How to Export Gmail Labels: 4 Easy Methods to Try

Ritu Roy | Email Backup Gmail How to's Software Technology | 7 minutes read | Modified on: 23-10-2026

Introduction: Gmail labels make it easy to organize emails based on clients, projects, subjects, and other important categories. However, when you need to back up specific labels, save emails for offline access, or migrate selected mailbox data, managing everything directly in Gmail can be challenging. Exporting Gmail labels helps you keep important email information accessible and maintain a separate copy for future reference.

In this guide, we will explain how to export Gmail labels using four different methods. You will learn how to use the CubexSoft Gmail Backup Tool for a more convenient export process, along with alternative manual methods using Google Takeout, Google Sheets, and Mozilla Thunderbird. Each method serves a different purpose, so you can choose the one that best matches your backup and data management requirements.

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Method 1: How to Export Gmail Labels and Folders Using CubexSoft Tool?

The CubexSoft Gmail Migration Tool provides a dedicated approach to backing up Gmail emails for offline access, migration, and long-term storage. If supported by your software version, you can select specific Gmail labels, apply filters to include relevant messages, and export the data in a suitable file format. This method can be useful for users who want more control over the export process or need to manage multiple Gmail accounts.

Steps to Export Gmail Labels Using the Tool

  1. Download and install the CubexSoft Email Backup Tool on your computer.
  2. Launch the application and sign in using the supported Gmail authentication method.
  3. Choose the labels or folders containing the emails you want to export.
  4. If available, configure filters to include specific emails based on your requirements.
  5. Select a supported format, such as PST, PDF, EML, MBOX, etc., if offered by your version of the tool.
  6. Choose a location on your computer to save the exported files.
  7. Review your settings and begin the process. After completion, verify that the exported emails are accessible in the destination folder.

Why choose this method?

  • Allows selective email backup when label-based selection is supported.
  • Offers flexibility in choosing output formats, depending on the available features.
  • Can simplify repetitive backup tasks when batch processing is supported.
  • Helps preserve email data for offline access, migration, and record-keeping.

Note: Confirm the supported export formats, label-selection options, filters, and batch-processing capabilities in the specific CubexSoft product version before starting the export.

Key Features of Gmail Labels Exporter

  • Incremental Backup: Allows you to back up newly received emails after an earlier backup, helping avoid exporting previously saved data again when this feature is supported.
  • Advanced Email Filters: Provides options to filter emails by date range, sender, recipient, and subject so you can export data that matches your requirements.
  • Google Account Authorization: Supports connecting a Gmail account through the available Google authorization process, without requiring a manually generated app password when supported.
  • Batch Backup: Helps manage Gmail backups from multiple accounts in one session, provided batch processing is available in your software version.
  • Selective Label Export: Offers a user-friendly interface to select specific Gmail labels or folders instead of processing the entire mailbox.
  • Multiple Export Formats: Supports exporting Gmail emails to formats such as PST, PDF, EML, and MBOX, along with other available options, depending on the tool’s capabilities.
  • Convenient Data Management: Helps users save selected email data for backup, offline access, migration, and record-keeping.

Note: Features and supported export formats may vary by product version. Check the software’s official documentation to confirm availability before starting the backup process.

Steps to Export Selected Gmail Labels Using Google Takeout

  1. Open Google Takeout and sign in to the Gmail account you want to export.
  2. Click Deselect all, scroll down to Mail, and select its checkbox.
  3. Click All Mail data included and uncheck Include all messages in Mail.
  4. Select the Gmail labels you want to download and click OK to save your selection.
  5. Click Next step and choose Send download link via email as the delivery method.
  6. Select Export once as the frequency, choose ZIP as the file type, and set the maximum archive size. If the export exceeds the selected size, Google splits it into multiple archive files.
  7. Click Create export and wait for Google to prepare your data.
  8. Once you receive the export completion email, open it and download every archive part.
  9. Extract the downloaded ZIP files to access your exported Gmail data in MBOX format.

Challenges of Google Takeout

  • Time-consuming process: Preparing the archive may take considerable time, depending on the volume of Gmail data being exported.
  • Limited download period: Google Takeout archives generally expire after seven days, so you may need to create a new export if the download links expire.
  • Label organization limitations: The email application you use to open the exported MBOX files may not interpret Gmail label metadata correctly or restore the original label organization.
  • Multiple archive files: Large exports may be divided into several ZIP files, requiring you to download and extract each part separately.

