Difference Between OLM and PST File – Complete Information

Christopher Plummer | March 25th, 2022 | Data Conversion, Outlook

Summary: In this blog, we are going to cover the major difference between OLM and PST File that you should know to stay updated with major changes. Also, if you are thinking to switch from Mac Outlook to Windows Outlook. Then, this blog will be more helpful for you as we have also mentioned a best way to do so. So, just read this blog till the end to know some amazing features of Outlook.

Introduction:

Outlook is an email client application that also includes a calendar, task manager, contact manager, journal, and note taking, among other features. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite. Microsoft Outlook can be used as a stand-alone application  to work smoothly through an easy to use email interface.

If you are an Outlook user then surely you will be familiar with OLM and PST file. Both OLM and PST are the data storage file of Outlook but the major difference between them is that OLM is supported by Mac Outlook only but PST is supported by both windows and Mac Outlook. In other words, you can import PST file in Mac Outlook but you can’t import OLM file in Windows Outlook. Let’s know the difference between them comprehensively.

Overview: OLM and PST File

Microsoft introduced Outlook for Mac in 2011, which is for Mac OS users. The mac Outlook export an OLM file which is somehow similar to PST file of Outlook for windows. There are multiple mailboxes in OLM file. The entire Outlook files are saved in an exclusive OLM file, which includes emails and associated files archived by software linked to the Exchange server.

On the Other hand, PST is also an Outlook Data file which is supported by Windows OS. It is stands for Personal Storage Table, which stores copies of messages, contacts, calendars, and other items on the user’s system from the Outlook account. The PST file format is an open file format.

The upcoming section of this blog will show you the difference between OLM and PST file.

Major Difference Between OLM and PST File

  • OLM is an archive file created by users to export Mac Outlook data to local storage while PST is also created by users to store emails, contacts and calendar items etc. However, to access the OLM file, you always need Mac OS.
  • Mac Outlook does not export OLM files for Mac users by default. While Outlook for Windows generates an OST file to store email items.
  • Only Mac Outlook allows you to import/export OLM files in its interface. There is no other email application that supports opening OLM files. while Mac Outlook and Windows Outlook both support importing PST files.
  • All your Mac Outlook account details are exported to just one OLM file. In Windows Outlook, users can even select individual accounts, things, and mailbox folders to export to a PST file.
  • When importing an OLM file, the data is stored locally and not on the server. But data of PST is saved locally and also synced with server inbox.

Now you may have understood the main difference between OLM and PST files. After this comparison between two Microsoft products, you can find that Windows Outlook is far better than Mac Outlook in terms of the following features.

  • Folder retention policy
  • Backup of folders
  • Improves user experience
  • Customizable toolbar
  • Universally supported file format
  • Search option in mailbox
  • Faster and more stable than OLM file

Pro Tip: Convert OLM to PST for Free!!

After comparing Outlook for Mac and Outlook for Windows, you may have realized why Windows is better than Mac when it comes to the Outlook application. The aforementioned factors can also assist you in deciding whether or not to switch from Mac to Windows Outlook.

Advik OLM to PST Converter is the right tool for this task if you’re looking for a way to switch from Mac Outlook to Windows Outlook. With just a few clicks, you can easily export Mac Outlook to PST file format. Mac Outlook emails, tasks, calendars, and other data can be easily converted to PST format using this user-friendly applications.

Final Verdict

Both Outlook for Mac and Outlook for Windows were created by Microsoft, but there are some significant differences between the two. Users who need to convert from OLM to PST can use the OLM Converter, which is an automated program that simplifies the process.

Microsoft Outlook for Windows, Outlook for Mac, Exchange Server, and Office 365 can all import PST files. In contrast, OLM is only compatible with Mac profiles and can be imported into Outlook. That’s why, the need of the hour is to convert OLM to PST file so that you may be able to export or import specific mail items or account data. This process is only possible with OLM to PST converter software. It can convert and export OLM mail items to PST and other file formats.