Email · .msg
What Is an MSG File?
A .msg file is an email, appointment or contact saved from Microsoft Outlook.
- Extension
- .msg
- Full name
- Outlook message file
- Type
- MIME type
- application/vnd.ms-outlook
- Developed by
- Microsoft
Free MSG Tools
These run in your browser. Your MSG files are never uploaded.
About MSG Files
MSG is Outlook's format for saving a single item, such as an email with its attachments, a calendar appointment, a contact or a task. You get one when you drag an email out of Outlook onto your desktop. It is a binary format, so other email apps can't always open it. Outlook on Windows opens it directly, and the new Outlook and Outlook on the web can open MSG files too.
How to Open an MSG File
- Windows
- Double-click to open it in Outlook.
- Mac
- Outlook for Mac opens MSG files. Otherwise use a viewer such as MsgViewer.
MSG File Questions
How do I open an MSG file without Outlook?
Use a free MSG viewer, or ask the sender to forward the email normally.
How do I save an Outlook email as a file?
Drag it to your desktop, or choose File, Save As in Outlook. It saves as MSG.