OST files store offline copies of Exchange mailbox data, but you can't open or read them easily without Outlook. Converting OST to PDF format is a helpful option if you want to open, read, share, or archive OST emails independently.
PDF files are easy to view, secure, ideal for printing, and widely supported for legal documentation. If you want to backup OST files, share them without format loss, or keep them organised for a long time, you must convert OST to PDF effectively.
OST to PDF conversion sounds complex, but it is easier with the right methods and procedures. In this guide, we will learn some proven techniques to convert OST to PDF format with their step-by-step procedures. So, follow the guide to save OST emails in PDF without hassle.
Why Convert OST to PDF? Top Reasons
Numerous reasons compel users to convert OST files to PDF format, but we have shortlisted the major ones. These are:
-Offline accessibility: PDFs are easily accessible on various devices, including smartphones, computers, etc., offline, so you can access them anytime.
-Advanced file security: PDF files have a password protection feature to prevent sensitive information from unauthorised users. It also allows digital signatures to be added to PDFs for extra data authenticity.
-Durable data archive: PDFs are a secure and reliable format to keep your data accessible and readable for a long time without data loss or overwriting.
-Easy sharing and collaboration: PDF files are widely accessible, which makes them ideal for easy sharing and printing on various devices and platforms.
-Preserve original email formatting: Since PDF files are not easily editable, they maintain the original layout and formatting of emails and attachments.
How to Convert OST to PDF? Proven Methods
Here are some effective methods that will help you convert OST to PDF effectively. Go through each method and pick the accordingly:
Method 1: Use Outlook’s Print to PDF Feature to Convert OST to PDF
Microsoft Outlook also provides a Print feature to convert OST email to PDF format. It is a basic method to convert a single email into a PDF file. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open the Outlook application with the configured OST file that you want to convert.
2. Locate your required email and double-click to open it.
Note: To save multiple emails in a single PDF file, select your emails accordingly.
3. Now, go to the File tab and tap on the Print option.
Note: Alternatively, you can choose the Print option by right-clicking on the selected email.
4. Choose Microsoft Print to PDF from the Printer dropdown. Click on the Print option.
5. Specify the saving location and enter a file name. Verify the .pdf extension with the file name. Click on the Save button.
Your OST file email will be saved in PDF format.
Limitations:
-Requires opening every email.
-Consecutive steps are needed.
-Time-consuming for large mailbox/OST files.
Method 2: Using Microsoft Word to Convert to PDF
This method uses both Outlook and Word applications to convert OST to PDF. Here, you can save multiple emails in text format at one time with Outlook, but the Word application converts text files to PDF one by one. Follow the steps below:
1. Open the Outlook application connected to the OST file.
2. Select the email(s) you want to convert and tap on File.
3. Click on the Save As option.
4. Specify the location where the file(s) can be saved and select TXT format from the Save as type dropdown. Click Save.
5. Now, locate your TXT file(s), right-click on the TXT file, and open it with Word.
6. Once opened, click on the File tab, then Save As.
7. Browse a location to save the PDF and select PDF (*.pdf) from the Save as type dropdown. Hit Save.
Now, you can read your OST emails in PDF files.
Limitations:
-Requires technical expertise.
-Involves multiple applications.
-Email attachments might be missing.
-May disturb original email formatting.
These methods are beneficial for converting OST to PDF but may be complex for non-tech users. Technical users may also face data loss, formatting issues, and excessive time consumption with manual methods.
How to Escape Manual Limitations When Converting OST to PDF?
Whether you are a tech or non-tech user, you may face several limitations during OST to PDF conversion. However, you can easily escape them with a specialised automated tool. These tools help to convert OST files to PDFs within a minute without disturbing the original formatting and attachments. Many tools in the market claim they are the best in secure OST to PDF conversion, but you need to choose a trustworthy and reliable one.
With our expertise in 80+ tools, we suggest you use the Kernel's one of the best OST to PST Converter tool for the best results in no time. It efficiently converts OST to PDF, irrespective of their size and number. It also guarantees zero data and formatting loss throughout the conversion process. Moreover, you don’t need to be an expert to use the tool; even a novice can use it easily.
Summing Up
Lastly, we hope you have understood how to convert OST to PDF with our step-by-step guide. You can use Outlook, Word, or both applications to convert OST to PDF format. However, these methods come with various limitations that may trouble you while converting important OST data to PDF.
