Many users face difficulties when they convert the OST file to MBOX, because the OST file is slow and large in size. The OST file is profile-specific with accounts and, therefore, is not easy to access. Most of the users don’t understand the approach everywhere. Here, we provide both manual and professional methods to convert OST file to MBOX. Our motive is to make the process easy and effective. For this, we provide a powerful MacSonik OST to PST Converter Tool so that the process will be simplified and secure.
A Short Description About OST & MBOX:
Basically, the OST (Offline Storage Table) is a Microsoft Outlook’s Offline cache of your mailbox, which can be used without the internet. It is used to store emails, contacts, calendar entries, and tasks.
Whereas, MBOX is a flexible format supported by a wide range of email applications across different platforms, such as Windows and MAC OS. It contains all the details for the exported messages, including message text and any attachments. The metadata file reflects the message metadata as recorded by Google.
Why Is There a Need To Change OST Files into MBOX?
There are various needs mentioned here why users convert the OST file to MBOX.
- The MBOX file is compatible across platforms, which means you can access your data anywhere.
- It allows the best organization and archiving of your emails and attachments. It improves data management.
- Convert OST into MBOX for smoother migration to platforms like Gmail or Yahoo Mail means migrating to a non-Exchange server.
- The MBOX file works with various email clients, such as Office 365, Thunderbird, Gmail, Google Wordspace and others.
- MBOX is a better option and an easy-to-manage email backup solution for all technical and non-technical users.
Now, you should know both the manual and professional methods, which can be helpful for you while you are switching email platforms.
Manual Method to Convert OST File to MBOX
The manual approach involves multiple steps and indirect conversion, as Outlook does not support MBOX export natively. You can use these steps:
Step 1. Convert OST to PST in Outlook
- Open the Outlook application, and go to the File section.
- After that, click Options > Advanced.
- Then, find the Export section and choose Export.
- Select Export to a file and choose Outlook Data File (.pst).
- Pick the mailbox to export and select the destination to save the PST File.
- Tab Finish to begin the export process.
Step 2. Import PST into Thunderbird
- First, open Thunderbird and click on the More menu.
2. After that, choose the Tools and click on Import.
3. Select Import from Outlook and press the continue button.
4. Choose the Outlook profile with PST data.
5. Also, pick the item to import from PST.
6. Click on Import to transfer the PST into Thunderbird.
Step 3: Convert OST to MBOX
The PST file is already saved as MBOX in Thunderbird, but to export it:
- Download the ImportExportTools NG extension in Thunderbird from Add-ons.
- Select the PST files and right-click them.
- Then, choose Export Message As, and click on MBOX format.
- Pick how to save, select a destination, and click Save.
Limitation: This method is time-consuming and not suitable for bulk conversion. Also, it requires technical expertise.
Method 2. Professional Method to convert OST file to MBOX.
The manual method to convert OST files to MBOX is also available, but it can be lengthy and inefficient. To make the process easy and time-saving, you can use MacSonik OST File to MBOX Converter. It save time of the users with batch MBOX file conversion.This tool can easily convert OST files to PST. You can verify email with bult-in preview feature before the export process. And many features are available to export OST file to MBOX without any data loss.
Steps to Transfer OST to MBOX
- 1: First, install and open the MacSonik OST to MBOX Converter Tool.
- 2: Press on Choose Files to locate and add OST files to convert. Click Open.
- 3: Preview and tab the desired item from the tree-structured mailbox. Click Next.
- 4: Select the MBOX option from the Saves/Backup/Migrate As dropdown menu.
- 5: Assign the desired place to save the resultant MBOX file.
- 6: Finally, click the Convert button to perform the OST to MBOX conversion.
Conclusion:
The need to convert OST file to MBOX is common. The manual method exists, but it can be inefficient and result in data loss. So a professional method provides efficient and error-free conversion without data loss. The professional method is fast, secure, and with no data damage. You can confidently convert OST file into MBOX while keeping your email safe.

