How to Import OLM to IMAP Server? – A Secure Solution!

Ritu Roy | how to mac os outlook for mac software technology | 4 minutes read | Modified on: 19-04-2025

When you switching from using Microsoft Outlook for Mac (OLM files) to a different email system, such as a cloud-based email service that uses an IMAP server, it’s important to migrate your email data properly. OLM files are specific to Outlook for Mac, and they don’t have a native method of being imported directly into an IMAP server. However, there are steps you can follow to successfully import OLM to IMAP server.

This article will guide you through the steps to import OLM data to an IMAP server by using a combination of tools and techniques.

Reasons to Change Mac Outlook OLM File in IMAP Account

Below are key reasons why you might consider converting your OLM files to an IMAP server:

Access emails anywhere with IMAP synchronization across devices.
Better data security with cloud storage and encryption.
Easier data migration and cross-platform synchronization.
Centralized email management without consuming local storage.
Improved collaboration with shared access and real-time syncing.
Cross-platform compatibility across multiple email clients and devices.
Advanced email organization with folders, labels, and server-side search.
Scalability and flexibility with larger storage and upgraded features.

How to Manually Import OLM File to IMAP on Mac?

Step1. Set Up Your IMAP Account in Outlook for Mac

First, you need to ensure your IMAP account is added to Outlook for Mac:

Open Outlook for Mac.
Go to Tools > Public Folders > Email Accounts.
Click on Add Account, then select the IMAP/SMTP option.
Enter the IMAP account details (server address, username, password).
Click Next and finish the setup.
Once your IMAP account is configured, you should see your IMAP folders (Inbox, Sent, etc.) listed in Outlook.

Step2. Import the OLM File into Outlook for Mac

Now you need to import the OLM file containing your emails and data into Outlook for Mac:

Open Outlook for Mac.
Go to File > Import.
Select Outlook for Mac Data File (.olm).
Browse and select the OLM file you want to import.
Choose the data you wish to convert (e.g., emails, contacts, calendar) and click Finish.

After the import, your OLM data will appear in Outlook, typically in a new folder called “Imported” under your mailbox.

Step3. Move Emails to Your IMAP Folders

Now that the OLM data is in Outlook for Mac, the next step is to move those emails into the appropriate IMAP folders so that they sync with the server.

Locate the Imported folder or any other folder where your OLM data resides.
Select the emails or folders you want to move to your IMAP server.
Right-click on the selected emails or folders and choose Move > Other Folder.
Choose the appropriate IMAP folder (e.g., Inbox, Sent, or a custom folder).
The selected emails will now be moved to the IMAP folder.

Step4. Sync with the IMAP Server

Outlook for Mac will sync the emails with the IMAP server after you’ve transferred them into the IMAP folder. You can verify this by checking your IMAP account from another device or webmail client to ensure the emails have been uploaded and synced correctly.

Limitations of Manually Importing OLM File to IMAP on Mac

While manually importing an OLM file to an IMAP server on a Mac is possible, there are several drawbacks to this approach. These limitations may affect efficiency, ease of use, and data integrity. Here are some key drawbacks:

The process is slow, especially for large email archives.
Emails may be missed or fail to sync.
Manual transfers may disrupt folder hierarchy.
Requires Outlook for Mac for the migration.
IMAP sync can take a long time, especially for large files.
Limited to Outlook and may not integrate smoothly with other platforms.
No automatic backup during the manual transfer process.
You cannot easily filter emails for migration.

MacArmy OLM to IMAP Converter for Mac – Bulk Import OLM File to IMAP on Mac

The MacArmy OLM Converter for Mac is a comprehensive software designed to facilitate the conversion of Mac Outlook OLM files into various formats, including IMAP servers. This software offers a user-friendly interface and supports batch conversion, allowing users to export emails, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox items from OLM files to IMAP servers like Gmail, Yahoo, Office 365, and more

Objectives of this Software

Multiple Output Formats: Converts OLM files to formats such as PST, PDF, EML, MBOX, ICS, CSV, DOC, TXT, and directly to IMAP servers.

Batch Conversion: Supports bulk conversion of OLM files, saving time and effort.

Preserves Data Integrity: Maintains the original folder structure and metadata during the conversion process.

No File Size Limitation: Handles large OLM files without any issues.

Compatibility: Compatible with all versions of macOS and Outlook for Mac.

Steps to Import OLM to IMAP Server Account with Mac Outlook to IMAP Tool

Install the OLM to IMAP Converter Tool, then start it up.
Click on Add Files or Add Folders button to upload OLM files and folders that include OLM files, respectively.
Next, tap the Next button to choose IMAP as saving output option.
In the software panel, input the IMAP server’s login information, including the email address, password, IMAP host, and port number.
Finally, the application shows a message OLM to IMAP Migration.

The previously mentioned suggests that mailboxes can be moved from Mac Outlook files to any IMAP server. The program will automatically move all mailbox contents from the OLM source to IMAP in a matter of seconds if you only supply the IMAP Server information.

Wrap Up!

In conclusion, the program provides a totally safe and secure way to import OLM to IMAP server, as is evident from the sections above. Move as many versions of Mac Outlook 2016 and 2011 as you like to the IMAP server. Overall, the program is one of the most advanced tools available for smoothly migrating data from Mac Outlook OLM files.