Outlook for Mac PST: Import and Export Steps

Which Way Fits Your Mac PST Task?

Import and export use different tools. Mac Outlook has an import command for PST files and no export command for them.

Task	Method	Result
PST import	File, then Import	Items show in the folder list
Export Mac Outlook data to PST	OLM Converter	PST file from an OLM export
Move mail to Windows Outlook	IMAP account copy	Mail folders sync to Windows

How do You Import a PST File Into Outlook for Mac?

Method #1: Import Command (Free)

Who it suits. Users with a PST file from Windows Outlook. Extra application. None.

Copy the PST to your Mac.
Open Mac Outlook and select File, then Import.
Select Outlook for Windows archive file (.pst) and select Continue.
Locate the PST and select Import.
Select Finish when the import ends.

Microsoft states that imported items appear under On My Computer in the navigation pane.

Legacy client only. Microsoft documents this import for the legacy client and gives no PST import steps for the new Mac client. Microsoft set October 2026 as the end of support for that client, with continued support tied to your license.

Can Mac Outlook Export to PST?

No. Mac Outlook saves its export in an OLM file, so you need one more step to get a PST file. Two paths exist.

Method #2: IMAP Account Copy (Free)

Who it suits. Users with a few mail folders. Extra application. Outlook for Windows.

Create a new email account and enable IMAP in its settings.
Add the account to Mac Outlook with the IMAP protocol.
Copy your Mac folders into the new mailbox and wait for the sync.
Add the same account to Outlook for Windows with IMAP.
Wait until the folders appear, then use the Import/Export wizard to export a PST file.

Sync time depends on the mailbox size and the provider limits. IMAP moves mail folders only. Calendars and contacts need the OLM route.

How do You Convert Mac Outlook Data to PST?

Method #3: OLM Converter (Paid After Demo)

Who it suits. Users with large mailboxes or calendars and contacts. Extra application. OLM Converter.

Export from Mac Outlook first. Select Tools, then Export, choose the items and save the OLM file.

OLM Converter exports OLM data to PST, EML, EMLX, MSG, MBOX, ICS, VCF, HTML, CSV and PDF. The vendor page lists a date filter, macOS 10.8 or later for the Mac edition and Outlook 2000 through 2024 for the Windows edition.

Start the software and select Add File.
Select the OLM file and preview the items.
Select PST as the format and set the filters.
Select Export and choose the destination folder.

The Mac demo exports 100 emails per folder and 25 items per folder for contacts, calendars, notes and tasks. The vendor page lists a lower demo limit of 25 items for the Windows edition.

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What should You Check Before the Import?

Make a copy of the PST first.
Confirm that you use the legacy client, because Microsoft lists the import for that client.
Open On My Computer after the import and compare the folder counts.
Remove duplicates if you import the same PST twice.

Moving to Apple Mail instead? Read how to import Outlook PST to Mac Mail.

Moving from Mac to Windows? See how to migrate Outlook for Mac to Windows.

Want the free OLM route? Read convert OLM to PST and OLM Migrator for Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do You Import a PST File Into Outlook for Mac?

Select File, then Import, choose Outlook for Windows archive file (.pst), select the file and select Import.

Where do Imported PST Items Appear?

Microsoft states that items appear under On My Computer in the navigation pane.

Can Outlook for Mac Export to PST?

No. Mac Outlook exports OLM files. Use an OLM converter or an IMAP account copy to get a PST file.

Does the New Mac Client Import PST Files?

Microsoft documents the PST import for the legacy client and gives no steps for the new Mac client.

When does Support for the Legacy Mac Client End?

Microsoft set October 2026 as the end of support. Continued support depends on your Microsoft 365, Office or Outlook license.

Can You Export Mac Data to PST on a Windows PC?

Yes. Copy the OLM file to Windows and export it as PST with the Windows edition of OLM Converter.

Does the IMAP Method Move Calendars and Contacts?

No. IMAP moves mail folders. Use the OLM file route for calendars and contacts.

Author's Verdict

Use the import command for a PST file on your Mac.

Convert the OLM file to PST when you need Mac data in Windows Outlook.

Key Takeaways

Import works in the legacy Mac client.
Mac Outlook exports OLM and not PST.
OLM Converter exports OLM to PST on Windows and Mac.

Related Guides

Have a PST file from a Windows PC? See how to open a PST file on Mac.