Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email client, and many users on Mac choose to export their data in .olm format for various reasons, such as data backup or migration to a different email client. However, users may find it difficult to open OLM files exported from Outlook on Mac and it may not be as straightforward as one might think.
Since the new Outlook does not import OLM files, it has become a challenge for users to open an orphan OLM in Outlook for Mac. To overcome this situation, one has to either convert OLM to MBOX so that you can open it via Apple Mail or look for an OLM file view to access the file independently. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to successfully open .olm files exported from Outlook on Mac.
What Are OLM Files? Understanding the File Format
Before we delve into the steps, let’s briefly understand what .olm files are. A .olm file is an Outlook for Mac data file that contains emails, contacts, calendars, and other Outlook data. When you export your Outlook data on a Mac, it is saved in this proprietary file format. Since it is only supported by Mac OS, you cannot open it in any other operating system. To do that, you either need to convert OLM to PST file format or another versatile format like .eml.
How to Open OLM Files Exported from Outlook on Mac Without Having it Installed?
As we have seen to open OLM files without Outlook for Mac, you need to convert it to a format that entirely depends upon the application through which you want to open it. There could be many possible ways.
1. Use OLM File Viewer to Open the Files
To view and open an OLM file, you can opt for a free OLM viewer tool; available online. These are designed to read and display the content of OLM files autonomously without needing an emailing application.
2. Open OLM in Outlook for Windows
If you want to stick to Outlook for Windows then converting your files to PST format can be an easy way out to open an OLM file. This is specifically beneficial for those users who want to open OLM files on Windows. The process of converting the files in very simple, just follow these steps:
1. Launch the tool by Magus Tools and choose Select File or Select Folder option to browse OLM Files.
2. Click on the Browse button to look for a destination path.
3. Use the Select File Format feature to choose the PST format for conversion.
4. Hit the Convert button to complete the process.
Once you have the PST file, you can import it into your Outlook account using Import / Export wizard. The steps for that are:
1. Open the Outlook app on your Windows OS.
2. Go to the File option and choose Open and Export >> Import/Export.
3. From there, the Import from Another File or Program option will appear. Hit Next after choosing it.
4. Then, you can choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) as your format to be imported and press Next.
5. Search for the PST files you want to import using the Browse feature and hit Finish.
Now, you can access and open OLM files exported from Mac Outlook.
3. Open OLM Files in Another Email Client
For Thunderbird users, it is very easy to view the OLM files. You only need to convert your files into MBOX file format. This can be easily done by using our OLM to MBOX converter. It can export multiple, large OLM files into MBOX format. The simple steps of doing so are:
1. Run the software on your system and hit Select Files or Folders option.
2. Find a location to store the files in by using the Browse feature.
3. Choose the MBOX format available in the Select File Format section.
4. Press Convert and start the smooth transition.
5. Open Thunderbird application and go to the Tools.
6. Choose the Import option from there and select the Import from a file option.
7. Browse for the files you want to import and click on Next.
8. Tap on Start Import to start moving the files.
4. Open OLM in Any Browser by Changing the Format to HTML
Saving OLM into HTML file formats can also be a way to open and view OLM file emails independently. In this way, you just need an internet connection with a browser to open the OLM file emails easily. For that, the OLM to HTML Converter Tool will be perfect. The steps of the tool remain the same, you just have to choose the HTML format from the Select File Format section.
5. Save OLM for Versatile Access
Since, EML file is a versatile file format used by almost every emailing application on different operating systems. Thus, saving OLM to EML is a very smart approach to make your OLM file available and accessible anytime anywhere. Again, the process requires users to choose the File Format as EML and apply the desired Naming Convention to rename the files.
How to Convert OLM Files to Other file formats?
To convert OLM files into different formats to access them in other email clients, you can opt for a Magus OLM converter. It is a reliable tool to export OLM files into several file formats without much hassle. Follow few easy steps:
1. Launch the tool and click on “Select File” or “Select Folder” button
2. Browse the OLM files which you want to convert
3. Select the appropriate format in which you want to save the OLM file
4. Choose the necessary filters as per your requirement
5. Click on “Convert” button to proceed
Tips and Considerations of Opening OLM Files Exported from Outlook on Mac
It is important to consider the following points for a safe migration or to open the files securely:
- Always keep a backup of your .olm file before attempting any conversion or import process.
- Ensure that you have the necessary permissions and access rights to open and manipulate the .olm file.
- Keep your software, including Outlook and any conversion tools, up to date to avoid compatibility issues.
Conclusion for Opening OLM Files
Opening .olm files exported from Outlook on Mac may require some effort, but with the right methods and tools, you can successfully access your valuable data. Whether you choose to import directly into Outlook, convert to a different format, or use alternative email clients, following these steps will help you navigate through the process smoothly. Always prioritize data safety and consider seeking professional assistance if you encounter any challenges along the way.
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