How to Export Outlook for Mac Data to PST?

In this post, users will learn the reasons and solutions for backing up Outlook for Mac emails to PST format. The growing popularity of MS Outlook, due to its extensive features and ease of use, has led Microsoft to develop a Mac-compatible version to meet the needs of macOS users. Outlook for Mac is a desktop-based email client and personal information manager designed specifically for Apple devices. It stores user data in OLM files, a format that is not supported by Outlook for Windows (2019, 2016, etc.). As a result, users often face challenges when trying to access their Outlook for Mac data on a Windows system. To resolve this issue, users look for ways to convert or back up OLM files to PST format. This post outlines free solutions that can help users export Outlook for Mac data to PST effectively.

Requirements & Importance of OLM to PST Migration

If you want to access your Outlook for Mac data on a Windows system, it’s essential to export Outlook for Mac data to PST format. This is because Outlook for Windows does not support the OLM file format, instead, it works with PST files for importing data. Therefore, when switching from Outlook for Mac to Outlook on Windows, converting OLM files to PST becomes a necessary step to ensure seamless access to your emails, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox data.

Common Scenarios Requiring OLM to PST Migration

There are several situations where users need to convert OLM files to PST format. Some of the most common include:

• Switching from Mac to Windows OS: When users migrate from macOS to a Windows environment, they also need to switch from Outlook for Mac to Outlook for Windows. Since Outlook for Windows does not support OLM files, converting them to PST format becomes essential.
• Temporary Use of a Windows System: If a Mac Outlook user needs to access their email on a Windows computer, whether at home, in the office, or while traveling, they must export their OLM data to PST to open it in Windows Outlook.

In both scenarios, an OLM to PST Converter Tool is typically required to ensure a smooth and accurate migration of mailbox data.

Manual Approach: OLM to PST Conversion Procedure (Free Method)

You can migrate Outlook for Mac emails to PST format without using third-party tools by using a manual workaround involving an IMAP-enabled email account (like Gmail or Yahoo). This method involves four main steps:

• Configure Windows Outlook via IMAP Account.
• Create an IMAP account.
• Set up Outlook for Mac through IMAP account.
• Convert Mac Outlook emails in an IMAP account

How to Enable IMAP in Gmail

1. First, create a Gmail account if you don’t already have one.
2. Log in to your Gmail account and click the Gear icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
4. Navigate to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
5. In the IMAP access section, select Enable IMAP.
6. Scroll down and click Save Changes to apply the new settings.

Your Gmail account is now ready to be configured as an IMAP account in Outlook or any other email client.

Configure Outlook for Mac with an IMAP Account

After creating your IMAP email account, you need to set it up in Outlook for Mac by following these steps:

1. Open Outlook for Mac on your computer.
2. Click the Tools menu in the top toolbar, then select Accounts from the dropdown list.
3. In the Accounts window, click the + button and choose New Account or select Email Account.
4. Enter your email address and password, then click Continue.
5. When prompted, enter the following server details:
   • Incoming (IMAP) server: [Your IMAP server address]
   • Enable SSL for a secure connection
   • Outgoing (SMTP) server: [Your SMTP server address]
   • Set the SMTP port number to 465
6. Click Add Account to complete the setup.

How to Create a New Gmail Label

1. Log in to your Gmail account.
2. Click the Gear icon in the upper-right corner and select Settings.
3. Navigate to the Labels tab.
4. Click the Create New Label button.
5. In the pop-up window, enter the desired label name.
6. Click Create to add the new label.

After creating the label in Gmail, switch to Outlook for Mac and update your IMAP mailbox by clicking the Send/Receive button to sync the changes.

Transfer Mailbox from Outlook for Mac to IMAP Account

1. Open Outlook for Mac on your computer.
2. Right-click the mailbox item (email, folder, etc.) that you want to transfer.
3. Select Move > Copy to Folder from the context menu.
4. In the dialog box, enter the name of your IMAP folder where you want to copy the emails.
5. Click Copy to start the transfer.
6. To sync your changes with the server, click the Send/Receive button to update your IMAP account.

Professional Solution – Export OLM Files to PST Format 

OLM Converter is a reliable and efficient solution for migrating OLM files to PST format, making it easy to switch from Outlook for Mac to Outlook for Windows. The software is equipped with advanced features that ensure a quick and seamless conversion process. It offers complete data security and maintains the integrity of your mailbox throughout the migration.

With its user-friendly interface, the tool eliminates the need for complex manual steps, making it suitable for both technical and non-technical users. Whether you’re backing up emails, contacts, calendars, or other items, this all-in-one converter ensures high accuracy and fast performance without any data loss.

If you’re searching for a dependable way to convert OLM to PST, this professional tool provides everything you need in a single, easy-to-use application.

Concluding Words

In this blog post, we explored two methods for backing up Outlook for Mac emails to PST format. While both approaches are effective, the manual method requires technical expertise and can be time-consuming. Due to these limitations, it’s recommended to choose a reliable Outlook for Mac to PST Converter tool that offers a faster, more accurate, and hassle-free migration experience.