How to Convert OST to PDF: A Step-by-Step Guide

Summary: If you have Outlook OST files and want to convert them into PDF format but are still searching for a reliable solution, don't worry. This blog is designed to guide you on how to convert OST to PDF using the manual method and professional Outlook OST to PST Conversion tool. First and foremost, it is essential to understand the basics of OST and PDF files. So, what are you waiting for?? Let's go right ahead and begin. 

Understanding About OST to PDF Conversion

OST: This is a file format used by Microsoft Outlook to store email messages, calendar events, contacts, and other data when Outlook is used offline. This is a copy of your mailbox data stored locally on your computer.

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. It is developed by Adobe Systems. PDF always preserves the formatting and layout of a document, making it easy to view and print the document across different devices or platforms.

Why Convert OST to PDF?

When you wish to share or archive Outlook data in a more widely used and portable format, you will need to convert OST to PDF. Among the main reasons behind the OST to PDF conversion.

• PDF files can be opened and viewed on any platform or device, but OST files can only be accessed through Outlook.
• It's easier to share and distribute the PDFs because they will retain the original look, style, and arrangement of the Outlook data.
• PDFs can be password-protected and encrypted as well. This gives better security for sensitive Outlook data.
• With PDF, you will be able to keep Outlook data in an irreversible, tamper-proof record that you will be able to use to satisfy record-keeping, legal, or regulatory requirements.
• While some systems and applications work quite well with PDF documents, they cannot access OST files directly in certain cases.

You can convert OST files into PDF file format, sharing, archiving, and securing your Outlook data in an even more universal and accessible format. Here, the subsequent sections will guide you through both automated ways and manual ways that can be easily followed for this process to complete. Once you have read them, you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

Method 1: Convert OST to PDF Online using MS Outlook

• Open your Microsoft Outlook, then locate the email message you wish to convert to PDF.
• Right-click on the email, then select Save As.
• Select HTML Format in the Save As type dropdown list in the Save As dialog.
• Save the HTML file to a location of your choice.
• Here, close Outlook and then open the saved HTML file in Microsoft Word.
• Open Word, then go to File > Save As
• In the Save As dialog, select PDF from the Save As type drop-down.
• Finally, save your preferred location, and click the Save button. From there, OST to PDF conversion will be started.

Why Not Use the Manual Method?

• This means that you'll have to do it for each email you'd like to convert, which takes a lot of time.
• This method does not retain any attachments that were added to the email.
• Any form of error in the conversion will result in a loss of email data.
• With this manual approach, you can only convert one email at a time.

As the conversion to PDF file format using the manual method is not recommended for big OST files, such users should prefer a professional method that can automate this procedure and allow reliable as well as safe conversion. Continue reading below to find out more about the direct method.

Way 2: One Sufficient Way to Convert OST to PDF without Outlook

SysinfoTools OST to PST Converter is a reliable and effective solution to directly change OST to PDF format in just a few clicks. This versatile solution can also convert your Outlook OST to PST and various other file formats as well as web-based email clients.

You can save Outlook OST files in PDF, including all your emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, journals, and many more using this risk-free tool. Additionally, it can convert OST to Gmail, MSG, EML, Thunderbird, iCloud, GoDaddy Email, Amazon WorkMail, and many more.

The tool provides helpful features that make the conversion process smooth and accurate. Additionally, it allows you to reduce the size of the resulting PST file by splitting, and it can convert your Outlook emails directly to PDF and other document formats. To get started, you can download the free demo version of this solution and follow the steps to convert Outlook OST to Adobe PDF.

Easy Procedure to Convert OST to PDF Format

• In the first step, download and install the OST to PST Converter tool.
• Now, select the OST file(s) you want to convert.
• Then, choose the folders you want to convert.
• Here, select PDF as the output format.
• Further, customize any additional features if you need them.
• Afterward, choose the save location for the PDF file by clicking on the Save to Path button.
• Finally, click on Convert to initiate the OST to PDF conversion process.

Conclusion

This blog covered two successful ways to convert OST to PDF format.

If you are a relatively tech-savvy user who has only a few emails to convert, then the manual method can work for you. But if you have lots of data like emails, attachments, calendars, contacts, etc. that you need to save as PDF, the professional method is the better option for you. It can convert the whole OST files directly to PDF with all the data and attachments in a few easy steps. Now you can pick the solution that best fits your needs and data volume.