Overview: Whenever you are searching for the steps to convert OST to TXT file, usually every individual finds various methods to use. As it depends on the email volume, Outlook is accessible, or whether you want a full OST file or the selected emails.

For your understanding, OST files are used by Microsoft Outlook for keeping local versions of messages and other data for offline access. The mailbox contains emails, folders, attachments, and other items. Unfortunately, you cannot open your OST files using any text editors.

TXT files are very easy to read and store data in plain text. You can access these files with the help of Notepad and any other similar applications. It is a great option for users to read, search, archiving, or doing basic analysis.

Also Read: How to Convert OST to JSON Format?

Table of Contents Hide
      1. Reasons to Export OST Files to TXT
      2. Follow Manual Method
      3. Save Outlook Emails as TXT
      4. Use Professional Solution
      5. Tool Steps to Securely Export Bulk OST Data
      6. Conclusion

Why Export OST File to Text?

There are several reasons by which users need to convert OST to TXT. It helps people in various ways:

  • You can easily view your TXT files without the need of installing any email client
  • It saves the data in a lightweight structure
  • Users can search data in plain text format using available text search methods
  • Process your TXT data using scripts and text-processing programs
  • Quickly extract your email data instead of keeping emails in the mailbox
  • You can even open and read your data in non-Outlook applications
  • Get the option to access files in offline mode

But TXT is a plain text format, and it does not have the structure and formatting as found in Outlook mailbox.

Use Manual Way to Convert OST to TXT Format

There is only one method to export your OST files directly into Text format. Follow these below steps to make the conversion process easy.

#1. Save Outlook Emails as TXT Files

  1. Firstly, launch Microsoft Outlook and connect your email account
  2. Next, go to the folder where all your emails are stored
  3. Select the email that you want to save
  4. After that, click on File present in the top menu bar
  5. Tap on Save As from the dropdown menu
  6. Now, set Text Only which is your .txt format as the destination format
  7. Choose the location where you would like to locate your emails
  8. Enter a name for the TXT file
  9. Click on Save button to convert OST to TXT
  10. Just repeat these steps for each email

While this technique is effective for saving single messages. However, it becomes problematic for users to deal with thousands of emails. Storing the emails one at a time can be a hard task and not suitable for bulk OST files.

Limitations of Using Manual Steps

  • The OST file is orphaned or no longer valid
  • Your original Outlook profile is missing
  • It becomes hard to work with large OST files
  • Not able to export multiple folders
  • You need to choose particular mailbox items first

To avoid all this, you should go with our dedicated tool instead of going through all emails separately.

#2. Directly Convert OST to TXT – Opt Secure Solution

Whenever you need to export large OST files or transfer multiple emails into TXT, you can rely on SysTools OST Converter Tool. It takes your OST as your input data files and allows you to choose what folders or items you want to export. By this you can eliminate the need to open and save each email manually. This can especially benefit the users for dealing with old or inaccessible OST data where depending entirely on the original Outlook setup is not possible.

Key Features:

  • Export mailbox data from OST to other popular formats such as PST, MBOX, EML, & more
  • Easily manage bulk files conveniently without needing to convert each file
  • You can even choose specific mailbox folders before the process
  • Maintain the original mailbox structure
  • Convert data from OST files, even if the Outlook profile is not available
  • This software operates the conversion process completely offline

Software Steps to Export OST Emails to TXT in Batch Mode

1. Download and run our expert tool on your respective system.

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2. Next, click on the Add File or Add Folder option to load your OST files.

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3. Moving on, browse OST Documentand click on Open button.

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4. Click on TXT format, then go to Advanced Settings option to customize your data.

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5. Look for Browse button and click on it, in order to set the destination location.

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6. Then, check Maintain Folder Hierarchy to maintain order folders.

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7. At last, tap on the Export button to start the process to convert OST to TXT file.

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Points to Check Before Converting

Before you start with the process to convert OST to TXT format. Just verify these points:

  • TXT files are made to store simple text. There may be some inconsistency in HTML layouts, fonts, colors, & images
  • Attachments are stored separately and do not get embedded into the TXT file
  • OST is a native file created by Outlook, while TXT is a simple text file
  • You might see changes in information and the way to access it
  • Always keep a backup copy of the original OST files

Know More: How to Convert OST to RTF Files?

End Note

The process to convert OST to TXT format is good when users want to access Outlook email content in text form. In order to save mail messages individually, then Outlook provides you the option. However, if the files are too big in size, the process will take much time. You can simply opt for our automated solution that will allow you to pick only the necessary data and convert it to TXT in bulk mode.