How to Convert OLM to MBOX – Try This Simple Method Now!

Written By James Evans
Updated on October 30th, 2025

Alex’s Query: “I recently transferred my work emails from Mac Outlook to Apple Mail, but my old mailbox data is saved in OLM files, which Apple Mail does not support. I cannot open or import those emails directly into Apple Mail. I would like to have access to my old emails, attachments, and folders in Apple Mail, without leaving anything behind. Is there a simple way to convert OLM to MBOX format?”

Summary: If you’ve recently moved from Mac Outlook to Apple Mail or another MBOX-based email client, it may not be so easy to adjust. The reason is that Mac Outlook stores all your mailbox data, including your emails, in OLM files. That is why it is important to export OLM to MBOX. This tutorial will define OLM and MBOX files and the reasons for exporting OLM files to MBOX. As well as the most convenient way to do that conversion, which will be either manual or by using the Aryson OLM Converter Tool.

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Table of Contents

What is an OLM File, and Why Convert It to MBOX?

Before going through the conversion steps, it is good to know what you will be converting.

The OLM file is a unique file format generated by Microsoft Outlook for Mac. It combines your emails, contacts, calendars, and additional mailbox items in a single file. It is exclusive to Mac Outlook, meaning that it cannot be imported into any other clients.

MBOX is a standardized mailbox format that is supported by all clients in the market. By taking OLM files and converting them to MBOX, you are creating greater accessibility and interoperability of your emails and files across platforms.

Here are some common reasons to convert OLM to MBOX:

You are changing your email application: You are changing from Outlook for Mac to Apple Mail, or other email news readers such as Thunderbird. An email app will be the same no matter what platform (OS X, Linux, Windows) you plan to use or change to.
Cross-platform use: MBOX is a file format that is supported by essentially every email program.
Backup and portability: MBOX files are minimally easier to backup and share than OLM files.
Recovery: In some environments, OLM to MBOX conversion can be useful for recovering emails that would otherwise be undeletable.

Manual Procedures to Export OLM to MBOX File

Outlook for Mac does not provide an option for directly exporting OLM files to MBOX. However, it can still be done by manually syncing your Outlook mailbox with Apple Mail as if it were a normal IMAP-based email account (such as Gmail or Yahoo). Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Create a Gmail Account in Outlook for Mac

Open Outlook for Mac on your system.
Select Preferences > Accounts and click the + icon.
Select New Account and log in using your Gmail credentials.
Make sure that IMAP is enabled on your Gmail account (under Gmail Settings → Forwarding and POP/IMAP).

Step 2: Transfer Your Outlook Email to Gmail

Create a new folder under your Gmail account in Outlook.
Drag and drop all of your emails from your Outlook mailbox into that new folder.
Be patient while the action runs. All of your emails will then be available inside your Gmail account online.

Step 3: Add Your Gmail Account to Apple Mail

Open up the Apple Mail app on your Mac.
Select Mail > Add Account > Google and sign in with your Gmail account.

Step 4: Export Emails to MBOX

When you are in Apple Mail, select the Gmail folder with the emails that you just added.
Select Mailbox > Export Mailbox and select the destination folder on your Mac.
Save the mailbox file, which will be in .mbox format.
That’s it! You have done a manual encoding of your OLM to MBOX file!

Although that would work, this method could be slower, have too many settings to change, require an active internet connection, and have concerns of data loss or partially migrated and sensitive data if you have a lot of emails to migrate.

Simple Solution to Convert OLM to MBOX Using a Third-Party Application

The Aryson OLM Converter Tool will make the conversion process quick and easy for you. This utility allows you to quickly convert your OLM files into the MBOX format through a few clicks of a button. You can convert the files in an orderly manner while keeping the attachments preserved and attaching files intact. You can convert OLM to PST at the same time and utilize available filters to choose what emails or folders you want to import.

Simple Steps to Convert OLM File to MBOX:

Firstly, download the OLM Converter Tool on your computer.

Open the tool and select files to select your OLM file.

The software will scan the system and preview all mailbox items.

Select MBOX as your output format.

Select the destination path to save the converted file.

Finally, click Convert to Export OLM Files into MBOX.

Significant Highlights of Aryson OLM Converter

These are significant advantages that make this utility a perfect option for converting OLM to MBOX without wasting any time.

No Data Loss Guarantee: All email, contacts, and calendar items are preserved.
Batch Conversion Feature: Migrate multiple OLM files in bulk.
Cross-platform Functionality: Allows users to convert OLM to ICS, such as Apple Mail, Thunderbird, Eudora email clients, and so on.
Smart Filter Application: Export only the emails you want using Date Range or Folder filter options.
User-friendly Interface: Intuitive migration for all user types.

Conclusion

When you convert OLM to MBOX is the best way to access Outlook for Mac emails in other clients. The manual method works but is slow and risky. Using the Aryson OLM Converter Tool ensures quick and secure conversion. It preserves attachments, folder structure, and formatting perfectly. You can also export multiple OLM files at once. For a safe and accurate result, use this professional tool to easily convert OLM to MBOX without any data loss.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q.1 What is an OLM file and why do I need to convert it to MBOX?

Ans: An OLM file is the data storage format used by Outlook for Mac. Since most email clients like Apple Mail or Thunderbird support MBOX instead, converting OLM to MBOX makes your emails compatible and easier to access.

Q.2 Does converting OLM to MBOX affect email formatting or attachments?

Ans: No. If you use a reliable tool like Aryson OLM Converter, your emails, attachments, formatting, and metadata remain exactly the same after conversion.

Q.3 Can I export OLM files to MBOX without using Outlook?

Ans: Yes. The Aryson OLM Converter Tool can directly convert OLM files to MBOX without needing Outlook installation on your system.
1. Firstly, download the OLM Converter Tool on your computer.
2. Open the tool and select files to select your OLM file.
3. The software will scan the system and preview all mailbox items.
4. Select MBOX as your output format.
5. Select the destination path to save the converted file.
6. Finally, click Convert to Export OLM Files into MBOX.

Q.4 What is the best method to convert OLM to MBOX in 2025?

Ans: The best and most efficient way is to use the Aryson OLM Converter Tool. It provides accurate results, supports bulk conversion, and ensures complete data safety.

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About The Author:

James Evans

As a lead technical writer and expert in Data Conversion & Email Migration, I've decided to share my technical knowledge. I helps users to solve their query through blogs because I enjoy assisting in tackling tough technical challenges.