Microsoft Outlook is one of the most popular email clients, and its data files come in two formats: OLM for Mac and PST for Windows. If you are switching from Outlook for Mac to Windows or need to import your Outlook for Mac data into Office 365, you must convert OLM files to PST format. Unfortunately, Outlook does not offer a built-in feature to directly convert OLM files to PST. But there are effective ways to achieve this. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to convert OLM to PST on Mac.

Why Convert OLM to PST?

Before going into the conversion process, it is essential to know why one would need to convert OLM to PST:

  • Platform Migration: If one migrates from Mac to Windows, converting OLM to PST ensures that data transfer remains seamless.
  • Office 365 Migration: Users of Office 365 require PST files to make data import easier and smoother.
  • Backup and Recovery: PST files help to back up Outlook data with much ease.
  • Accessibility: PST files can easily be accessed using different devices and email clients using the Windows OS.

How to Convert OLM to PST on Mac?

There is no built-in way in Outlook to directly convert OLM to PST, but users can do it by one of the following methods:

  1. Manual Method (Using IMAP Configuration)
  2. Automated Method (Using a Professional OLM to PST Converter Tool)

Method 1: Manual Conversion via IMAP Configuration

This method uses an IMAP-enabled email account, such as Gmail, as a middleman to transfer emails from Outlook for Mac to Outlook for Windows. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Configure an IMAP Email Account in Outlook for Mac

  1. Open Outlook for Mac and go to Preferences > Accounts.
  2. Click Add Account and select IMAP.
  3. Enter your email account details and set up IMAP settings:
  • Incoming Mail Server: imap.gmail.com
  • Outgoing Mail Server: smtp.gmail.com
  • Save the settings and let Outlook sync emails.

Step 2: Transfer OLM Data to IMAP Account

  1. In Outlook for Mac, create a new folder under your IMAP account.
  2. Drag the emails from your OLM file into the newly created IMAP folder.
  3. Let the emails sync with the IMAP server.

Step 3: Setting Up IMAP on Outlook for Windows

  1. Open the Outlook for Windows application, then navigate to File > Add Account.
  2. Use the same IMAP email account credentials to synchronize your email account.
  3. Once synchronization is done, move all emails from the IMAP folder into your local PST file.
  4. Save and export your PST file for future use.

Method 2: Automatic Conversion Using a Professional Tool

The manual process is free but slow and prone to data loss. The safest and most efficient approach is to opt for a professional OLM to PST Converter Tool. These tools provide the following:

  • Bulk conversion of OLM files to PST.
  • Retaining folder structure and email attributes.
  • Processing in a faster and more minimal amount of data loss

Step 1: Select a Reliable OLM to PST Converter

Select a trusted third-party tool from the list designed for Mac users.

Step 2: Install and Launch the Software

  1. Download and install the OLM to PST converter on your Mac.
  2. Open the tool and click Add OLM File.
  3. Browse and select the OLM file you want to convert.

Step 3: Convert and Save as PST

  1. Choose PST as the export format.
  2. Select the desired email folders and configure additional settings.
  3. Click Convert to start the process.
  4. Once done, transfer the PST file to your Windows system and import it into Outlook.

Conclusion

The conversion of OLM to PST on Mac is crucial for users going over to Windows or migrating data to Office 365. The use of IMAP with manual conversion is possible, though this is a time-consuming process that cannot be used for large files. A professional OLM to PST converter will help in the smooth transfer process, ensure no data loss, and improve efficiency. Enjoy the benefits of both alternatives.