Quick Answer: To convert PST to TXT file format, users can use both manual methods, including MS Outlook, and automated software such as SysTools PST to Text Converter Software, which allows users to batch Export Outlook emails to text format, including attachments.
“I am an Outlook user who has thousands of emails, which are being stored in the Inbox folder. Now, to prevent my Inbox folder from getting oversized, at the end of every month I archive the previous month’s Inbox data to a separate Mailbox folder that is saved in PST format. To preserve all of my archived emails, I need to export Outlook emails to text file format. Moreover, exporting the PST file to TXT format will allow me to open it in any word processor without hassle. Could someone let me know the best approach that can be reliably followed to transfer PST to Text format? Earnestly waiting for a favorable response to know how to convert PST to TXT format?”
When we talk about the TXT file, it is basically a notepad file that saves text lines in an electronic format. It consists of unformatted ASCII text. Generally, these text files store information that does not require any formatting. This means it contains only text, with no special formatting like bold or italic text, images, and so on.
When it comes to convert Outlook email to text file format, it is pretty obvious that users will face a couple of challenges. Therefore, to make the migration from PST to Text both sophisticated and simple, this blog will provide a comprehensive overview of a remarkable solution.
Why Need to Export Outlook Emails to Text File Format
- It lets users save the raw data, with the text data free of formatting and unusual characters.
- It does not require any specific applications to read the text data. Thus, users can easily open the files in any word processor application, such as WordPad, MS Word, Notepad, or Notepad++.
- As it supports opening PST files in word processor applications, it makes it easy for users to share the TXT file across diverse platforms.
- Another reason to batch convert PST to text file is that the TXT file is smaller than a PST file.
Different Approaches to Convert PST to TXT Format
- Export Outlook Emails to Text Format Manually
- Automated Software to Convert Outlook Email to Text
Let us discuss all pros and cons of both solutions. I recommend that you first understand both solutions and then decide which one is best for transferring Outlook emails to TXT format.
How to Convert PST to TXT Format Manually for Free
To perform the steps below, an Outlook installation is required. First, launch Outlook and follow the instructions given below:
Note: This method allows users to export only one email at a time from PST to Text format.
- Initially, select the desired PST email that you want to export in Text format.
- Now, go to File >> Save As option and select the Save as type as Text Only format.
- After that, from the destination location, open converted TXT file in any word processor application like Notepad, MS Word, etc
Do You Know? The manual method described above has several limitations. So, let’s go over them one by one, as listed below.
- To implement the manual approach, it is mandatory to install the Outlook application on the system.
- A user needs to perform the aforesaid steps individually for each email, which means this approach is not suitable for transferring Outlook emails to TXT file format in bulk.
- There is always a chance of data loss and mismatch in the information after undergoing the manual steps
- Time taking and confusing way.
- It exports only emails without header information, HTML formatting, attachments, etc.
So folks, it’s time to eliminate all the manual difficulties with reliable software!
How to Export Outlook Emails to Text Format
In this section, you will find a step-by-step guide for Windows and macOS. Choose the steps according to your system’s OS.
After knowing the shortcomings of the free solution. It is always best option to switch to a reliable Outlook PST to TXT Converter Tool by SysTools. By using this futuristic utility, users can seamlessly export PST files to TXT format without configuring Outlook. Moreover, it is efficient enough to convert PST emails to text in both ANSI and Unicode formats.
Steps to Convert PST to TXT File Format
Windows OS users can follow the instructions below to export Outlook emails to text format without any limitations. Moreover, the software allows you to export single emails, multiple emails (bulk), or selected emails, along with other attributes, from the Outlook mailbox to plain-text format.
- Launch SysTools PST to TXT Converter Software on the system to save PST file emails in TXT format.
- Hit the Add File button to browse the PST file in software interface.
- Now, select the desired emails and folders and hit Export button from software header. After that select TXT radio button.
- From the Advanced Settings option, a user can apply different naming patterns to save the TXT file. They can also export selective PST data via date-filter option, migrate selective data items from the given categories option.
- Now browse desired location to save output TXT file on your system or any externally connected storage device.
- Upon successful completion of the export process, the resultant TXT file will be saved at the destination location.
Finally, the process of transferring PST file to TXT format is made easy with the help of the top-notch Converter tool!
Steps to Export Outlook Emails to Text for Mac OS
Mac OS users can follow the steps below to export Outlook emails to text format. Note: This tool will not support the Mac Outlook database file.
- Download and launch the SysTools Mac PST to Text Conversion Tool
- Click on Add PST file(s) in the software panel using Add File(s) or Add Folder(s) button.
- Choose TXT radio button and hit Advanced Settings option.
- Apply the required filters from Naming Convention, Category selection, and Date Filter, then hit Save button.
- Choose a location to save the output text file after completing the export Outlook emails to text process.
Author Suggestion
To safeguard the oversized PST file from corruption, it is better to export PST to TXT format. The conversion is possible using any of the aforesaid solutions in this post. But if users want to batch convert PST to TXT file format, go for the automated solution. This software ensures complete data conversion from Outlook PST to TXT format.
Frequently Asked Questions
TXT keeps raw text free from formatting and unusual characters. You can open the file in Notepad, WordPad or MS Word, and the file size stays smaller than the PST email.
Select the email in Outlook, go to File, choose Save As and select Text Only as the file type. Then select a destination folder and save the file.
The manual method needs Outlook installed and saves one email at a time. It also exports only the email text, without header information, HTML formatting or attachments.
Yes. The automated PST to Text converter exports single, multiple or selected emails in one export. It supports both ANSI and Unicode PST files, and has date filters and naming patterns.