Best for: Users who want a free way to download selected Gmail emails and attachments without installing additional backup software.

Method 3: Export Gmail Label Names to Google Sheets

If you only need a list of Gmail label names rather than the emails stored inside them, Google Sheets can be a convenient option. By using a compatible add-on, such as Labels Manager for Gmail, you can export label information into a spreadsheet for documentation, auditing, or record-keeping. Keep in mind that this method exports label details, not the actual email messages or attachments.

Steps to Export Gmail Labels to Google Sheets

  1. Create a new spreadsheet using the Google account associated with your Gmail labels.
  2. Search for Labels Manager for Gmail in the Google Workspace Marketplace and install it if available.
  3. Review the requested permissions and grant authorization if you are comfortable with the access being requested.
  4. Return to your spreadsheet and launch the add-on from the Extensions menu.
  5. Open the add-on’s Setup Wizard and create the label sheets by following the available instructions.
  6. Open the relevant workspace menu and select Export Labels.
  7. Choose Export Labels (Light), if available, to generate a list of Gmail labels.
  8. Check the exported label names and identifiers against your Gmail account.
  9. In Google Sheets, click File > Download and select Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) or Comma Separated Values (.csv).

What Information Can You Export?

The information depends on the export option supported by the add-on:

  • Export Labels (Light): May provide basic details, such as label names and IDs.
  • Full label export: May include additional information, such as message counts and other available label details.

Review the generated spreadsheet to ensure that it contains the information you need. Add-on features and menu names may change between versions.

Limitations of This Method

  • You must authorize the add-on to access the requested Google account data.
  • Google Workspace or school accounts may require administrator approval to install or authorize third-party add-ons.
  • The spreadsheet contains label information rather than the emails and attachments stored under those labels.
  • Exporting a label list does not automatically recreate labels or transfer email messages to another Gmail account.

Method 4: Download Gmail Label Emails Using Mozilla Thunderbird

Mozilla Thunderbird is a free, open-source email client that lets you connect your Gmail account and access its labels as folders. By configuring Gmail through IMAP, you can select messages from specific labels and copy them into local folders on your computer. This method is useful when you want to save selected emails for offline access without downloading your entire mailbox.

Steps to Download Gmail Label Emails Using Thunderbird

  1. Download Mozilla Thunderbird from its official website and install it on your computer.
  2. Open Thunderbird, add your Gmail account, and enter your account details.
  3. Select the supported IMAP configuration and follow Google’s sign-in and authorization process.
  4. Allow Thunderbird to synchronize your account, then locate the label containing the emails you want to save.
  5. Right-click Local Folders, select New Folder, and enter a name for your backup folder.
  6. Open the Gmail label and select the messages you want to download. Make sure the messages have finished synchronizing before copying them.
  7. Right-click the selected messages and choose Copy To > Local Folders > Your Destination Folder.
  8. Allow Thunderbird to finish copying the messages and their available attachments into the local folder.
  9. Create additional local folders and repeat the process for each Gmail label you want to back up.

Limitations of the Thunderbird Method

  • Configuring Gmail and copying emails from multiple labels can take considerable time.
  • An email assigned to multiple Gmail labels may be copied into more than one local folder.
  • Gmail label colors, hierarchy, and other Gmail-specific settings may not be recreated in Thunderbird’s local folders.
  • Downloaded emails and attachments consume space on your computer.
  • Simply viewing synchronized Gmail folders does not guarantee that you have created a separate, permanent local copy. You must copy the messages into Local Folders and verify that the operation has completed.

Final Thoughts

In this article, we have explained four different methods to export Gmail labels and folders. Before choosing a method, identify whether you want to back up emails and attachments or simply export a list of label names. Google Takeout and Mozilla Thunderbird are useful manual options, while Google Sheets helps maintain label information for future reference.

For users who need to export selected Gmail labels, apply filters, choose different output formats, or process multiple accounts, the CubexSoft Email Webmail Backup Tool may be a suitable option, depending on its supported features. Choose the method that best fits your requirements and verify the exported data to ensure that your important information has been saved correctly.

Thank you for reading this guide. If you have additional questions or need help with specific export requirements, contact the software provider’s support team for further assistance.