If you’re using Outlook and want to export data from Outlook for Mac to MBOX format for another email client like Apple Mail, this guide offers a simple method to do so. This blog will look at both manual and software methods of converting OLM files to an MBOX file, and you can decide which method is easier for you.
You do not need to have advanced technical skills to work with this powerful utility.
Comprehending the OLM and MBOX Formats
Prior to beginning the OLM file to MBOX conversion process, website, and .mbox files, we should define both formats, OLM and MBOX.
OLM (Outlook for Mac): OLM files are exclusively Microsoft Outlook for Mac proprietary files and thus can only be opened and read by Outlook for Mac. This creates a dilemma if you wish to switch an email client or platform because, typically, an OLM to MBOX conversion must take place before the email can be used.
MBOX: MBOX files are much more flexible. They are supported by many email clients, such as Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Gmail. This is an advantage for data migration since you can easily move your email messages from one platform to another without the need to convert.
Reasons to Convert OLM to MBOX
OLM is a proprietary file format used by Outlook for Mac to save email messages; MBOX is more widely supported.
Converting OLM files has multiple benefits. The following table summarises the benefits of translating OLM Outlook to MBOX:
Benefit Description
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: MBOX files can be imported into many different email applications for superior cross-platform support and interoperability.
- Data Preservation: Migrating OLM Mac Outlook to MBOX allows you to maintain your email data in its entirety as you move away from OLM, preserving all the valuable data in your email.
- Easy Data Migration: The universal compatibility of MBOX makes it easy to migrate away from OLM, a simple process.
Translating OLM files to MBOX files is a good idea if you want to increase the portability and compatibility of your email messages.
How to Change OLM File to MBOX? – Manual Procedure
As you mentioned, you can just drag and drop your OLM files to a folder in Finder to convert OLM files to MBOX. This is an easy way to pull your email messages out on your own without loading any 3rd party applications.
Simple and Quick Process to Convert OLM files to MBOX:
- Open the Outlook for Mac application.
- Go to the mailbox or folder you want to convert to MBOX
- Drag and drop the mailbox or folder to a folder in your Finder.
- The folder will have a file with the MBOX extension. This file is the MBOX version of the original mailbox.
- The MBOX file can now be imported into another email client.
There are a couple more things to keep in mind when you use this drag-and-drop option to change your OLM files to MBOX:
- The drag-and-drop feature will only convert mailboxes or folders to MBOX files, and you will not have the option to convert one OLM email into MBOX format.
- The MBOX file will only include messages that are in the mailbox or folder upon conversion. Deleted messages from the mailbox or folder will not export to the MBOX file.
- The MBOX file will be exported to the mailbox or folder you dragged and dropped it into.
- Not all versions of Outlook for Mac have this option.
Convert Outlook for Mac into MBOX Format – Expert Solution
In the above section, we mentioned the manual technique to convert Outlook Mac OLM files to MBOX format, but this method was not recommended by most users. In this section, we use expert and professional software like DataVare OLM to MBOX Converter for smoother and safer conversion. These specialised applications are specially designed for making the conversion of Mac OLM files to MBOX quickly and reliably. To understand the procedure of how the software migrates the Outlook OLM mailbox to MBOX, just follow these simple steps:
Step 1. First of all, launch and start the OLM to MBOX Converter software on your system.
Load emails
Step 2: Next, the top OLM file to MBOX application will present a dual interface for exporting OLM mailbox data into the program by selecting either the Files or Folder options.
Select folder
Step 3: Afterwards, you will need to choose the OLM items, after which the tool will indicate its path >> click on the Next button to transform Outlook OLM emails to MBOX.
View path
Step 4: Please select the specific folders you wish to change from OLM to MBOX format.
Previewing all folders
Step 5: Then, on the subsequent screen, a variety of saving options will be provided. Here, you can opt for MBOX as the output format.
olm to mbox converter
Step 6: Configure the OLM file conversion to MBOX options, such as the Destination path.
export olm to mbox
Step 7: The migration process begins here. Users can monitor the live conversion status.
Convert Outlook. Olm to mbox
Step 8: Once the migration from the OLM file to MBOX is completed, the converted data will automatically open.
In Conclusion
With this guide, users can effortlessly convert OLM files to MBOX file format, making transferring email data between applications a breeze. The straightforward steps in this guide, paired with an independent Mac Outlook to MBOX Converter, promise a fast and easy way to convert. Make the switch now to benefit from improved compatibility and accessibility with the MBOX format!
Imathew Jaxson 
ethan feng