If you're switching from Outlook for Mac to a mail client like Apple Mail, Thunderbird, or Postbox, you may have faced a common issue: OLM files. These files, used by Outlook for Mac to store emails, contacts, calendars, and more, are not natively supported by most other email clients. That’s where MBOX files come in; they are widely compatible and easier to import into many email programs.
In this blog, we will walk you through the most effective methods to export OLM file to MBOX file format, whether you're looking for a manual solution or prefer using a reliable utility.
What Are OLM and MBOX Files?
OLM (Outlook for Mac Archive File): A proprietary format used by Microsoft Mac Outlook to store mailbox data such as emails, calendar events, contacts, and more.
MBOX (Mailbox File): A standard format for storing email messages, supported by most popular email clients like Apple Mail, Thunderbird, Eudora, and more.
Why Export OLM File to MBOX File?
Switching from Outlook for Mac to Apple Mail or Thunderbird.
Creating backups in a more universally accessible format.
Migrating email data to a different platform or operating system.
Method 1: Manual Conversion (Using IMAP)
This method is free but time-consuming and requires an email account that supports IMAP (like Gmail).
#1- Configure Gmail in Outlook for Mac:
Go to Outlook and add your Gmail account via IMAP.
Enable IMAP in your Gmail settings.
#2- Create a New Folder in Gmail (via Outlook):
Drag and drop emails from your OLM mailbox into the new folder.
#3- Sync Gmail with Another Client:
Open a client like Apple Mail or Thunderbird and add the same Gmail account.
Once synced, you can move the emails to local folders and export them as MBOX.
Important Note: This process can take a long time depending on the size of your mailbox and internet speed.
Method 2: Using a Professional OLM to MBOX Converter
If you’re dealing with a large amount of data or want to save time, using a third-party CubexSoft OLM to MBOX Converter Software is the fastest and best method. It supports batch conversion, preserves email metadata (like To, Cc, Bcc, Date, and Attachments), and maintains the original folder hierarchy throughout the process. The software is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS. With its simple interface, the program ensures a smooth and accurate migration from OLM to MBOX.
How it works:
Download the OLM to MBOX Conversion Tool and install it on your Windows operating system.
Launch the tool and click on “Select Files” or “Select Folder” to load single or multiple OLM files. You can preview the email content before converting.
Select MBOX as the desired output format from the list of available formats.
Choose a folder on your system where you want the converted MBOX files to be saved.
Click on the “Convert” button to begin the OLM to MBOX conversion process. The software will display a live progress report.
Once finished, you’ll get a confirmation message. You can now import the resulting MBOX files into any compatible email client.
Important Benefits of Using OLM to MBOX Converter Software
Batch Conversion: Efficiently convert multiple OLM files to MBOX format at once without missing any data.
Preserves Email Components: Maintains the integrity of email attributes including attachments, formatting, metadata, and folder hierarchy throughout the migration process.
No File Size Limitation: Handles large-sized OLM files without any restrictions.
Dual Conversion Modes: Offers both single and multiple file conversion options to upload OLM mailbox data including contacts, emails, notes, calendars, etc.
User-Friendly Interface: Features an intuitive interface that simplifies the conversion process, making it accessible for both technical as well as non-technical users.
Email Header Preservation: Maintains the original email headers during conversion, preserving the authenticity of the data.
Log Report Generation: Generates detailed log reports of the conversion process for record-keeping and troubleshooting purposes.
Free Trial Version: Offers a trial version that allows users to convert the first 25 items per folder, enabling evaluation of the software's capabilities.
Final Thoughts
Exporting OLM files to MBOX files doesn’t have to be complicated. If you only need to move a small number of emails, the manual IMAP method might work just fine. But for larger migrations or professional use, an OLM Converter is your best bet. This OLM to MBOX Tool also provides a free trial pack to check out the program working and performance without paying anything.
