This article describes how to view the raw e-mail message headers using various client applications. Email headers provide diagnostic details like sender server, message path, and anti-spam results for troubleshooting.
About e-mail message headers
Email headers show low-level details about a message:
- Who sent the message and from what server
- The complete path the message took to reach you
- Anti-spam testing results and scores
When troubleshooting email issues, support teams often need these headers to diagnose delivery problems.
Mozilla Thunderbird
- Open the message in Thunderbird.
- On the View menu, click Headers, then All.
- To view the complete raw message: View → Message Source.
- To save as EML: File → Save As → File.
Microsoft Outlook
- Open the message in Outlook.
- File → Info → Properties.
- View headers under Internet headers.
- To save as MSG: File → Save As → Outlook Message Format (*.msg).
Microsoft Outlook Express / Windows Mail
- Open the message.
- File → Properties → Details tab.
- Click Message Source for full headers.
- To save as EML: File → Save As → Mail (*.eml).
Apple (Mac) Mail
- Open the message in Mac Mail.
- View → Message → All Headers.
- For raw source: View → Message → Raw Source.
- Return to normal: View → Message → Original Content.
- To save: File → Save As → Raw Message Source.
Roundcube webmail
- Open the message in Roundcube.
- In the toolbar, click More → Show source.
- To save as EML: More → Download (.eml).
Questions?
Need help viewing headers or troubleshooting email issues? Contact Petal Host support via support ticket or LiveChat. Include the full message headers when submitting email-related tickets.