View Maildir backups with Gnome Evolution

Maildir · May 9, 2026 · 2 min read

Webhosting providers often create backups of mail accounts in Maildir format, a common directory-based email storage format. When you need to inspect the contents of such a backup, Gnome Evolution can open Maildir directories directly, without requiring import or conversion.

To view a Maildir backup in Evolution:

Install and open Evolution.
Click ☰, then navigate to File → New → Email Account to open the Configuration Assistant.
In the Identity section, fill in any email address (e.g. john.doe@example.com) and click Next.
In the Receive E-Mails section, change Server Type from IMAP to Maildir-format mail directories. Use the messages folder field to select the Maildir directory on your file system. Click Next.
In Receiving Options, click Next without changes.
In Sending E-Mails, change Server Type from SMTP to None. Click Next.
In the Account Summary, verify the configuration and click Next.
In the Finish section, click Apply.

After these steps, the Maildir directory is accessible as a local mail account within Evolution, allowing you to browse and search through the backed-up emails.

Bibliography

Klapper, A., Gonzalez, A., Tobias , Barbara M., & Bull, P. (2026). GNOME / evolution. In Home. https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/evolution/-/wikis/home

Maildir. (2026). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maildir&oldid=1337936532