Horde webmail includes import and export features for moving email between accounts, backing up messages, and migrating to a new mail client. This guide shows you how to import and export email using Horde on your Ultra Web Hosting account.
Horde is a legacy webmail client. For most users, Roundcube provides a better experience with a modern interface, drag-and-drop, and easier import/export. Access it at yourdomain.com/webmail and select Roundcube.
01. Exporting Email from Horde
To download a copy of your email messages:
- Log into Horde webmail via cPanel > Email Accounts > Check Email, or at
yourdomain.com/webmail - Open the mailbox folder you want to export (Inbox, Sent, etc.)
- Select the messages you want to export (use the checkbox at the top to select all)
- Click the dropdown arrow next to the action buttons
- Choose "Save as" > "mbox" to download messages in standard mbox format
The mbox format is universally supported. You can import mbox files into Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Outlook (via import tools), and most other email clients.
02. Importing Email into Horde
- Log into Horde webmail
- Navigate to the folder where you want the imported messages
- Click the folder icon or go to Mail > Import/Export in the menu
- Select "Import" and choose your mbox or eml file
- Click "Import" to upload the messages
Webmail imports are limited by the server's PHP upload size (typically 128MB). For larger mailbox imports, use IMAP with a desktop client like Thunderbird - connect both accounts via IMAP and drag messages between them.
03. Exporting Contacts
- Open Horde's Address Book (the contacts icon in the top menu)
- Click "Import/Export" in the left sidebar
- Select the address book to export
- Choose format: CSV (for spreadsheets/Outlook) or vCard (for Apple/Android/Thunderbird)
- Click "Export" to download
04. Importing Contacts
- Open Horde's Address Book
- Click "Import/Export"
- Click "Import" and select your CSV or vCard file
- Choose the target address book
- Click "Import" to upload
05. Tips and Limitations
- IMAP is better for large migrations - if you are moving thousands of messages, connect both accounts in Thunderbird via IMAP and drag messages between them
- Folder structure is not preserved in mbox exports. Export each folder separately and import into matching folders
- Attachments are included in mbox exports, which increases file size
- Roundcube also supports import/export and has a more intuitive interface for this task
See our setup guides: Outlook, Thunderbird, iPhone/iPad, Android.
Need Help With Email Migration?
Moving email between accounts or providers can be tricky. Our support team can assist with mailbox migrations.
Open a Support TicketFrequently Asked Questions
How do I export email from Horde?
In Horde webmail, select the folder or messages and use the export option to download them, which is useful for backups or migrating to another client. Note that Horde is being retired from cPanel in favor of Roundcube, so consider switching.
How do I import email into Horde?
Use Horde's import feature to bring in messages from a file. Because mail lives on the server over IMAP, though, the more reliable approach for moving mail between accounts is an IMAP transfer rather than file import and export.
Should I still use Horde?
Horde is being retired from cPanel in favor of Roundcube, which is faster and actively maintained. For new setups use Roundcube. Your mail is stored on the server over IMAP, so switching clients does not lose any messages.
What is the best way to move email between accounts?
Because messages live on the server via IMAP, an IMAP-to-IMAP transfer using a desktop client connected to both accounts, or a migration tool, moves mail most reliably and preserves folders. File export and import is better suited to one-off backups.
Quick Recap: Horde Email Import/Export
- Export messages by selecting them and saving as mbox
- Import messages via Mail > Import/Export
- Export contacts as CSV or vCard from the Address Book
- For large migrations use IMAP with a desktop client instead
- Consider Roundcube for a more modern webmail experience
11,933 users found this article useful · Last updated November 2026 · Browse all Email articles
