How to Convert Outlook PST to EML for eM Client: Complete Migration Guide

How to Convert Outlook PST to EML for eM Client: Complete Migration Guide

Microsoft Outlook stores mailbox information in PST files, and EML is an email-message format supported by a number of email applications.


Users who want to move Outlook emails to eM Client may therefore consider converting PST messages into EML files before importing them.


But there is an important thing to know: you can import Outlook PST files directly in eM Client, even using the File > Import workflow. It can also import EML files from a folder.


Hence, PST to EML conversion proves to be very useful for users who are looking for individual EML files, want a portable version of their Outlook messages or want to open the converted emails in other applications supporting EML files before importing into eM Client.


This guide explains what PST and EML formats are, why you might need to convert PST to EML, the available options and how to convert Outlook emails and import the resulting EML files into eM Client.


What Are PST and EML Files?


PST is a short form of Personal Storage Table that is a data file used by Microsoft Outlook to store emails and other mailbox information. A PST file can store messages, attachments, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, and other data depending on the Outlook environment.


EML is a file format for a single e-mail message. EML is used to store single messages including their email content and components, while PST is a more general Outlook data container.


The difference between the two formats matters when you are planning a migration. eM Client supports import of EML files and also has direct import from Outlook PST.


Why Convert Outlook PST to EML for eM Client?


For users who only want to import the Outlook data into eM Client, direct PST import may be sufficient. But there are some situations where PST to EML conversion is helpful:


  1. You want individual email files, not the whole PST database.
  2. You want to save a separate copy of Outlook messages in EML.
  3. You want to give access to emails to several applications that are EML compatible.
  4. You want selective email conversion rather than migrating a complete Outlook data file.
  5. You are working with archived Outlook data and need a message format that is more portable.
  6. You want to view or categorize individual messages before importing them into eM Client.

According to eM Client's documentation, you can import emails from a folder containing EML files while including subfolders during the process.


Read: EML Files Not Opening in Outlook? Causes, Fixes & Solutions


Method 1: Directly Opening PST Files in eM Client


Before PST to EML conversion, users should consider whether conversion is really necessary. Today eM Client supports the import of Outlook PST and OST files using File > Import. Users can select an Outlook Data File and the folders they wish to import.


Steps to Directly Import PST


  1. Open eM Client.
  2. Choose File > Import.
  3. Select the Outlook Data File option for PST.
  4. Browse to locate the required PST file.
  5. Go to the folder selection screen.
  6. Choose the folders you want to import.
  7. Select a destination for the imported data.
  8. Begin the import and wait for it to complete.
  9. Review the imported messages to verify accuracy.

Benefits


The direct method does not require an additional conversion step and is convenient if the only purpose is to transfer Outlook data to eM Client. It might also be more closely related to the original Outlook data structure.


Drawbacks


Users who specifically need EML files as a separate output may not be served by a direct import. It also doesn't cover the case where the user wants to create portable individual email files to be used outside of the eM Client environment.


Method 2: Using a Dedicated PST to EML Converter Tool


For those users who need EML output specifically, there is a separate converter that can generate EML files from the Outlook PST. eM Client can then import those EML files using its import wizard.


Step-by-Step Guide


Step 1: Get the PST File Ready


Locate the Outlook PST file where the emails you want to move are located. Backup your original PST before conversion and check that destination drive has enough space.


Step 2: Importing PST File


Launch WholeClear PST to EML Converter and navigate to the desired Outlook PST file. According to the product page, the utility is a standalone application to export Outlook PST messages to EML and does not require Outlook installation.



Step 3: Review Mailboxes Data


Check the PST contents displayed by the software. Previewing data ensures that the right source file has been

selected before conversion.


Step 4: Choose Where to Save the Output


Choose a separate folder where the EML files will be stored. Keep converted files separate from original PST for easy verification and backup.


Step 5: Begin the Conversion


Start converting PST to EML. The software is used for exporting Outlook messages in EML format, keeping associated attachments and email elements. It also says that email properties such as subject, sender, recipient, dates, formatting, hyperlinks and images can be preserved in the conversion process.


Step 6: Importing EML Files into eM Client


Open eM Client and navigate to File > Import after conversion. Select the option to import from a folder containing EML files. Go to the output folder, select the option to include subfolders, select the destination mail folder and complete the import wizard.


Key Advantages


Individual Message Files


EML allows users to manage, transfer, archive or inspect specific emails by providing individual files for messages.


Universal Compatibility


Several email applications support EML. The converter documentation mentions eM Client, Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express and other applications supporting the EML format as possible destinations.


Selective Migration


The whole PST is not treated as one migration package so users can focus on the Outlook data they need. This can be useful for archived email or departmental email collections.


Maintain Attachments


If attachments are important to the migration, you must keep them with the converted email. The product documentation states that you can export PST messages with their associated attachments.


Best Practices for a Seamless Email Migration


Here are some practices to consider before you begin the migration:


  1. Always back up the original PST file before making any changes.
  2. Confirm available space for EML output.
  3. Organize EML files into logical folders when processing large archives.
  4. Check attachments after conversion.
  5. Analyze sender, recipient, subject, date and formatting.
  6. First import a small test set in case the mailbox is very large.
  7. Do not change the original PST until the migration has been fully verified.

Do not remove converted data right after importing to eM Client.


Frequently Asked Questions


How to import PST files directly to eM Client?


Yes. eM Client supports importing Outlook PST and OST files through its File > Import feature.


Does eM Client support EML files?


Yes, eM Client features an import wizard for EML files and can seamlessly import messages from a folder containing EML files (including subfolders if chosen).


How to Use Outlook Emails to eM Client by Converting PST to EML?


No. You can import PST directly in eM Client. Conversion is mostly useful if you need the individual EML files specifically, or want a portable copy of the messages.


Can I convert PST to EML with attachments?


Yes, you can convert PST to EML with attachments. According to the product documentation, messages in Outlook can be exported to EML with attachments.


Can I import EML files with subfolders to eM Client?


Yes. eM Client has an EML import wizard and you can select to import subfolders from the selected EML directory.


Do we need Outlook for PST to EML conversion?


The product page states that its independent PST to EML program doesn’t require Outlook to be installed.


What method should I select?


If the only thing you want is to get Outlook data into eM Client, direct PST import may be the simpler way.


However, if you need individual EML files for portability, archiving, selective migration or use with other EML compatible applications, then PST to EML conversion followed by EML import is a more appropriate workflow.


Conclusion


You don’t always have to convert the format when you move Outlook emails to eM Client, because eM Client lets you import PST files directly.


However, PST to EML conversion is still a useful option when users need individual portable email files or want to use messages across multiple EML-compatible applications.


WholeClear PST to EML Converter offers a dedicated solution for users who need EML output to export Outlook messages with attachments and email components and then import the EML files into eM Client.