Shital Jha
The main reason behind the conversion process is the compatibility issues associated with PST Files. PST files contain all the data in one place, while CSV files contain data in tabular form. Sometimes, it is difficult for a user to manage all data, like email, contacts, calendars, and tasks in a place. As a result, they often go for a human-readable format like CSV. To convert PST to CSV, many individuals can frequently use the PST Converter Tool.
Apart from the manual approach in this blog, we also discuss the automated approach to do the same. Before we proceed to the methods, let’s see the usual difference between both file formats.
Difference Between PST and CSV File Formats
| BASICS | PST | CSV |
| Full From | PST stands for Personal Storage Table | CSV stands for Comma Separated Value |
| Portability | The File Size is too large to send one to another. | While CSV is easy to share because of its smaller size. |
| Uses | PST file stores email messages, calendars, tasks, journals, contacts, etc. | CSV file stores product details, image links, contacts, etc |
| Compatibility | These files can be viewed in read in MS Outlook Application. | On the other hand, CSV can be viewed in every text editor Application. |
| File Extension | The File Extension of the PST file is (.pst). | The File Extension of the CSV file is (.csv). |
Two Best Methods to Convert PST Files to CSV Format
First, we discuss the manual method later, we discuss direct solutions to accomplish the task. Proceed further to learn the techniques and their steps.
#Technique 01: With the Use of Outlook, Convert PST Files to CSV Format
To perform this method, you need an import PST file to convert them into CSV. If you already have, then go through the given steps.
- First, open MS Outlook, then import the PST file in Outlook.
- Subsequently, go to the File tab.
- After that, Click on the Open & Export option from the file tab.
- Now, tap on the Import/Export option.
- Then, choose Export to a file section to perform >> Click on Next.
- Next, Pick the comma-separated files (CSV file) option from the list.
- Later, click on Next and choose the contact folder to export from MS Outlook.
- Again, tap on Next and move further.
- Now, choose the destination and click the browse button >> Next.
- Then, tap on Map Custom Fields >> Finish.
- After clicking on finish, the process of conversion begins.
After performing several steps, you can convert PST to CSV. But this method also has some drawbacks. Read the below section to know the cons of the manual process.
Drawbacks of using the manual method
- First of all, Outlook should be pre-installed in your system to do this manually.
- Manual conversion methods may not be suitable for handling large volumes of PST files.
- Manually converting PST files into CSV format can be a time-consuming process.
- Apart from that, the Manual method leads to data loss or corruption.
- This method is suitable for small-scale and one-time conversion.
- To perform the task manually, you need technical knowledge.
The highlighted points are the drawbacks of the manual method. If you want to skip these kinds of issues, go for the direct solution to convert Outlook PST to CSV.
#Technique 02: Direct Solution to Convert Outlook PST to CSV Format
PST to CSV converter is the most reliable and recommended tool to convert PST files to CSV format. Despite that, It provides the single or multiple conversion of PST files without any data loss. This tool automatically removes the duplicate email at the time of conversion. Moreover, you can easily locate and convert your files into another format in just a few clicks. Apart from these, It also makes file handling easy and saves all attachments separately from the converted files. Additionally, it runs smoothly on all the major versions of Windows OS.
Steps to convert PST to CSV:
- First, download, install, and run PST Converter on your System.
- After that, select the PST files or folders you want to convert.
- Now, see the file in the preview panel >> Click on Next.
- Then, select the file format as CSV from the drop-down list and click on Next.
- You can opt for additional features according to necessities.
- Now, select the destination where you want to save the File.
- Finally, Hit the Convert Button to start the conversion process.
In the above, we highlighted the steps that will help you convert PST to CSV without Outlook.
Conclusion
We described the two best methods to convert PST into CSV. Any individual with technical expertise can use the manual method. Otherwise, we also suggest a direct solution for both tech and non-tech users. This software can convert Outlook PST to CSV in just a few clicks. According to your preference, you can go for any of them.