The location of email data on macOS Mail directly correlates with the type of account configured within the application. For IMAP and Exchange accounts, email messages are primarily stored on the mail server itself. The local machine maintains a cached copy of these messages to facilitate offline access and faster retrieval. POP accounts, conversely, typically download and store email messages locally, removing them from the server, depending on the configured settings.
Understanding the storage location is crucial for several reasons. It allows users to efficiently manage disk space, particularly when dealing with large attachments or extensive email archives. Furthermore, knowing where email data resides is essential for backup and recovery strategies. Regular backups of the relevant directories can prevent data loss due to hardware failures or accidental deletion.