Import OLM to Thunderbird in Minutes – Top Methods Revealed

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  • Updated on December 9th, 2024

Outlook for Mac and Thunderbird are two different email clients and both use diverse formats to save mailbox data. While Outlook for Mac uses the OLM format, Thunderbird supports MBOX and both are not mutually compatible with each other. So, if you are about to switch from Outlook for Mac to Thunderbird for emails, it can be a tricky task. Therefore, here is a straightforward write-up, stating an efficient solution to import OLM to Thunderbird. The best-recommended solution is using the FRT Freeware OLM Converter Tool for quick and secure migration.

Introduce OLM and Thunderbird Email Client

Outlook for Mac is an email client specially created for Mac users. It is a part of Microsoft Office Suite for Mac and performs all the tasks. This includes managing emails, calendars, notes, tasks, contacts, etc. However, this email client uses OLM (.olm) format to store mailbox data and is exclusively compatible with the Mac environment. Thus, Mac Outlook OLM files cannot be accessed in other applications, such as Thunderbird. As a result, users tend to import OLM files to Thunderbird.

On the other hand, Mozilla Thunderbird is another popular email client, free and open-source. It possesses features like flexibility and cross-platform compatibility, therefore, works well with both Windows and Mac OS. In addition, the email client is well known for its customization and add-on features. Thunderbird is an easy-to-use application with high security and other advanced features. Thus, it is a good option for backing up Mac Outlook mailbox data, for both personal and professional email management.

Why Do Users Need to Import OLM to Thunderbird?

Thunderbird’s versatile features make it a popular choice for emailing and are often preferred over Outlook for Mac. Here are some:

  • Firstly, Thunderbird is a free-of-cost email service and an open-source platform.
  • It is compatible to work on diverse platforms including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
  • One can customize Thunderbird by extensive add-ons feature, meeting individuals’ needs.
  • Thunderbird offers enhanced IMAP Server support, ensuring smooth synchronization with the server.
  • It is also known for secure email handling, because of its enhanced security features like Kerberos Authentication and phishing protection.
  • Other advanced features include Inbox Filters, Message Color Coding, and Integrated RSS Support.
  • In addition, Mozilla introduces automatic updates, keeping the application up-to-date without much effort.

There are many more such features of Thunderbird, which makes users import Mac Outlook OLM to Thunderbird. But, how? So, let us explore various methods to perform this conversion effectively.

Best and Effective Ways to Import OLM to Thunderbird

Broadly, there are two ways for this conversion. One uses the IMAP Synchronization procedure and the other involves using the FRT Freeware OLM Converter Tool. There is no such direct manual method to help you migrate OLM files to Thunderbird. Let us explore these reliable procedures in detail.

Method 1: Sync an IMAP Account (Gmail)

This process involves multiple complex steps to import OLM to Thunderbird, so be careful while performing:

  1. Open Outlook for Mac and configure an IMAP email account (e.g., Gmail).
  2. Next, drag and drop the Mac Outlook emails (.olm) to the added IMAP account folders.
  3. OLM is saved in Gmail or any configured IMAP account.
  4. Further, run Thunderbird on your system and configure the same IMAP account (Gmail) in Thunderbird.
  5. Synchronize the Gmail folders to download the OLM emails into Thunderbird.

This method offers a free solution but is complex to execute. You must understand the functionalities of both email clients to configure a Gmail account successfully.

Also, it requires stable internet connectivity and can be time-consuming for large mailboxes. Therefore, we have suggested another robust solution to import Mac OLM file into Thunderbird.

Method 2: Use Dedicated Software to Import OLM to Thunderbird

Download the FRT Freeware OLM Converter Tool on your system to carry out this migration. It is an error-free procedure and significantly simplifies migration. Moreover, you do not need to worry about data corruption or loss. It facilitates direct migration of OLM into Office 365, Gmail, and other applications as well. Besides, it requires no technical expertise to operate the tool, thus is the best choice for novices. This software is compatible to run on all versions of Windows OS with ease.

Features of the Best OLM Converter Tool

Explore the following features of the software before you proceed to import Outlook OLM files to Mozilla Thunderbird:

  • Allows users to take backup of Outlook for Mac emails into various formats like PST, MBOX, MSG, etc.
  • Supports direct migration of OLM files to Gmail, Office 365, Yahoo Mail, Live Exchange, and others.
  • Support batch migration of multiple OLM files and imposes no file size limitations.
  • Works independently and thus does not require installing any additional software.
  • After the migration is complete, data integrity and folder hierarchy are maintained. Also, it keeps attachment files intact.

Let us proceed with the procedure to convert OLM into MBOX and later import MBOX to Thunderbird.

Steps to Import OLM Files to Mozilla Thunderbird

Follow the procedure given to complete OLM to Thunderbird Migration:

  1. Firstly, export OLM files from Outlook for Mac mailboxes.
  2. Download and install the FRT Freeware OLM Converter Tool on your PC.
  3. Run the software and click on Add Files to add OLM files.
  4. Now, preview the file content of the added OLM and make a selection for conversion.
  5. Choose MBOX as the destination format and choose a saving path.
  6. At last, to begin OLM to MBOX conversion, click on Convert Now.
  7. Check for MBOX in the specified folder on your system.
  8. Open Thunderbird and install the ImportExportTools NG add-on.
  9. Exit and re-launch Thunderbird > Go to the Local Folders section.
  10. Now, on the Local Folders, right-click > ImportExportTools NG > Import MBOX file.
  11. Select the OLM converted MBOX file and click on Open.

Note: When importing MBOX to Thunderbird, it’s mandatory to install and login Thunderbird on your system. Hence, you will successfully convert OLM to Thunderbird account without any downtime.

Conclusion

Here’s how you can import OLM to Thunderbird, both manually and with the help of dedicated software. The manual process can be complex and time-consuming. That’s why experts recommend using the FRT Freeware OLM Converter Tool. This tool simplifies the conversion process, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. This tool is the ideal choice for a seamless conversion with guaranteed results.

Most Trending Questions

Q. Can Thunderbird open Outlook files?

Ans- No! Mozilla Thunderbird supports the MBOX format. Thus, does not let users directly open Outlook files such as PST or OLM. To open Outlook files in Thunderbird, you first need to convert PST/OLM into a Thunderbird-compatible format like MBOX.

Q. Can Thunderbird import OST files?

Ans- No, Thunderbird does not support the OST file format. To import an OST file in Thunderbird, first convert OST to MBOX and later import MBOX into Thunderbird. Alternatively, you can use the FRT Freeware OST Converter Tool to convert OST files to MBOX format.

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