Are you trying to convert PST to MBOX file format? Are you in search of methods to convert your Outlook files into the MBOX format? If you are, then your search is successfully over as you are at the right place. In this blog, we will provide you with the best solutions to convert Outlook PST file to MBOX format. The PST and MBOX formats both are used as data files for storing email client data. Let us get familiar with both file formats.
What is PST File Type?
PST file format is an acronym for Personal Storage Table. It is used mainly by the MS Outlook application to store its data. The PST files mailbox data like emails, contacts, attachments, etc. Additionally, these files also comprise information like events, journals, calendars, etc.
What is the MBOX file format?
The MBOX format is also sometimes known as the Berkeley format. It is a format that stores the email messages of an entire folder. You may note that it does not contain the email data of a complete mailbox but only a single folder. It is used by several email clients to store their email data like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Eudora, Entourage, Postbox, PocoMail, Netscape, Spicebird, etc.
Although both formats are somehow utilized for the same purpose, there are some advantages of the MBOX format that lure users to convert PST to MBOX free. Let us take a look at the reasons for the same.
Also Check: How to Split Large PST File into Smaller Parts Manually
Reasons to Convert PST to MBOX File
The most common reasons to convert Outlook PST file to MBOX are listed below.
- PST is only used by the Windows applications like Live Mail, Outlook, etc. If you want to switch to other email clients, you need to convert to MBOX as most email clients use this format.
- Outlook has several additional features that make the email client complex. As most users do not use these services, they look for a simpler email client that supports the MBOX format.
- MS Outlook is not a free email client. It requires users to upgrade to the paid version once the trial period is finished. Hence, it becomes a vital reason for users to convert PST files into MBOX.
- As PST files grow in size, they are more susceptible to corruption as compared to MBOX files. Also, you can lose your data in PST files once they get damaged.
All the above reasons compel users to convert PST to MBOX format. However, Sometimes users also want to migrate OST to MBOX to view their data on different platforms. Now, Let’s move ahead towards the solutions for the same.
How Do I Convert PST Files to MBOX Manually?
There is only one manual approach using which you can convert PST to MBOX files. We have provided the stepwise process for the manual method for your benefit. Moreover, the solution requires the use of Outlook for Mac application and the drag-and-drop approach. It is a simple method but requires proper follow-up of the below-listed steps to complete the conversion effectively.
- Install and Run the Outlook for Mac application.
- Navigate to the File tab and select the Menu option.
- Now, click on the Import icon.
- In the new tab, select the Outlook PST data file option.
- Here, pick the Outlook for Windows data file option under the file type menu.
- After that, choose the PST file to convert and verify the data folder.
- Then, you are required to drag and drop the PST folder on your system desktop.
- As you drop the folder, the PST files will be saved into the MBOX format.
As you finish the above steps of the manual solution, you will be able to convert PST to MBOX format. However, there are several limitations of this method that make it obsolete. It has lost its credibility among numerous users due to the below-mentioned limitations.
Also Read: Convert PST to CSV without Outlook
Limitations of the Manual Method
If you are using the manual method to convert PST file to MBOX free, then you can face the below limitations.
- It is a method that supports only the MBOX files of the Apple Mac Mail. You cannot convert PST to MBOX files of other clients.
- The process is very lengthy, time-consuming, and complex.
- Users are required to have the prior technical knowledge to execute the procedure effectively.
- There is a possibility that you can lose data if you make any error while completing the PST to MBOX to conversion.
You will encounter the above limitations while migrating PST to MBOX using the manual method. Therefore, to avoid all these constraints and undertake the conversion smoothly, you are suggested an alternate method.
Automated Solution to Convert Outlook PST file to MBOX
You can eliminate all the limitations with this professional method. The Cigati PST to MBOX Converter Tool is an exemplary software that can directly convert PST to MBOX file format without any hassle. The tool also gives options to convert PST file to PDF, OST, EML, EMLX, HTML, CSV, etc. Additionally, it can import the PST files into multiple email clients like AOL, GoDaddy, HostGator, Yandex, Amazon Webmail, Live Exchange, etc. You can include all the attachments in the conversion process. Also, the tool is equipped with top-notch features that give a smooth experience to the users.
Conclusion
Here, you can find the solutions to convert PST to MBOX file. Users want to perform this shift due to their prioritized reasons. You can utilize the stepwise manual process to successfully convert the Outlook files to MBOX. Perhaps, if you do not want to encounter the limitations of this method, you can opt for the third-party professional PST to MBOX Converter Tool method. It is an efficient utility that completes the conversion in no time.