Simple Guide to Convert OST to Text Format

In non-Windows environments such as macOS or Linux, users struggle to open OST files. OST files are specific to MS Outlook. Therefore, to retrieve the OST file emails, users convert OST to Text to bypass the compatibility issue. This blog demonstrates the conversion process using a free and powerful Cigati OST to PST Converter. This all-in-one tool will easily and effortlessly offer the results with no error and with data accuracy. Now, head towards the next section to understand why users need this conversion. 

Advantages of Converting OST to TXT

OST to TXT conversion offers several advantages. Users choose to convert OST to TXT to simplify access and enhance compatibility. The following are some common motivations for making this change:

• Ease of Access: TXT files can be opened in any basic text editor like Notepad, TextEdit, etc.
• No Compatibility Issues: OST files cannot be opened in macOS or Linux. It needs to be converted to a compatible format like TXT to access it on macOS or Linux.
• Easy Data Retrieval: With Text files, it is easier to manually scan, search, and analyze.
• Lightweight TXT Format: The Text file format is smaller in size as compared to OST. Therefore, it requires less storage space.
• Data Recovery: Recovering the data from a corrupt or orphaned OST file is challenging. Converting them to a TXT format will easily recover the data. 

Proven Methods to Convert OST to Text Format

Converting OST to TEXT involves two essential methods. The manual route involves complicated technical steps. On the other hand, for a more precise solution, we recommend using a dedicated converter tool. Below are the methods to consider:

Manual Method 1: Convert OST to Plain Text Using Outlook

This approach will allow users to save individual emails from an OST file in TXT format. Plus, this process uses Microsoft Outlook to access an OST file. 

Follow the instructions to begin the manual process:

1. Start by launching the Outlook application.
2. Then, navigate to the folder where your desired OST email is located. 
3. Now, select the email(s) and click on the File tab.
4. Select Save As and choose Text Only (.txt) in the Save as type section.
5. At last, tap the Save button. Now your email will be saved in .txt format. 

You can now open the resultant .txt file in any basic text editor.

Limitations: If you are selecting emails, then it will also convert them into TXT format one by one. Therefore, this method becomes time-consuming when converting large volumes of OST file emails. 

Manual Method 2: Save OST Email in Plain Text 

This is a simple and quick manual method to save the OST email body content in a plain text format. The user does not have to rely on any other third-party tools. 

Use the following instructions to initiate the process:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook and make sure that the OST file is accessible.
2. Now, browse and open the email that you want to save.
3. Once the email opens up, press Ctrl+A to select all the content.
4. Then, press Ctrl+C to copy the selected/highlighted email content.
5. Afterwards, open any basic text editor such as Notepad or TextEdit. 
6. Paste the copied content by pressing Ctrl+V.
7. Now, go to File > Save As and choose the location to save the file. Save the file in .txt extension. 

Limitations: This method does not convert the emails into plain text in a well-structured format. Also, this method is not ideal for bulk email conversions. 

A Powerful Software to Convert OST to Text Format

The OST to TXT Converter provides a practical solution to instantly convert the OST files to Text format. Not only text, but it converts OST emails to other file formats as well. Along with the file formats, it directly exports the emails into multiple email services. This converter tool retains all the essential data, like attachments and folder structure. Moreover, additional features like batch conversion, preview, and smart filtering make the process more efficient.

The following are the quick steps to convert OST to TXT:

1. Install and launch the software.
2. To add the OST File, use the Select File option.
3. Now, browse the mailbox folders that you want to convert and preview them. Then, click Next.
4. After that, choose Text as the desired saving format from the drop-down menu.
5. Now, configure the advanced settings if needed.
6. Then, define the destination/output path where the resultant file.
7. Afterwards, hit the Convert button to start the process.

Conclusion

To conclude, the OST to Text conversion is necessary for those who want easy access to OST file without Outlook. While the manual approach works fine for small-scale conversion, it comes with clear limitations. Alternatively, using a powerful automated OST converter provides a scalable solution. It bulk convert OST to Text while preserving the formatting. Users who want secure, error-free, and accurate results, the automated tool is the best choice.

You May Also Read: Convert OST to MSG

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