How to Convert PST to EML Files Quickly? Complete Guide
In the absence of MS Outlook, it becomes difficult to share, access, or even view the PST file. Many professionals seek methods to convert PST to EML format to improve the accessibility of email messages. This way, users can efficiently export or import email files (.eml) beyond Outlook.
This article will help you to convert PST files to EML format using both automated and manual methods with complete accuracy and reliability.
What is a PST File?
A PST (Personal Storage Table) file is used by MS Outlook, which stores mailbox data locally on a user’s system. It usually contains multiple items, that includes:
- Emails
- Contacts
- Calendars
- Tasks
- Notes
- Attachments
- Meta and archived data
Since these limitations are enough for any user to shift and choose to convert PST files to EML format, allowing emails to be accessed individually across multiple platforms with greater flexibility and being less vulnerable.
Read More: What are EML Files?
Why Users Want to Convert PST to EML Format
Before we start discussing the solutions for the problem that is being faced, let us understand why Outlook PST File to EML conversion is required:
- Non Readable
MS Outlook PST files are not readable outside of Outlook. Whereas you can easily read an EML file in normal text format because of header details (sender, recipient, date) and HTML content. - Outlook Dependency
PST files can only be accessed using MS Outlook, which in turn limits email’s portability and sharing. - Platform Compatibility
EML files are supported by multiple email clients, such as Thunderbird, Outlook, Apple Mail, etc. - High Risk of File Corruption
Oversized PST files due to larger attachments can easily self-corrupt. - Long Term Archiving
Converting PST to EML allows users to easily archive their emails for a longer period.
Effective Methods to Convert PST to EML Files
Here are some suitable ways to convert PST to EML, starting with the recommended professional solution:
- Using a Professional tool
- Drag-and-Drop Manual Method
- Save-As Manual Method
Note: Always create a backup before conversion, since PST files usually contain important data.
Convert PST to EML Files Using an Advanced Software
To convert PST to EML quickly and accurately, use SysTools PST Converter Tool, which exports emails from PST files and saves them in EML format while preserving attachments and metadata. This professional tool allows users to convert PST files to EML in bulk with advanced filtering options. The advanced tool is highly recommended for its data security, time efficiency, and ability to convert large numbers of PST files to EML in just one click.
Benefits of Using a Professional Solution
- Supported for large and oversized PST files
- Preserving folder hierarchy and email properties
- Enabling bulk PST to EML conversion
- Maintains data integrity and accuracy
Steps to Convert PST to EML Using an Automated Tool
- Download and launch the aforementioned tool.
- Click on Add PST file or folder in your software.
- Select EML as the export format.
- Apply advanced settings if required.
- Choose destination folder to save the output EML file.
- Tap on Export to start the conversion of EML Files.
Note: You can use the Automated Tool for a large number of files, but we also have two more manual methods drag-and-drop method and the save-as method, as listed below.
Manual Methods to Convert PST to EML Using Outlook
These two methods for converting PST to EML using Outlook are helpful only for exporting a small number of emails using built-in options like drag-and-drop or Save As. However, these methods are Outlook-dependent and time-consuming.
Method 1 Use the Drag and Drop Method in Outlook
This method works only with Classic Outlook (Desktop version) and is suitable for a limited number of emails.
Steps to Use
- Open Outlook and load the PST file
- Select required emails
- Drag and drop emails into a local folder.
- Emails are saved in EML format
Method 2 Use the Save As Method in Outlook
This is also a manual method that works only if you have Classic Outlook.
Steps to Use
- Open Outlook and double-click the email
- Go to File > Save As
- Choose .eml format
- Save the email
Limitations of Manual PST to EML Methods
- Efforts increase when you are handling multiple emails at once. It is not suitable for converting complete mailboxes or large PST files.
- Folder structure is not preserved automatically
- Cannot filter date range or email components in manual methods
- Attachments cannot be managed or extracted separately
Bonus Tips for Converting Your Files Using Manual Methods
- Avoid oversized PST files.
- Archive mailbox data regularly
- Always back up PST files before conversion.
- Use professional tools for large data.
Conclusion
In this particular article, we’ve discussed how to convert PST to EML files using both professional and manual methods effectively. Whereas Outlook-based methods are useful for a small number of emails and are not suitable for bulk conversions. In such cases, we recommend using an automated solution for a more accurate, secure, and time-saving method.
FAQs on PST to EML Conversion
Q1. Can I convert PST to EML without Outlook?
A. Yes, you can export PST to EML files by using the aforementioned software by SysTools.
Q2. Does Outlook support direct PST to EML export?
A. No, Outlook does not provide a direct export option to the users.
Q3. Is PST to EML conversion safe?
A. Yes, only when it is converted and backed up using a reliable and secure PST to EML converter tool.