Summary: In this blog, we’ll cover the difference between OLM and PST file, as well as how to use them in situations like mailbox backup and migration. Read this article completely to know the major differences between them. Let’s get started.
Introduction:
For Outlook.com, Office 365, and Exchange accounts, Microsoft Outlook is a popular corporate email software. An Outlook client is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Outlook creates an OST (Offline Storage Table) or PST (Personal Storage Table) file based on the email server on Windows to store mail items such as emails, attachments, contacts, notes, calendar items, and so on.
On Mac systems, Outlook saves mail items in the OLM File format. However, you can convert the mail items from OLM to PST file format using OLM to PST converter if you are unable to access OLM file in Outlook for Windows.
Both OLM and PST file formats are used to back up and move Outlook data from one Outlook profile or system to another.
Outlook for Mac (OLM File)
Only Outlook for Mac supports the OLM file format, also known as Outlook for Mac. Outlook for Mac users utilize the OLM file format to back up and transfer their mailbox data between Mac systems. The OLM file can be exported or imported using Outlook for Mac’s Import and Export features.
Personal Storage Table (PST)
The PST (Personal Folder) file type is supported by both Outlook for Mac and Outlook for Windows. It’s the most used data format for saving, backing up, and exporting Outlook data.
What is the difference between OLM and PST?
| Mac OLM File | Outlook PST File |
| OLM file is a data file for Outlook for Mac. | PST files are supported by both Outlook for Windows and Outlook for Mac. |
| Emails, contacts, attachments, and other mailbox objects can be backed up and transferred from one Outlook for Mac to another. | It’s also used to backup and move mail items from one Outlook profile to another on Windows and Mac PCs. |
| Outlook does not create OLM files for Mac users by default. | Outlook creates a PST file by default to store POP3 email items. |
| OLM files can only be exported and imported in Outlook for Mac. | PST files can be imported into Outlook for Windows and Outlook for Mac.
All account information is saved in a single file. |
| In Outlook for Mac, all account data is exported to a single OLM file. | Users can pick individual accounts, mail folders, and items to export when using the Outlook Import Export Wizard on Windows. |
Conclusion
PST files can be imported into Microsoft Outlook for Windows, Outlook for Mac, Exchange Server, and Office 365. OLM, on the other hand, is exclusively compatible with Mac profiles and can be imported into Outlook. You may be unable to export or import specific mail items or account data as a result of this. You can convert this by using OLM to PST converter software that allows you to convert and export OLM mail items to PST and other file formats.
Read Also: How to Open OST File without Outlook?
