Microsoft Outlook is an intuitive email client designed for desktop use, compatible with both Mac & Windows OS. For various reasons, many Mac Outlook users are seeking a solution to switch from Mac Outlook to macOS Mail. However, these two email applications utilise different file formats, specifically OLM and MBOX formats, respectively.
This incompatibility makes it impossible for users to transfer directly to the Mac Mail email client. Therefore, users must first convert their OLM files to the MBOX format supported by Apple Mail.
In this article, we will explore several methods that facilitate the importation of OLM files into Apple Mail seamlessly.
Let’s illustrate this situation with a user inquiry:
“Hi, I have been using Mac Outlook for a good few years now. The last month has caused it to run slowly. I uninstalled and reinstalled Mac Outlook 2016, and that did not fix the issue. So, I started using Mail for my email client & I find it to be simpler than Mac Outlook.” I intend to migrate my old .olm file into Mail. Can anyone advise me on how to import Outlook OLM files into Apple Mail? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!”
Reasons for Importing Outlook OLM to Mac Mail:
There isn’t a singular reason for migrating from Mac Outlook to Apple Mail; multiple factors contribute to users wanting to import their Outlook OLM files into Mac Mail. Some of these reasons include:
- Organising older OLM files within the Apple Mail client currently in use.
- Frequent errors arising in Mac Outlook prompt the user to switch to Mac Mail.
- Changes within organisations necessitate the switch from Outlook for Mac to Apple Mail.
Manual Method for Migrating Outlook for Mac to Apple Mail:
This conventional method utilises the fact that Outlook for Mac provides an option to create MBOX files; since Mail for Mac is compatible with MBOX files, this simplifies the conversion process. The procedure is divided into two parts:
Part 1: Exporting Data from Outlook for Mac OLM
- To begin, launch Outlook for Mac on your computer.
- Next, click on the mailbox that you want transferred from Outlook to the Mac Mail application.
- Then, drag that mailbox to your desktop. This will automatically save it as an MBOX file.
- Continue this process until you have as many mailboxes converted as you require to have MBOX files.
- Make sure to keep all MBOX files organised in a folder.
- Finally, close Outlook.
Part 2: Importing the OLM Data into Apple Mail on Mac
- Open Apple Mail.
- Next, navigate to File >> Import Mailboxes… option.
- Click on Import Mailboxes.
- Once you select Mailboxes, you will be prompted with a dialogue box on the screen. In this box, select the option to Files in mbox format and click Continue.
- Choose files in mbox format.
- Browse to find the folder containing all the MBOX files, and then click Choose to proceed.
- A new window will pop up showing previews of all of the .mbox files. If you want to exclude any mailboxes & just uncheck the box next to it.
- Then, finally, click Continue to import these MBOX files into Mail.
Click Continue. - The files should now be visible under the Import section.
Locate the MBOX files in the import section.
Drawbacks of the Manual Approach
The previously mentioned solution for converting OLM files into Apple Mail comes with certain limitations that are detailed below:
- Users are unable to import a standalone .olm file into the Apple Mail application.
- It requires the Outlook for Mac software to operate.
- It is not efficient for importing multiple OLM files into the Mac Mail client.
- The migration process consumes a considerable amount of time to complete.
Professional Solution for Switching Mac Outlook OLM to Mac Mail
For those looking for a reliable and easy way to import OLM files into Apple Mail, a professional tool could be the solution. DataVare OLM to MBOX Converter allows users to switch from Outlook for Mac to macOS Mail, all with just a few clicks.
The tool is intended to take OLM files from Mac Outlook & convert them into an Apple Mail-compatible format. The main features of the software include:
- Efficiently export batches of Mac Outlook mailboxes
- Capable of transferring selected OLM file data into preferred file formats
- Generates a comprehensive report of the entire conversion process
- Allows for exporting specific mailboxes using a data filter option
- Export OLM emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and notes as needed
- Provides the ability to break apart oversized PST files
- Smoothly converts Outlook 2021/2019/2016/2011 OLM files to Mac Mail
- Also works with all versions of the Windows Operating System
How to Import OLM files into Apple Mail
Step 1.) First, download and initiate the OLM to MBOX Converter.
Launch the tool to facilitate the import of OLM files into Apple Mail.
Step 2.) Next, upload the OLM file(s) into the software by selecting the “Add File / Add Folder” button and proceeding with the Next button.
Step 3.) Subsequently, choose the MBOX file format from the “Select Export Type” menu and opt to preserve the folder hierarchy, if necessary.
Step 4.) Following this, specify the destination path for the output data file.
Modify the destination address.
Step 5.)The last step is to press the Export button to start converting the OLM file into a Mac Mail-compatible format.
Step 6.) After the process is finalised, head to the export destination path where the converted MBOX file is stored.
In Conclusion
This article has outlined two methods to migrate OLM files into Mac Mail. Moreover, if someone wants to quickly import several OLM files into Apple Mail, it is recommended to go for the automated way. It guarantees a 100% conversion rate & maintains the original file structure. Finally, it will be the users who will determine the relevance of both processes.