Learn How to Export OLM to MBOX Without Errors – Step-by-Step 2025
This learns you how to export OLM to MBOX without errors - a step-by-step 2025 guide to convert Mac Outlook emails, preserve attachments & folder structure.

Outlook for Mac enables Mac users to connect with the Exchange Server seamlessly. This Microsoft email application retains mailbox data in the OLM format. Users of email applications or software are not able to access OLM emails. Other applications like Apple Mail, or free clients like Thunderbird, do not support OLM file emails! You may access and use their OLM file emails with email clients that support MBOX format, but you must convert your OLM files to MBOX files. Just read through this guide now to learn how to easily do this! However, first, let's review some possible reasons to change your OLM to MBOX.
Reason For OLM to MBOX Conversion
MBOX files are compatible with all open-source email clients. Beyond its benefits, there may be various other reasons to transition from OLM to MBOX. Some of these are:
- Generally easier and more cost-effective to handle than OLM files.
- MBOX files are universally supported across different operating systems.
- Compatible with more than 20 open-source email clients
- Includes an easy-to-use interface for viewing and reading OLM files.
These distinctions render MBOX files exceptional in their operations. Let's explore the techniques to convert the OLM format to the MBOX format efficiently.
Procedure for manual conversion of OLM to MBOX
There are limited methods available for manually converting OLM to MBOX. Nevertheless, this section will outline a standard approach for OLM to MBOX conversion.
Method 1. Drag-and-drop method
This approach converts an OLM folder into an MBOX, rather than the whole mailbox. You must duplicate this operation in two stages until all OLM mailbox items are converted into MBOX. It's only possible in Outlook for Mac versions. First, to start: Part 1 Import an OLM file into Outlook for Mac.
- Open Outlook for Mac and click on Tools, then select Import.
- Choose an Outlook for Mac archive file (.olm), then click Continue.
- Find your OLM file and click on Import.
- You will now see your imported OLM files in the On My Computer area of Outlook for Mac.
Part 2. Drag and drop the OLM folder to the MBOX
- Open Outlook for Mac on your computer once more.
- Navigate to the imported OLM data in Outlook for Mac, find the folder you need to drag and drop to your favorite selection of File Explorer.
This will save your OLM folder in MBOX form as a file on your computer.
Method 2. Converting OLM to MBOX using Gmail and Outlook
An alternative method to convert an OLM file to MBOX format involves setting up an IMAP account in Outlook for Mac and then exporting the OLM file. Here’s how to carry out this method:
Part 1. Activating IMAP in the G-account.
- Please log in to your G-account.
- Click the Gear icon in the top right corner of the page & select See all settings.
- Go to the Forwarding and POP-IMAP tab & find IMAP access. Turn on the IMAP setting and press Save Changes.
Part 2. Configuring IMAP Account in Outlook for Mac and Exporting OLM Files
- Launch the Outlook email application & click on Tools > Account > Email.
- Input your Gmail account credentials and add your account.
- Select the emails to be converted into MBOX format & right-click to move them.
- Click on the Control Panel option, then select Mail > Open an account.
- Select the New option and set the necessary configurations.
- In this manner, the IMAP account is established in Windows Outlook.
- Create a new PST file from the Outlook Import-Export option.
- After, you will be able to convert your file to MBOX format.
Reliable software to convert OLM to MBOX format.
Manual techniques have numerous drawbacks, and it is not advisable to convert OLM to MBOX format. Instead, you can use a professional tool such as DataVare OLM to MBOX Converter to achieve safe and effortless conversion. This software is highly autonomous and simple to use, which enhances your benefits. lt will convert OLM files to MBOX format, which can be used by Apple Mail and a multitude of other open source email clients, such as Thunderbird.
Converting OLM files to MBOX format is very simple. Please follow the straightforward instructions:
Step 1. Download the professional OLM to PST converter software.
Step 2. Complete the installation of the tool by following the provided instructions.
Step 3. Launch the tool from your device & then select the option labeled “Select File” in the toolbar.
Step 4. Hit the Browse button to upload the OLM file, then click Next.
Step 5. Preview your OLM email in the original hierarchy and select the file you want to convert & then click on the Save button.
Step 6. Choose the MBOX File from various file-saving options and click Next.
Step 7. In this section, choose the necessary filters to convert particular data from the OLM file to MBOX. Simply select your desired filtering options and then click on Next.
Step 8. Locate your desired MBOX email client & then select Browse to mark a saving location. When you are finished & click on Finish.
Step 9. The conversion process will take a moment and will conclude with a successful conversion message along with the saving location. Click the OK button to wrap up the process.
Conclusion
If you consider manually transferring your emails between Thunderbird, Apple Mail & Gmail, you will soon face challenges. Simply implement a product that is third-party software to do the migration more smoothly without interruptions. The software will scan the source OLM files without difficulties and convert them into MBOX files. The writer will identify where the MBOX file will be saved.