PST files are often a challenge to users when they want to change email clients and switch to other email clients, such as Microsoft Outlook. Outlook runs on a different file format- PST (Personal Storage Table), and most other platforms run on EML, and therefore, there is no direct compatibility. This is why users should convert PST into EML to have access to their emails regardless of applications, without losing any information.
PST vs EML: Why Conversion is Needed
- PST Files – Outlook uses those files to keep its email messages, contacts, calendars, and even tasks.
- EML Files – The EML file format is useful to store individual email messages and is open to Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Apple Mail and most forensic software.
Since EML is a common conversion format, users will find it easy to convert Outlook PST to EML due to accessibility, migration, and archiving reasons.
Reasons to Convert PST to EML
- Cross-Platform Support incompatibility: Shifting to EML- Email formats can support multiple email clients, in contrast to PST.
- Selective Saving – Email messages are saved as individual files; it becomes easy to share them or back them up.
- Legal & Forensic Usage- Often, EML is mandated when conducting an investigation.
- Long-term Backup – EML creates an easier reading when Outlook is not accessible.
Manual Method: Drag & Drop Emails
Direct export to EML is not available in Outlook. But this method will work out:
- Open Outlook and select the email.
- Drag it to your desktop or a folder.
- The message saves as .msg.
- Convert .msg into .eml using another step.
Limitation: This is applicable to only a limited number of emails and fails when it comes to the transfer of large PST files. Formatting or attachment can be lost.
Professional Method: Use a PST to EML Converter
When it comes to bulk conversion, the PST to EML converter is the safest solution. The large data involved is managed with these tools, and there is accuracy. A good Outlook PST Converter does not corrupt folder hierarchy, attachments and metadata.
We tested the product personally, and the BLR PST Converter Software has worked effectively. The program enabled me to bulk convert PST to EML so that the attachment, email header and structure are not lost. Even the large PST files will run on the software without the need to install Outlook.
Steps Using a PST Converter Tool
The conversion program of the majority of professional PST converter programs is as follows:
- Install and launch the converter.
- Add PST file(s).
- Choose “EML” as the output format.
- Select a location to save.
- Start the conversion process.
Within only a few minutes, all the emails in your Outlook mailbox will be available in EML format in any of the supported clients.
Benefits of Using a Tool
- Maintains Folder Structure – Ensures your Inbox, Sent Items, Drafts, and other folders remain intact.
- Saves Metadata – Retains email headers, read status and timestamps.
- Handles Large Files – No risk of corruption even with oversized PST files.
- Conversion at the Batch level – Convert a mass of PST files.
- No Outlook Required – Some tools (like the BLR Tools converter) do not require Outlook installation.
Conclusion
The file formats used in the emails stored in Outlook are really common, and hence, it may be a problem migrating emails to other platforms. Being exclusive to Outlook, PST files will restrict you, negatively affecting your access and compatibility with the files you convert to EML files and make them more flexible and accessible in the long term. Although manual procedures are available, they are very narrow and can be hazardous when dealing with heavy mailboxes.
The PST converter tool is the most efficient and safe way to use it. In my own experience, the BLR PST Converter Software offered an easy means of convert PST to EML, with no deletion of attachments or formatting. Upgrading your old email program or having data to archive, there can be various issues of email conversion using the email conversion tools available, without facing any loss of data or interference. The PST files into EML will help you protect your mail against any loss, and this has a high conversion rate.