to work from the Takeout MBOX.
  3. Import the Takeout MBOX into a local Thunderbird folder using an MBOX-compatible import facility.

Step4: Import the MBOX file

  1. Create a Local Folder in Thunderbird, for example:
    Takeout Mail
  2. Open the MBOX import function.
  3. Select MBOX as the source format if prompted.
  4. Browse to the Google Takeout .mbox file.
  5. Select the file.
  6. Start the import.

Step5: Export the Messages to CSV

  1. Open Thunderbird’s Add-ons and Extensions area.
  2. Search for ImportExportTools NG.
  3. Install the extension.
  4. Restart Thunderbird if requested.
  5. Return to the imported Takeout Mail folder.
  6. Right-click the folder.
  7. Look for the extension’s ImportExportTools NG menu.
  8. Select the option for exporting messages.
  9. Choose CSV if offered.
  10. Select the fields you want included.
  11. Choose the destination folder.
  12. Start the export.
  13. Wait for the export to finish.

Step8: Open the CSV in Excel

  1. Open Microsoft Excel.
  2. Select File → Open.
  3. Select the CSV file.
  4. If Excel displays an import dialog, select UTF-8 encoding.
  5. Select Comma as the delimiter.
  6. Load the file.
  7. Check the column headings.
  8. Verify that each email occupies one row.

Save as CSV

When the data is correct:

  1. Select File > Save As.
  2. Choose CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited) (*.csv).
  3. Enter a filename, for example:
    Google_Takeout_Gmail.csv
  4. Click Save.

Limitations of the Manual Method

  • The biggest disadvantage is the amount of manual work involved. If your MBOX file contains hundreds or thousands of emails, opening messages and copying their information into a spreadsheet can take a considerable amount of time.
  • MBOX archives can contain a large volume of email data. Manually processing a large archive is difficult and inefficient, particularly when the objective is to create a structured CSV file containing information from every message.
  • Copying email information manually increases the possibility of mistakes. Users may accidentally skip messages, copy information into the wrong column, duplicate records, or enter incorrect dates and addresses.
  • If you regularly receive Google Takeout archives and need to convert them into CSV, repeating the manual process can become inconvenient. The automated conversion tool can be more suitable when the same task needs to be performed frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open the converted CSV file in Excel?

Yes. CSV is a commonly supported format and can generally be opened using Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc, and other spreadsheet applications.

Does the converter preserve email content?

The exact information is preserved by the software.

Can I convert a large Google Takeout MBOX file?

Google Takeout to CSV Conversion Tool is designed to process large mailbox files. It is an automated software that can convert batch data from Google Takeout to CSV files in a single round.

Do I need Gmail to convert an MBOX file?

No. Once you have Gmail backup from Google Takeout. The tool can process the file without requiring you to open every message in Gmail.

Conclusion

The suggested Google Takeout to CSV Converter provides a convenient way to transform supported email information from MBOX into a structured CSV file. The process of the software involves downloading data through Google Takeout, locating the MBOX file, loading it into the converter, selecting CSV as the output format, and completing the export. The tool is the appropriate solution for the query of how to convert Google Takeout to CSV. The tool’s free demo option is available that enables to change 25 Google Takeout to CSV files without any charges. The app runs on Mac Operating Systems for example Catalina, Mojave, Monterey, Big-Sur, and many more.