The process of preserving email data from the Mail application on macOS involves creating copies of messages and storing them separately from the active inbox. This typically results in a file or set of files containing email content that can be accessed at a later date. For example, a user may create these files to safeguard communications related to a specific project or time period.
This practice is crucial for maintaining data integrity, complying with legal requirements, and freeing up space within the Mail application itself. It allows users to retain access to important correspondence without impacting the performance of their primary email system. Historically, this has been a common method for managing large volumes of electronic communications in professional and personal contexts.