Microsoft Outlook for Mac is a powerful email client that helps users manage their emails, contacts, and calendars seamlessly. One essential aspect of Outlook is the ability to create backups, and for Mac users, this involves dealing with OLM (Outlook for Mac Data File) files. Since OLM files are specifically created by Outlook for Mac, at times it becomes necessary to locate OLM files to save them as backup.
The new Outlook for Mac does not allow to import of OLM files, knowing the OLM file location makes it easier for you to migrate from Outlook for Mac to other platforms like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Gmail, Outlook for Windows, etc. If you’ve ever wondered where these elusive OLM files are stored on your Mac, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll unravel the mystery and guide you on how to find the OLM file location in Mac Outlook.
How to Locate OLM Files in Mac Outlook? General Method
Let us learn the basic steps of locating the OLM files in a Mac PC to understand the process. However, every version of Outlook has a different saving location. Also, if you have manually selected an external HDD to save the OLM files then you need to look in that device.
Open Finder:
Launch the finder application on your Mac. You can do this by clicking on the finder icon in your Dock or using the Command + N shortcut.
Navigate to Documents:
In the Finder window, locate and click on the “Documents” folder in the left sidebar. This is a common location where Outlook stores its data files.
Open Microsoft User Data:
Within the “Documents” folder, look for a folder named “Microsoft User Data.” This folder is typically created when you install Microsoft Office, including MS Outlook.
Find the Main Identity Folder:
Inside the “Microsoft User Data” folder, you’ll find various folders corresponding to different Outlook identities if you have multiple profiles. Locate the one labeled “Main Identity.” This is where your main Outlook data is stored.
Locate the OLM Files:
Within the “Main Identity” folder, you should find several files, including OLM files. These files usually have names like “Main Identity .olm” or similar. These are your backup files containing Outlook data.
Use Spotlight Search:
If you’re having trouble locating the files manually, you can use Spotlight Search. Click on the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner of your screen, type “.olm” (without quotes), and press Enter. Spotlight will display all OLM files on your system.
Check External Storage:
If you’ve chosen to store your Outlook data on an external drive or a different location, navigate to that location and look for the “Microsoft User Data” folder and subsequent “Main Identity” folder there.
Now that you have tried to locate the OLM files, but failed then simply try to find the location as per the version of Mac Outlook you are using.
Outlook 365 for Mac:
Path: /Users/UserName /Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/Outlook/Outlook 15 Profiles/
Outlook 2019 for Mac:
Path: /Users/<username>/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/Outlook/Outlook 15 Profiles/Main Profile
Outlook 2016 for Mac:
Path: /Users/<username>/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/Outlook/Outlook 15 Profiles/Main Profile
Outlook 2011 for Mac:
Path: /Users/‹username›/Documents/Microsoft User Data/Office 2011 Identities/Main Identity
Benefits of Knowing the Location of OLM File in Mac
Whether you want to add OLM files to Outlook for Mac or need to import OLM data on windows PC; knowing the location of OLM files on Mac Outlook is crucial for several reasons
Backup and Restore: Understanding the file location allows you to create backups of your Outlook data. In case of data loss or system issues, having a backup ensures that you can restore your emails, contacts, and other information.
Migration: If you’re transitioning to a new computer or upgrading your system, knowing the OLM file location would be beneficial to export the Outlook Mac data to PST or other formats so that you can easily use your emails and settings to the new environment.
Troubleshooting: When encountering issues with Outlook on your Mac, locating the OLM files can be helpful for troubleshooting. Accessing the files directly allows you to diagnose problems, repair the database, or recover specific items if needed.
Archiving: If you want to archive certain emails or folders separately, being aware of the OLM file location enables you to manually manage your archives and keep your Outlook data organized.
Third-Party Tools: Some third-party tools or utilities may require the OLM file location for specific operations, such as data conversion, extraction, or advanced analysis. Knowing the file location ensures compatibility with such tools.
Overall, knowing the OLM file location provides you with greater control and flexibility over your Outlook data, facilitating tasks related to data management, maintenance, and optimization.
Conclusion: Finding the OLM file location in Mac Outlook might seem like a daunting task, but with these simple steps, you can easily locate and manage your backup files. Whether you’re archiving your emails or transferring data to a new computer, knowing where these files reside is crucial for a smooth Outlook experience on your Mac. Now that you’ve unveiled the mystery of OLM file locations, you can navigate your Outlook data with confidence and ease.
