How to Convert PST File to CSV Quickly – Updated Guide

Reasons Why Users Might Need to Convert PST File to CSV

Among the various reasons behind converting PST files to CSV format, the most common and relevant reasons are mentioned in the table below. 

Reason	PST	CSV
Compatibility	This file format is compatible only with MS Outlook.	Whereas CSV files can be opened in Excel, Google Sheets and most apps.
Data Analysis	Users can’t sort or filter these files.	On the other hand, CSV files are ideal for analytics and reporting.
Accessibility	You will need Outlook to view these files.	In contrast, CSV files are readable on any device with a spreadsheet application.
Migration Needs	Difficult to extract specific fields during migration.	On the contrary, CSV files are easy to map and import to other platforms.
File Size Management	These files might be bulky and slow.	Whereas CSV files are lightweight and easier to handle.

Best Methods to Convert PST file to CSV

After seeing the advantages of using CSV files over PST files, let’s move on to the actual conversion. The following are the two simplest yet effective methods to import the PST files. 

• Using Microsoft Outlook 

• Use of a Reliable Software 

Method 1: Export PST to CSV Using Microsoft Outlook 

MS Outlook provides an inbuilt Import/Export Feature to easily convert PST files to CSV format. Therefore, you can use MS Outlook for the conversion, but this method will require you to install MS Outlook and be familiar with its interface. Given below are the steps to manually import PST files using Outlook. 

1. Install and run MS Outlook on your system & go to the File menu.
2. Then, select the Open & Export >> choose Import/Export option.
3. After that, select the Export to a file option & click Next.
4. Now, choose CSV as the desired file type & click Next again.
5. Next, choose the Contacts folder you want to export.
6. Click the Browse button to provide the destination location and proceed with Next.
7. Use Map Custom Fields if you require, then click Finish to begin the export.
8. Finally, navigate to the folder you chose to find your contacts saved in CSV format.

Drawbacks of the Manual PST to CSV Conversion

1. This method will take you long hours to convert large PST files.
2. As well as, It also requires you to be familiar with the MS Outlook interface.
3. Along with that, there is no guarantee of zero data loss.
4. Moreover, this method doesn’t support bulk conversion. 
5. Also, you must install the MS Outlook Application to proceed with this method. 

Method 2: Most Efficient Method to Convert PST file to CSV

ConverterTools PST Converter is a reliable and quick solution used to convert Outlook PST to CSV without affecting the data integrity. This software provides the user with a detailed preview panel with a J-table and an advanced searching feature. Moreover, it keeps the emails, attachments, and original formatting intact during the conversion. 

Whether you are an advanced user or a beginner, you can easily import PST to Yandex Mail, Thunderbird, IMAP accounts, Yahoo Mail, Yandex Mail, and many more email platforms. Also, you can take advantage of the additional features of the software, like Split PST File, Remove Duplicate Mails, and Skip Previous Migration, etc., to customise your file selection as per your needs. Now, follow the steps below for a more accurate conversion.

Quick Guide to Import PST to CSV 

1. Firstly, download and open the ConverterTools PST Converter on your system.
   
   


2. Then, use the Select Files/Folders option to load your desired PST files >> Next.
   
   


3. After that, expand the tree-structure >>select files>> preview them >> Next.
   
   


4. Now, mark the file format radio button >> select CSV from the listed file formats.
   
   


5. At this point, you can use the advanced filters of the software.
   
   


6. Next, provide a desired location to save your resultant CSV file >> and hit Convert.
   
   

 

Conclusion 

In the above blog, we discussed how converting PST files to CSV format allows users to better organise, manage, and filter their emails. Therefore, many organisations and large-scale businesses prefer to convert PST file to CSV. However, the manual method is suitable for individuals or small startups who want to convert a few PST files. On the other hand, the automated solution is ideal for organisations with a bulk of PST files. You may use the demo version of the software for a hands-on experience with the software. In case you have any queries, you can use the live chat support.

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