How to Open OLM File in Excel to Manage Outlook PST Files

Summary: For many users, having a human-readable and compatible backup of their emails is essential. OLM files store important data and are used by Microsoft Outlook on Mac. Users prefer to open OLM file in Excel to maintain a clear record of their mailbox items. Instead of keeping data in its original file formats that require special software to access, users prefer an accessible Excel format. But, how does one open an OLM file in MS Excel? Read the following blog to learn about manual methods and an expert-recommended method using OLM Converter Tool to open .olm files in Excel.

Why Import OLM to Excel Spreadsheet?

OLM files store important mailbox data which are limited to Outlook for Mac. Therefore, converting an OLM file to Excel gives users easy access and control over how they organize and handle information. Take a look at a few of the reasons why this import is beneficial:

• With Excel, users can efficiently analyze and gain insights into their email data by using Excel’s powerful sorting, filtering, and search features.
• After importing OLM files into Excel, users can easily export contacts and calendar events into CRM tools or event management apps. 
• Excel spreadsheets are universally accessible and can be easily shared, making them easier for team collaboration.
• By converting OLM files to Excel, users don’t need Outlook for Mac to access their emails. They only need to open it in Excel and review it.
• Storing OLM data in Excel offers a structured and offline backup that relies on no other email client.
• For businesses and legal teams, converting the data into Excel provides an easier way to read, organize, and share the data.

How Do I Open OLM File in Excel?

Now that you have learned the importance of importing OLM files to Excel, let’s move on to implementing the solutions. The conversion can be done either manually or by using a professional tool for speed and accuracy. Let’s take a look at both options.

Method 01: Open OLM into Excel Workbook Using IMAP Sync

This method involves syncing your OLM data into a Gmail account and then accessing it in the Thunderbird email client. After that, export these emails as a CSV file to open it in MS Excel.

Follow the step-by-step guide to import OLM Files into MS Excel:

Step 1: Add Gmail IMAP Account to Outlook for Mac

1. First, sign in with your Gmail account credentials.
2. Then, go to Settings > See all settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
3. Under IMAP Access > Enable IMAP > Save Changes.
4. Now, open Outlook for Mac.
5. Go to Preferences > Accounts > “+” New Account and add your Gmail IMAP account.

Step 2: Access IMAP Emails in Thunderbird and Export them as CSV

1. Drag and drop .olm emails from the Outlook folder to the Gmail IMAP account folder.
2. Now, open Mozilla Thunderbird and configure the same Gmail IMAP account in it.
3. Then, install the ImportExportTools NG add-on in Thunderbird. 
4. Right-click on the folder containing .olm emails and select ImportExportTools NG > Export all messages in the folder > As CSV file.
5. Now, you can open the exported CSV file in Excel.  

Method 02: Convert OLM to Excel Using the Copy-Paste Method

This method requires extracting the data from the OLM file into CSV format, which is compatible with Excel. 

Here’s a step-by-step process to start the import process:

1. First, open Outlook for Mac.
2. Then, head to File > Import and choose Outlook for Mac archive file (.olm).
3. Now, open the email folder > Inbox.
4. Select and copy multiple rows: Subject, From, Received Date.
5. Paste it into Excel and manually align and modify the data. 

Limitations of the Manual Methods 

• Syncing thousands of Outlook emails to an IMAP server takes a considerable amount of time. 
• Also, manually dragging and dropping the emails may create duplicates. 
• The manual process is a bit complicated and may not be suitable for non-technical users. 
• The manual process does not export the email body and attachments. 
• The process becomes extremely slow when handling large volumes of emails.

Method 03: Easily Open OLM File in Excel Using a Professional Tool

The OLM Converter Tool is a highly flexible and efficient tool to import OLM files into Excel (CSV) format. It enables users to convert their OLM Files into multiple formats and also export them directly to email clients. The user can choose to either convert a single mailbox or use the bulk migration option. This tool is packed with advanced features such as selective email conversion, mail filters, a duplicate email remover, etc. All of this makes it a powerful solution for both individuals and enterprises. 

These are the quick and simple steps to import OLM to Excel spreadsheet:

1. Download the tool and open it on your system.
2. Click on the Continue button to move forward.
3. Use Select Files, load your .OLM file and proceed with Next.
4. Now, pick the email folder from the tree structure you want to convert and preview it.
5. Choose CSV as the output File Format, under the Saves/Backup/Migrate As section.
6. Adjust the additional settings if needed and choose the path to save your resultant file.
7. Finally, click on Convert to initiate the process.

Conclusion

Businesses want to save time and effort, and therefore wish to open OLM file in Excel for easier access. There is a manual route using IMAP Sync and the Copy-Paste method. In addition to this, there is also a tool-driven approach by using the OLM Converter Tool. Though the manual method is cost-effective, it is time-consuming when handling large mailboxes. The converter tool offers a more reliable, faster, and error-free solution.

Related Post: Convert OLM to EML Format.

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