Many Outlook users want to convert OST to PDF so they can open, read, or share emails without Outlook or an Exchange server. If you are searching for a reliable and practical way to export OST to PDF, this guide is written exactly for you.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What an OST file is and why PDF is preferred
- Whether manual conversion is possible
- Step-by-step methods to convert OST to PDF
- The fastest and safest way to convert large or orphaned OST files
What Is an OST File and Why Convert It to PDF?
An OST (Offline Storage Table) file is created by Microsoft Outlook when it syncs with an Exchange, Office 365, or IMAP account. It stores a local copy of your mailbox data, such as emails, contacts, calendars, and attachments.
However, OST files have limitations:
- They cannot be opened on another system
- They require Outlook and server access
- Orphaned OST files are often completely inaccessible
- On the other hand, PDF is a universal file format that:
- Opens on any device without Outlook
- Is easy to share and archive
- Can be password-protected
- Keeps emails readable and well-structured
That’s why many users prefer converting OST emails into PDF format.
Can You Convert OST to PDF Manually?
There is no direct manual option in Outlook to convert OST to PDF. However, a workaround exists using Outlook and Microsoft Word. This method is only useful if you have a few emails and an active Outlook profile.
Method 1. How to Export OST to PDF Manually?
You can manually convert OST file to PDF file using Microsoft Outlook. Outlook does not provide a direct option to export OST to PDF files. The method has two phases to complete this task.
Step 1. Save OST as HTML
- Open Microsoft Outlook on your system.
- Now, select the file that you want to save into PDF.
- Click on the File tab.
- After that, click on the Save As option.
- Then, Click on Save as drop-down list and select HTML.
- After that, give the File name and select the location to save the file.
- At last click on Save button to start the process.
Step 2. Save HTML as PDF
After completing the above phase close Outlook and follow the given steps-
- Go to the HTML file that you saved in step 1 and right-click on it.
- Now, Go to Open with option and select Microsoft Word to open it.
- After that go to File tab and click on Save As option.
- Select PDF from Save As drop down list.
- Click on Browse and select the path to save PDF file.
- Finally, click on the Save button.
Done! Hence, you can manually convert OST to PDF format.
Limitations of the Manual Method
This approach works only in limited situations:
- Converts one email at a time
- Requires Outlook + Exchange configuration
- Cannot convert orphaned OST files
- Not suitable for large mailboxes
- Very time-consuming
- No bulk or filter options
If you need PDFs with attachments or have multiple OST files, this method is not practical.
How to Convert OST Emails to PDF with Complete Data?
Xtraxtor OST Converter is a secure and reliable solution to export OST to PDF format. With this software, you do not install Outlook or any other applications for converting OST to PDF. It can convert OST to PDF in bulk. It provides various advanced filters to export selected emails from OST to PDF format. The tool can convert orphaned or larger OST files with full accuracy.
You can download its free demo version and convert OST to PDF for free.
Steps to Convert OST File to PDF with Attachments
- Launch Xtraxtor OST to PDF Converter on your system.
- After that, navigate to Open >> Email Data Files >> Outlook OST/PST Files >> Choose Files or Folder.
- Here, you can view all emails from OST file before converting them to PDF.
- Now, click on Export and choose PDF from the given list.
- After that, choose folders and subfolders that you want to convert into PDF.
- Apply filters to export selected emails from OST file to PDF.
- Browse target location and then press Save button to start OST to PDF conversion process.
Done! Hence, you can easily convert OST file to PDF format in a few simple clicks.
Key Features of Xtraxtor OST to PDF Converter
- The software can directly convert OST to PDF without Outlook or Exchange Server connection.
- It preserves 100% data integrity and gives accurate results without any data loss.
- It can also convert OST to PST, EML, MBOX, TXT, HTML, and many other formats.
- The software has dual mode that allows you to convert OST to PDF in bulk with full accuracy.
- With this utility, you can convert OST emails based on Date Range, Time, Sender, Recipient, Receiver, etc.
- The tool maintains folder hierarchy and structure during OST to PDF conversion process.
- Using this tool, you can import OST file to Gmail, Office 365, Yahoo Mail, and many more email accounts.
- Due to its simplified user interface, any novice users can easily convert OST to PDF without external help.
- It supports all the latest and old version of Windows operating system and Outlook versions.
- A free demo version is available to check its work efficiency and accuracy.
Conclusion
In this post, we have discussed how to convert OST to PDF file. Here, we have mentioned manual and automated solutions. You can manually export OST to PDF using Outlook, but there are some restrictions to this method. However, experts recommend using the automated solution to convert OST file to PDF format without facing any issues.