How Do I Migrate from Thunderbird to Evolution?

Bhawna Barwal | email conversion file conversion software technology thunderbird | 4 minutes read | Modified on: 20-08-2025

Searching for “can evolution import from Thunderbird? If yes, then you have arrived at the correct page. This article will facilitate you with proper guidance on the issue in the best possible way. If you are looking to migrate from Thunderbird to Evolution then this switch can feel a bit tricky at the first. However, the right approach can make this process so easy. Usually users want preserving old emails, contacts, and settings. And let me tell you, this can be possible only with right kind of software and that will be provided here in this blog.

Evolution and Thunderbird – Overview

Mozilla Thunderbird supports multiple email accounts (including POP and IMAP). And it works as an open-source email client developed by the Mozilla. Thunderbird is widely appreciated for its cross-platform compatibility including Windows, Mac OS, etc.

Evolution also known as GNOME Evolution is personal information management app. It is primarily utilized on Linux systems. It helps to combine email, calendar, address book, and task, etc, into a single interface. It is also works as a good alternative of Outlook email client for Linux users.

Reasons to Migrate from Thunderbird to Evolution

  • Evolution works as a personal information manager for GNOME. That also offers seamless experience on GNOME-based Linux distributions like Ubuntu.
  • Thunderbird requires add-ons features to match the functionalities that are already provided by Evolution.
  • Evolution has built-in support for Microsoft Exchange (via EWS and MAPI). While, Thunderbird can support Exchange but often needs third-party plugins

Automated Way to Migrate from Thunderbird to Evolution

BitData Migration Thunderbird Converter can migrate Thunderbird contacts, emails, into Evolution compatible formats. It saves your time and effort by enabling you to move numerous Thunderbird profiles or accounts to Evolution at once. All email properties, including attachments, timestamps, and folder structure, are precisely migrated to Evolution with this solution. Both non-techies and expert users can easily complete the conversion all because of the software’s straightforward and user-friendly interface. This application is available on all Mac OS editions like Monterey, Catalina, High-Sierra, and many more. And the tool also offers free demo.

How Can Evolution Import from Thunderbird? – Working

Step1: Download, install Thunderbird Converter for Mac on your Mac machine.

Step2: Now you can add your MBOX files using Add Files and Add Folder options.

Step3: Choose IMAP saving option and add credentials like IMAP Port no, IMAP Host.

Step4: Lastly click on the Export option and start processing.

Manual Way to Transfer Thunderbird to Evolution via IMAP

IMAP configuration in Thunderbird

  1. You must set up Thunderbird to use the IMAP protocol before you can start the migration process:
  2. Launch and install Thunderbird on your computer.
  3. Add the IMAP account for this, Select “File” then “New” > “Existing Mail Account”.
  4. Enter the details for your account like password, email address, and name. Then press on the “Continue”.
  5. Now configure IMAP Settings as per email provider, Thunderbird will detect the IMAP server settings itself. Now click on the “Done” after verifying.

Set Up Evolution with IMAP  

  1. Now that IMAP has configured in Thunderbird, now you must set up Evolution:
  2. Launch and open Evolution on your computer.
  3. Add an IMAP account by clicking on the “File” > “New” > “Mail Account”.
  4. Enter the details for your account such as your password, email address, and name. Move further clicking on the “Continue.”
  5. Now IMAP server settings will be automatically detected by Evolution. After verifying the settings, click on the “Continue”.

Sync Your Emails and Folders

  1. In Thunderbird, you need to first select emails and folder that you need to transfer to Evolution.
  2. Now drag the selected emails/folders to folder in Evolution.

Manual Way to Import Thunderbird Contacts to Evolution

  1. Open Thunderbird and go to the Address Book.
  2. And then go to Tools>Export. Now save your contacts as CSV file.
  3. Open Evolution, and click on the File option.
  4. Now, select Import option thereafter Import CSV.
  5. Lastly choose the exported CSV and import it to Evolution.

How to Migrate Thunderbird Account Settings to Evolution?

  1. At first, you need to open Thunderbird in your system.
  2. Now, go to the Tools option.
  3. Then select the Account Settings Option.
  4. Note it (server settings) down.
  5. Go to Evolution then move to Edit.
  6. Then go with Preferences and select Mail Accounts option.
  7. Add a new account then provide the server settings that you have noted earlier.

Read more

Can I Migrate Email from Thunderbird to Mac Mail

How Do I Convert Ubuntu Mailbox to PST Outlook

How Do I Migrate Emails from Evolution to Outlook

How Can I Move My Thunderbird Calendar to Outlook

Let’s Sum Up

To resolve how can evolution import from Thunderbird go with suggested tool. With the help of the software you can transfer your emails, contacts, and important settings without losing any important data. Evolution provides robust features and support Linux that makes it a worthy alternative to Thunderbird, especially for users who want to work in GNOME desktop environment. As of now Thunderbird data has been imported, you’re ready to take full advantage of Evolution has to offer.