If you are a Mac Outlook user and going to switch to Thunderbird then you face difficulties during importing your Outlook data into Thunderbird. If you are a Thunderbird user and have an orphan OLM file then it would be a difficult task. In this user guide, we discussed the general user query Can Thunderbird import OLM files and common solution by which users can access the OLM file in Thunderbird with all its formatting.
Email clients are important because they provide the ability to communicate in today’s technological world. Microsoft Outlook is one of the most popular tools for emails used by Mac users. Due to professional reasons, users need to switch to email clients like Thunderbird. Mac Outlook and Thunderbird are both different email clients and use the different file formats to store the emails in their mailbox.
OLM files are used by the Mac version of Outlook to store emails, calendars, contacts, and other mailbox data; it is like PST of Windows versions. It was created by Outlook Mac only and can’t open in Windows Outlook.
What are the Reasons Behind Importing Mac Outlook Data Files into Thunderbird?
There are many reasons for accessing the OLM file in Thunderbird.
- In many tech companies, Thunderbird is used for internal communications. This is why many Outlook users are going to switch to the Thunderbird email client.
- When Thunderbird users get any orphan OLM file then it is difficult to open an OLM file in Thunderbird environments.
- When you migrate their data from Outlook Mac to Thunderbird email client. In that process, the user needs to access their OLM file in Thunderbird.
- Thunderbird has its unique features, which is why technical professionals prefer to use Thunderbird.
- Thunderbird is compatible with all 3 operating systems Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Can Thunderbird Import OLM Files – Professional Methods
As we discussed Thunderbird and its reasons that users want this transition. However, both email clients use different file formats to store the mailbox data. Which creates a compatibility issue while importing the OLM file. Thunderbird supports MBOX file formats and there is no built-in feature in Outlook Mac that converts OLM to MBOX.
To overcome these types of issues, professionals use the automated software RecoveryTools OLM Migrator, where you can convert OLM files into Thunderbird-compatible format.
Quick Steps to Perform
- Open the software after the installation.
- Upload the OLM file into the tool.
- Select the file and folder that you want to convert.
- Choose Thunderbird as a Saving option.
- Give destination locations and add filters as you need.
- Tap on the convert button.
Feature of This Tool
- Allow the user to export the OLM file into multiple file formats.
- Able to extract data from corrupt and damaged files and make a fresh file.
- Users can filter out crucial information based on subject, data, etc.
- It maintains the full data integrity and security during and after the conversion.
- Allow users to migrate OLM files into web-based email services such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc.
Steps to Use This Tool
- Download and install the software on your computer. Lunch.
- Choose Select file or folder to upload the file manually on this software >> Check the Use Recovery Mode to handle damaged files.
- Select the files and sub-folders that you want to convert into a specific folder.
- Choose the Thunderbird from the saving type list and give the destination location for the resultant file.
- Add filters for selective conversion.
- Tap the convert button.
In-direct Way to Open OLM File into Thunderbird
There is no manual solution to viewing an OLM file in Thunderbird. But, you can use an indirect way to access the OLM file in Thunderbird. In this method, we can use IMAP to connect Thunderbird and Outlook to Gmail and Transfer your Outlook Mac OLM file data to Thunderbird.
Enable IMAP in Gmail
- Go to Gmail and click on Setting options.
- Tap on Forwarding and POP/IMAP >> enable IMAP from IMAP Access and save changes.
Connect Outlook Mac and Thunderbird Through IMAP
- Open your Thunderbird.
- Go to Account Settings and choose Add Account from account actions.
- Give the required IMAP settings and Gmail name, email ID, and password to connect.
- Now open your Outlook Mac.
- Click on Tools from the top menu >> and Choose Add Account.
- Give the required IMAP details and other information as follows.
Now, restart both email clients and move your Outlook Mac data to Thunderbird.
Limitations of these Methods
- This is a lengthy and complex method for any non-technical person.
- Users may face lots of errors during this procedure.
- The user is not able to filter out the important details.
- It does not provide the transfer of any orphaned OLM file.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I import emails from Outlook to Thunderbird?
There is no direct solution for importing Outlook email to Thunderbird. You can use the above indirect solution. You can use a professional tool for importing Outlook data into Thunderbird.
How do I import the OLM file into Thunderbird?
The best way to import OLM files to Thunderbird is to convert OLM into MBOX file format which is easily imported into Thunderbird.
How do I transfer emails to Thunderbird?
Thunderbird provides additional add-ons like ImportExportTools NG, which help users import emails into Thunderbird.
Conclusion
As we discussed, in this blog different solutions for user query – can Thunderbird import OLM files. We talk about a solution for importing OLM files but there is no manual method but you can use the above indirect IMAP method for that. This IMAP solution is very complex and difficult to perform which is why many professionals consider automated solutions the best solutions.
