How to Convert PST to CSV Format in Quick Steps
Summary: Microsoft Outlook stores emails, contacts, calendars, and other data in a PST file format. However, if you need to access or analyze contacts and emails in a structured manner, the CSV format is more convenient. CSV files are widely used for importing/exporting data into Excel, Google Sheets, and other applications. If you’re looking for a quick way to convert PST to CSV, this blog will walk you through the process in a few simple steps. Apart from MS Outlook, you can directly go for the DRS Softech PST to CSV Converter to convert PST file to CSV without Outlook. Let’s begin and explore the best method to perform the conversion process.
Why do we Need to Convert Outlook PST to CSV?
Converting PST files to CSV format offers several advantages. Here, we will go through some of them:
- CSV files are lightweight and easy to open in Excel, Google Sheets, or database tools for analysis and sorting.
- PST files require Outlook to open, but CSV files can be accessed with many applications. Hence, it makes the data more flexible.
- If you’re moving contacts, emails, or other data to another email client or CRM, CSV is often a supported format.
- CSV files are simple, text-based files. Thus, it is easy to store, search, and manage as backups.
- You can open and edit CSV files without requiring specialized software like Outlook.
The above-mentioned pointers are enough to introduce you to the reasons for converting a PST file to CSV format. Now, let’s explore the different methods for it.
Simplified Ways to Convert PST to CSV
If you need to save Outlook PST to CSV for easy access and management, there are several specific methods to convert Outlook PST to CSV. Converting PST to CSV can be done easily using built-in Outlook features or with the help of a professional solution. Here are some simple methods to help you convert your PST files quickly and efficiently.
There are two primary methods to convert Outlook PST file to CSV:
- Using Microsoft Outlook (Manual Method): This is free and simple but requires Outlook installation.
- Using PST to CSV Converter: This is useful when you don’t have Outlook or want a faster solution.
Method 01: Manual Method to Convert PST File to CSV
You can manually convert a PST file to CSV using Microsoft Outlook’s built-in export feature. Follow the below-given steps to convert PST to CSV:
- First of all, launch and open Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
- Ensure that the PST file you want to convert is already added to Outlook.
- Click on File in the top left corner. Select Open & Export >> Import/Export.
- In the Import and Export Wizard, select Export to a file and click Next.
- Choose Comma Separated Values (CSV) as the export format and click Next.
- Choose the folder (e.g., Contacts, Emails) that you want to export. Hit Next.
- After that, tap on the Browse button to select a location to save the CSV file.
- In the next step, enter the appropriate name of the file and click OK >> Next.
- After performing all these steps, click Finish to start the export PST to CSV.
Note: This method works well for small PST files, but if you have a large or corrupted PST, you may need alternative solutions.
Limitations of the Manual Conversion of PST to CSV
The manual method to convert PST to CSV has several limitations, including:
- It only exports emails, contacts, and calendars but may not preserve attachments or metadata.
- Large PST files take longer to process and may cause Outlook to freeze.
- There is a chance of missing or improperly formatted data during conversion.
- You can only export one folder at a time, making it inefficient for large PST files.
- Along with that, you must have Outlook installed to perform the conversion.
For accurate and large-scale conversion, users generally prefer the automated solution to accomplish the task.
Method 02: Alternative Method to Convert PST to CSV without Outlook
The DRS Softech PST File Converter is a powerful and user-friendly software to convert PST files into multiple formats, including CSV, MBOX, EML, PDF, and more. It is ideal for users who need to extract Outlook emails, contacts, calendars, and other data without relying on Microsoft Outlook. Here are some of the built-in features of this utility to make the conversion fast and efficient:
Additional Benefits of Using the software
- Allows you to convert multiple PST files at once, saving time and manual effort.
- Ensures that all email properties, including attachments, metadata, and formatting, remain intact after conversion.
- Supports the conversion of damaged or large PST files without data loss.
- Besides CSV, it can convert PST files into MBOX, EML, PDF, MSG, HTML, and more.
- Offers advanced filters to export only specific folders, date ranges, or items, reducing unnecessary data extraction.
- Unlike the manual method, it works without requiring Microsoft Outlook installation.
- A simple and intuitive interface makes it easy for both beginners and professionals to use.
Simple Steps to Convert PST File to CSV without Outlook
- Download and install the DRS Softech PST File Converter on your system.
- Choose Single File, Multiple Files, or Select Folder to import your PST files.
- Click Select Files or Select Folder to add the PST files you want to convert.
- Now, preview emails and attachments. Select specific items for conversion.
- From the File Format dropdown, select CSV as the saving output format.
- After that, click Path to Save to choose where the converted files will be stored.
- Use optional filters like a date range or specific email criteria for selective conversion.
- To complete the process, click Convert to start the PST to CSV conversion process.
Why Choose DRS Softech PST File Converter Over the Manual Method?
Here is the basic comparison of both methods, which will help you to pick the best method:
Feature | PST to CSV Converter | Manual Method (Outlook) |
Batch Conversion | Yes | No (One folder at a time) |
Requires Outlook? | No | Yes |
Converts in Multiple Formats | Yes (CSV, MBOX, EML, etc.) | No (Only CSV) |
Selective Data Export | Yes | Limited |
Fast Processing | Yes | Time-Consuming |
Best For | Small/Large PST Files & Bulk Conversion | Small PST Files |
Know More: Convert PST to MBOX
Conclusion
Choose the method that can convert PST to CSV effortlessly. The manual method using Outlook’s export feature works, but it can take a lot of time and may not work well for large or damaged PST files. For a quicker and easier solution, using a tool like DRS Softech PST File Converter is a great choice. It lets you convert multiple files at once, keeps your data safe, and works without Outlook. Whether you need to move emails, save contacts, or back up your data, this tool makes the process simple and efficient.