Learn Simple Methods to Convert OST to EML

One of my clients has multiple Outlook OST data files, and they want to convert OST into EML files to easily access their data in Apple Mail. We have tried so many automated tools, but they have failed. The real challenge is OST file sizes, and not a single tool offers complete data integrity in the output EML files.

But we have decoded this challenge and came up with a proper solution that will help my client to convert OST to EML. Before the solution, let’s get a better understanding of OST, EML files, prominent reasons for converting OST to EML, and a professional solution.

What is an OST file?

An OST (Offline Storage Table) file is a local copy of your Outlook mailbox data containing all emails, calendar, and contacts. With an OST file, you can access and work on Outlook without having an internet connection. When you connect with the Server, all the offline work of the OST file will be synced to the Exchange Server.

What is an EML file?

An EML file is a standard, plain-text format for saving a single email message, containing all its elements, like header, sender, recipient, subject, date, body text, HTML, links, and attachments. EML files are easy to share and accessible on multiple platforms, like Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail.

OST Vs EML

Here is a detailed comparison table that shows what you need to opt for your personal needs or business between OST and EML:

Why convert OST to EML?

Now, you know the difference between OST and EML. It’s time to know the prime reasons why major organizations are switching from OST to EML:

• Email Migration: Migrate emails from Outlook to non-Outlook clients, like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, etc.
• Data Accessibility: Access your email data without Outlook or an Exchange server connection.
• Portable Backup: Save individual email backups with all the email formatting.
• Data Recovery: Recover messages from damaged or inaccessible (orphaned) OST files.
• Platform Independence: Use emails across different devices and operating systems.
• Storage Management: Archive specific important emails like smaller EML files instead of managing large OSTs.

How to convert OST to EML file?

There is no direct manual method to convert OST to EML files. However, you can convert your Outlook data to EML using Gmail and Thunderbird. But it’s a large process and is divided into three parts. Let’s understand each part with a step-by-step process:

Part 1: Copy or Move OST emails in Gmail

For a smooth OST to EML Conversion, you need to log in to your IMAP Gmail account in Outlook. After that, select the necessary emails one by one or move to the Gmail-configured account in the specific folder.

Step 1: Launch Outlook and add your IMAP Gmail account.

Step 2: Use the Drag and Drop option to move emails from Outlook to the configured Gmail account.

Part 2: Setup Gmail account in Thunderbird

In the second phase of OST to EML conversion, you need to sync your IMAP Gmail account in Thunderbird. Let’s add a Gmail account to Thunderbird:

Step 1: Launch Thunderbird on your system.

Step 2: Now, click on Menu > Account Settings > Add Mail Account.

Step 3: Enter your Gmail credentials and select IMAP.

Step 4: Enter all the IMAP Server credentials and complete your account setup.

Note: Make sure to enter details in Incoming Mail Server: Server: imap.gmail.com, Port: 993, Encryption: SSL/TLS, and Outgoing Mail Server: Server: smtp.gmail.com, Port: 587, Encryption: SSL/TLS.

Part 3: Use Thunderbird to export emails

Thunderbird allows users to export single emails in EML file format. You can easily save necessary emails in EML file format by using these steps:

Step 1: Open Thunderbird and open the folder (containing OST emails).

Step 2: Right-click on a specific email and click Save As.

Step 3: Select a saving location and select Mail File (*.eml) in Save as type. Click Save.

Limitations of the manual methods

It is the only one manual method that can easily convert Outlook OS data to EML. However, it comes with these limitations:

• Time-Consuming & Complex: The process involves multiple parts and steps, like configuring a Gmail account, moving OST emails, and exporting EML files.
• High Risk of Data Loss/Corruption: A single step missed can lead to losing emails, attachments, or formatting of your OST file.
• No Batch Conversion: This manual method can only convert one file at a time. You cannot carry out a bulk OST email to EML conversion.
• Technical Expertise Needed: You need a very good knowledge of both OST/EML structures and Outlook settings.
• Fails with Corrupt Files: Nobody can process OST to EML conversion using corrupted or inaccessible OST files.

But what if you don’t have an IMAP account? In that case, you need an OST Converter tool to convert your OST files to EML.

Professional tool to convert OST to EML

EmailXport OST Converter tool is a top-notch solution to convert OST to EML. With its advanced algorithms, you can easily convert OST files into 8+ versatile file formats. Customize your OST email conversion by using its robust filters.

Conclusion

With the above-mentioned manual method, you can easily convert OST to EML. However, to run this method smoothly, you need proper technical knowledge, and even after that, it’s not guaranteed that you will get satisfactory results. That’s why using the EmailXport OST Converter tool is the smartest choice for bulk and 100% secure OST to EML conversion results.

Frequently asked questions