Summary: Microsoft Outlook for Mac uses the OLM (Outlook for Mac) file format to store emails and other data. MBOX is a file format that is commonly used by many email systems to store mailbox data in a single file. As a result, users migrate from OLM to MBOX for a variety of reasons, including a preference for MBOX or the desire to use a different email client that supports MBOX files. Furthermore, if you wish to switch from OLM to MBOX, you have come to the perfect location. In this article, we will discuss the best techniques to convert OLM to MBOX, including both basic DIY approaches and more professional ones. However, before we begin, let us first understand the fundamentals of OLM and MBOX file formats.
Differences Between the OLM and MBOX Formats
Here, we’ll go over some of the key differences between MBOX and Mac OLM file formats to assist you make the best option based on suggestions and your particular requirements.
| Features | OLM | MBOX |
|---|---|---|
| Email Client | Used by Microsoft Outlook for Mac. | It is used by several email applications, including Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and others. |
| File Extension | .olm | .mbox |
| File Structure | A proprietary format for storing all mailbox objects, including emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks. | A plain text format that simply holds email messages. |
| Platform Compatibility | Specific to macOS | Cross-platform (Windows, MacOS, and Linux). |
| Storage Method | A single file with many mailbox elements. | A single file containing many email messages in plain text format. |
You can make sure your email data is still readable, portable, and compatible with a variety of email clients and systems by converting your OLM files to MBOX. You can now move on to learn about the various ways that you can use to transfer data from OLM files to MBOX files.
How Can OLM be Freely Converted to MBOX Format?
We will discuss the free solution to migrate Mac Outlook to MBOX format using this method. There are step-by-step instructions listed below.
- Start your Mac’s Outlook For Mac application as the first step.
- Select the precise Folder that holds the emails that you wish to convert.
- Next, drag the chosen mailbox or folder to a folder in the Finder by clicking and holding on it.
- Next, drop it into the Finder folder by releasing the mouse button.
- A new file will be generated in the Finder folder following the drop.
- The converted emails are contained in this MBOX-formatted file.
- If necessary, you can now import the MBOX file into another email program.
It’s crucial to understand the drawbacks of using the manual technique, which is listed below, before using the aforesaid method.
Limitations of the Manual Method
- Limited files were converted with this method
- Possibility of data loss during conversion
- Time-consuming or complex process
If you run into complications and realize that the manual method is not the greatest option for fulfilling your demands, you must choose the simplest and risk-free way to convert OLM files to MBOX in bulk with no limits.
Automated Approach to Converting OLM to MBOX Format in Bulk
The Softaken OLM to MBOX Converter Software utility is a sophisticated solution for converting OLM to MBOX formats. This utility allows you to effectively convert emails, calendars, contacts, and other files while retaining folder integrity. This tool includes accurate converting capabilities and an easy-to-use interface. It lets you preview OLM file smart mailboxes before starting the conversion.
- First, install the OLM to the MBOX Converter.
- Click the “Open” button to select the OLM files to convert.
- Click “OK” to scan the specified OLM files.
- View scanned OLM files in the advanced preview panel.
- Choose the destination path to save the converted files.
- From the list of export format options, select the MBOX format.
- Click “OK” to start the OLM to MBOX conversion procedure.
Conclusion
The instruction above describes how to convert a Mac Outlook file to an MBOX format using various ways. Because the manual technique has several restrictions, it is unsuitable for exporting large amounts of data from OLM to MBOX. Apart from that, the Professional is the ideal option if you need to convert OLM to MBOX in bulk. It contains a variety of features that make the process easier and more precise. You can choose the technique that best meets your requirements. The manual method can be sufficient if you have a small amount of data, but the professional method is recommended if you have an extensive amount of OLM files to convert to MBOX format.’
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