How to Export OLM to MBOX Free on Windows & Mac?
Are you planning to export OLM to MBOX format? The process of conversion might look easy, but it is much more complex. The OLM files are pretty incompatible with other email clients, and it makes the export process much more harder. With the help of this write-up, we are going to discuss a similar issue faced by the users. The challenge we are talking about is the process of converting OLM files to MBOX files to make them more flexible and versatile.
But before getting into methods and solutions, we will first discuss a little about the two file formats to understand the situation better.
What are OLM Files and MBOX Files?
OLM is a Mac Outlook exported file extension that stores emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, journals, etc. While MBOX files can be exported from various email clients, i.e. Thunderbird, Mac Mail, Eudora, SeaMonkey, etc. MBOX file stores only email messages and email components.
Actually, MBOX files are mailbox folders, several email clients allow the export of email client folders. An MBOX file is compatible to store a whole folder emails like Inbox, Sent, Draft, Trash, etc. OLM files are compatible with only Mac Outlook while MBOX files are compatible with various email clients.
After knowing about the two file formats, let’s move on to the situations that make it important to convert OLM to MBOX.
Why Do We Need to Export OLM to MBOX?
There can be numerous reasons that may demand the conversion of OLM Files to MBOX file format. Here are some of these reasons.
Switch Mac Outlook Client
Not all email clients support the OLM file format. So, when a user needs to switch from Outlook for Mac to another email client, they need to convert OLM to MBOX format first. Doing that will make the file accessible with email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, etc.
Platform Compatibility
The OLM files are supported by Outlook for Mac. When switching from a Mac device to a Windows device, the user may face challenges while accessing the OLM Files. To resolve this issue and to make the files compatible with the Windows device, it is required to export OLM to MBOX.
For Creating Backups
Using a universally supported file format is much more beneficial than using a file format that is platform specific. Exporting OLM to MBOX will allow the users to easily create backups of the data files and make them widely accessible to various email clients.
All these reasons explain the requirement of changing OLM to MBOX file format. Now moving to the methods to convert OLM files to MBOX files.
Manual Method to Convert OLM File to MBOX
To convert the OLM file format to MBOX file format, the first method we will be discussing is the manual method. We will proceed with the manual approach to understand how the method works.
Steps to Convert OLM to MBOX Manually Are:
- Firstly, open the Mac Outlook on your MacBook or iMac devices.
- Go to the File option and then click on the Import option.
- From the Import wizard in Outlook, go to Outlook for Mac archive file (.olm) and then click on the Continue button.
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- Click on the Browse button to find and select the OLM file that is required to be converted and then click on the Import button.
- After the import process is finished, move to the On My Computer section in Outlook. Next, locate the imported OLM file and drag and drop the specific folder from Outlook to the desktop of your device.
- After dropping the file on the desktop, you will see an MBOX file has been created.
- Once the MBOX file is saved on the desktop, you can import the MBOX file to the desired email client.
Note That: The above-mentioned MBOX file can be imported and accessed using various email clients. Some of these email clients are Thunderbird, Apple Mail etc.
Drawbacks of Using the Manual Method
This method can be used to convert OLM files to MBOX format, but there are a few drawbacks of using this method. These drawbacks can concern users and create further issues during the export process. Let’s take a look at these drawbacks to understand and provide better solutions to the users.
- The major limitation of using this method is that it requires good technical knowledge to follow these commands. Any user with not enough technical skills may end up getting confused or skipping a step that will create further challenges for the user while implementing the manual method.
- Another drawback of the manual method is that it is a time taking method. The steps may look easy, but when you convert the file formats using this method it may get confusing, taking much more time than expected.
- The manual method requires Mac Outlook to complete the conversion process, but sometimes users may have orphan OLM files. So, they cannot use a manual approach to perform this task.
With these drawbacks in the manual method, it can become hard for the user to export OLM files to MBOX files manually. Therefore, to resolve the issue while overcoming the drawbacks present in the manual method, we are here with a professional solution.
How about we take a look at what the professional solution is and how it is better than the manual method.
Similar Tutorial: Best Techniques to Import OLM File to Mac Mail
Pro Method to Export OLM to MBOX
After coming across the limitations of the manual method, we are now here to recommend a professional solution. The tool we are suggesting is the MailsWare OLM Converter Toolkit. The tool will not only help you to convert the OLM files but will also allow you to complete the process more efficiently with its prominent features. Let’s first discuss the steps to how the tool works and then take a look at the features provided by the tool.
Steps to Convert OLM to MBOX Using Automated Software
- Install and start the OLM to MBOX Converter Toolkit.
- Use the Select Files or Select Folder option to add OLM files in software GUI.
- Click on the checkboxes to select required OLM files and folders for conversion.
- You will be provided with various saving options, choose the MBOX file format.
- Then select a destination path to save the files.
- Lastly, click on the Convert button to start OLM to MBOX conversion.
These easy-to-follow steps will allow you to convert OLM files to MBOX files efficiently.
The simple user interface of the software makes it easier for the user to understand the process along with implementing the steps of conversion. Now, let’s take a look at the features that make this solution better than the manual method.
OLM to MBOX Converter Advanced Feature
Supports 25+ File Formats
The software can be used to convert OLM to MBOX, but that’s not it. The software supports the OLM file conversion to more than 25 widely used file formats. This feature makes this an ideal tool for the users who wish to convert their OLM files to a desired file format.
Bulk Conversion of OLM Files
Unlike other software, this tool is designed with advanced techniques. A user doesn’t have to worry if they wish to export OLM to MBOX in bulk. This tool allows the users to select single files as well as folders for conversion.
Protects Data Integrity
During the conversion process, a user may be worried about losing the data structure and integrity. By using this OLM to MBOX converter, the users can export their data while maintaining complete data integrity and no data loss.
Convert Emails with Attachments
The OLM file components along with the email attachments are important as they store crucial data in it. If a user needs to export OLM files with email attachments, they can completely rely on this software to use it to export the data without any fear of losing any component of the OLM file.
Select Custom Destination Path
There are many advantages of using this OLM to MBOX converter. One of the features of this tool is that it allows the user to select a destination path for saving the converted MBOX file. This feature is beneficial as it allows the user to easily locate the file after conversion. In case of unavailability of a destination path, the converter uses the desktop as the default destination.
Conclusion
To sum up the article, we learned about the challenge a user faced while converting the OLM files to MBOX files. Along with the technical understandings, we have discussed the methods a user can implement to export OLM to MBOX. There were certain drawbacks to the manual method, so we have recommended a professional solution to help the users and overcome the challenges of the other methods.
Read Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I convert Mac Outlook OLM to MBOX?
The process of exporting OLM to MBOX is quite simple. Just follow the steps given:
- Launch OLM to MBOX converter on your machine.
- Add single or multiple OLM files in the software window.
- Select required folders and choose MBOX as the saving option.
- Set a destination path and click on the Convert button.
- OLM to MBOX export process stated, please wait.
Q2: Does Mac Outlook support MBOX format?
No, both Windows and Mac Outlook don’t support the MBOX files directly. A user may have to convert MBOX files to access them in Outlook.
Q3: Can I convert OLM files to MBOX using this software on a Mac OS?
Yes, this OLM to MBOX converter supports various versions of Mac OS. If a user needs to export OLM to MBOX, they can simply use this converter.
Next Article: Guide to Import OLM Files to Thunderbird
