Introduction: Are you struggling to switch between numerous email clients to move PST to an EML file? And tired of issues related to formatting, compatibility, and missing attachments? Then this is the perfect article that you need to read, as it covers areas like why conversion PST files to EML format, what are the methods to do the transformation, their limitations, steps, and which one is expert expert-approved method to perform the conversion. So that you can get a better look at all the ways possible for the conversation.
Reasons Behind the Conversion of Outlook PST to EML
Before directly moving on to the reason behind the conversation process, it’s important to get some insight into what a PST and EML file actually are.
- What is a PST file? Personal storage table is proprietary, large, and developed by Microsoft Outlook to backup and store email data contacting contacts, calendar, events, attachments, formats, and properties.
- What is an EML file? These files are ideal for migration and backup and they’re basically an email message saved in an individual file that has a message body, metadata, structure, and attachments of an email. Its compatible with Apple Mail, Thunderbird and Outlook.
- To Access Anywhere: You can easily open EML on Mac without Outlook on any device and platform with just a double click but PST requires Outlook to open which makes EML files flexible to access.
- Can Switch Email Programs: Apple Mail and Thunderbird are the email clients preferred by the Mac user, which aren’t compatible with the PST file format, and you can't access them. So if you need to switch email programs, it’s suggested to shift to EML to continue reading old emails after conversion.
- For Secure Backup: Saving PST to EML files helps to restore, organize and store files in an easy way as it’s a single file for each email lightweight and makes backups simpler and safer. Unlike a PST file which is heavy and prone to corruption.
- Better Email Sharing: PST format file specifically needs Outlook for sharing and access but you can seamlessly send an EML file with attachment to anyone with any email clients and ensure that they can view the email perfectly without Outlook.
Approaches to Move PST files to EML format
On the web, many methods are available to save PST files into EML format easily, and here we will discuss the possible ways to export PST files to EML files. You can read the total three methods, two under the Manual and one auto conversion approach, so let's get started.
Conversion from PST to EML – Manual Approach
In this approach, you have to perform each step manually one by one nothing is performed automatically. You can access this method on the web for free. If you have technical expertise, you can easily work with this approach. Though it’s not capable of batch conversion and can be time-consuming, as the process runs according to how large and small the files are. And it must be noted that these methods are highly risky and offer limited accuracy. That's why professionals rarely recommend this approach for conversion.
Approach 1. Through Apple Mail
Must have Apple Mail on Mac, Outlook, or Windows Mail, exported a PST file, and an IMAP email account (optional).
Precaution: risky and time-consuming
- Set up IMP email in Outlook on Mac.
- Manually drag PST folders into the IMAP account folder in Outlook>emails sync to the server.
- Set up the same IMAP account in Apple Mail.
- After syncing, choose emails in Apple Mail>drag to Finder folder>it will be automatically saved as .eml.
Approach 2. Using Microsoft Outlook for Mac
Pre-install Microsoft Outlook on Mac, get access to the PST file, and acquire basic knowledge of navigating Outlook.
Precautions: non-corrupted PST file, conversion failure due to a heavy PST file.
- Import PST to Outlook, open Outlook on Mac>file>import>Outlook Data file>select PST file>Import.
- Find the folder containing emails that you want to convert.
- Choose one or multiple emails.
- Drag chosen emails to a Mac folder on Finder>emails are saved as .eml files.
Limitations – Manual Method
- Tedious and slow process: if you want to move like 5-6GB of PST file, the process will almost take hours and days to complete, and on top of that, you need to move each file one by one, and it’s not okay if you are working with huge amounts of files as it can become frustrating and very time consuming.
- Vulnerable to errors: There are chances that you might accidentally close your app before conversion is completed, skip a file, or choose the wrong format to save the file as manual methods never promise full accuracy. Small mistake and you can end up losing your important data. This makes the Manual method unreliable and error-prone.
- Loss of original hierarchy: If you have organized a PST file before moving it in the Manual method you can lose it all as it does not preserve folder structure, metadata, or attachments; most probably, all your PST file content will be archived in one file which you need to customize later by yourself.
- Not so beginner-friendly: For the Manual method it’s important for you to have some technical knowledge about the process without it you can find this method confusing as you have to deal with multiple files, steps, and settings. This makes it unfriendly for novice users.
Auto-Conversion Approach to effectively Conversion PST to EML
If you are want an seamless, professional, and speedy approach to Conversion PST to EML format with complete accuracy then this method is recommended for you, as it has been tried and tested by experts. They highly approve this approach for every user be it novice or professional, as it’s come with intuitive and self-explanatory user interface, converts batch and bulk of PST file with few click while ensuring all the attachments, structure, and hierarchy of the files are intact. MailvitaPST to EML Conversion for Mac is ideal tool to export PST to EML. As it’s an independent app, compatible with multiple email clients, and works on every Windows without any trouble. Offers precise results without any data loss and maintains data integrity and privacy of the users. Now let’s know the steps of this professional tool.
Manual: How to use the Auto-Conversion Approach
Download the tool and launch it on your system. No need to install any third party software.
- Launch the conversion tool, click on the Add PST and select the file.
- Select or deselect the Ignore Empty Folders.
- Choose the Output format between EML and EMLX.
- Browse, preview, customize save as, and choose the desired Destination Path for your resultant file.
- Click the Convert Now, and the process will start.
PST file will be saved in EML format with all data and attachments intact.
Final Verdict
You can read the easy and ideal approaches to change a PST file to EML format with a proper guide. As I have mentioned, all possible approaches to move PST file to EML are provided for your convenience and to provide you with a clear view about which one is perfect for your use and can give accurate and instant results. Manual method is good but can be tricky and inefficient because of its requirements like technical knowledge, and can’t do advanced bulk conversion at once, unlike its auto conversion approach, it doesn’t require any technical expertise and can do bulk, batch conversion in a few minutes without any data corruption and attachments loss. This makes it more accessible for every group of people. On top of everything, you can try its free version and later on can invest in the license version and enjoy its services for an unlimited period. You should give it a try.
FAQs
Q1. Does this auto conversion tool ensure the structure of the original file?
Yes, this app is specially designed to deliver the resultant file with all structure, hierarchy, and attachments maintained to its users.
Q2. Which method is easier to run for a beginner?
For beginner, the auto conversion approach is recommended if you want a hassle-free and accurate result efficiently.
Q3. Is this tool especially for Mac users?
Yes, this one tool is especially for Mac users only, but if you're looking for a tool for Windows, check out other tools on MailVita’s official website. I’m sure you will find one.
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