Convert OST to PDF with Attachments For Free
PDFs are widely recognized for their compatibility, security, and ability to maintain the original layout of documents. It is a convenient format for storing important communications. However, directly converting OST to PDF while preserving email attachments is challenging. It can be due to the structure of OST files and their dependency on the Outlook and Exchange Server environment.
In this blog, we’ll explore simple and efficient methods, such as DRS Softech OST to PDF Converter to convert OST to PDF format. These methods will preserve email content and attachments. Whether you need to save a few essential emails or are a business professional for bulk conversion. Here, we will provide step-by-step instructions to make the process flawless and hassle-free.
Need to Convert OST to PDF Format?
Converting OST files to PDF is necessary in several scenarios, especially when dealing with emails stored in OST files. Here are the key reasons why this conversion is often required:
- By converting OST emails to PDF, you can save your important emails and attachments for financial, or other professional purposes.
- Converting OST to PDF allows you to create backups of critical information without relying on specific email platforms.
- PDF is a widely accepted and non-editable file format, ensuring the integrity of the original content.
- When emails are converted to PDF, attachments can also be embedded within the PDF or saved separately.
- OST files are linked to specific Outlook accounts, and accessing them requires the same profile. Converting OST content to PDF provides independence from Outlook.
The above-mentioned pointers specify the reason for this. Now, we will move to the methods to convert OST into PDF.
Best 3 Methods to Convert OST to PDF
There are three primary ways to convert OST files into PDF format: manual methods (using built-in Outlook features and Print method) or use professional software. Whether you prefer manual techniques or automated tools, these methods will help you efficiently manage your email data. Here, we will go through these methods:
1. Using Outlook’s Built-in Features to Export Outlook OST to PDF
Outlook does not directly support exporting to PDF, but you can use the Print functionality to achieve this. Here’s a step-by-step process to convert OST to PDF.
- Launch Microsoft Outlook and open the email you want to save.
- After that, click on the “File” Tab in the top-left corner and select the Print option from the sidebar.
- In the Printer drop-down menu, select Microsoft Print to PDF. This option will allow you to save the email as a PDF file.
- Make sure that you select the right print options, such as including attachments if necessary (this option may vary depending on your version of Outlook).
- Once you’ve selected your settings, click Print. Outlook will ask you where to save the PDF file on your computer.
- Choose a location to save the PDF and provide a filename, then click Save.
Note: This method saves only the email body as a PDF. Attachments are not automatically included in the PDF file, so if you want to save the attachments as well, you’ll need to download and save them separately.
2. Convert OST to PDF – Free Method
If you have access to Outlook and the OST file is linked to your account, you can manually export emails to HTML format. First, you have to save the OST file in HTML format then you should navigate to the Word application to convert the HTML file into PDF. Follow the given steps to accomplish the task:
Step 1. First, Convert the OST File into HTML
- Launch the Outlook application connected to the OST file you want to convert.
- Navigate to the folder containing the emails you want to convert.
- In the next step, select one or multiple emails.
- Go to File >> Save As. In the “Save As” dialog box:
- Choose the location where you want to save the file.
- Select HTML as the file format from the dropdown menu. Click Save.
- Go to the location where you saved the HTML file and open it in a web browser to verify the content.
Step 2. Save HTML File as PDF Using Word
- Open Microsoft Word on your computer >> File >> Open.
- Browse to the location of the converter HTML file and select the file >> Open.
- Word will render the HTML content into a readable document format.
- Once the HTML file is loaded, review the document to ensure the content appears as expected.
- Make adjustments if necessary (e.g., fix alignment, spacing, or formatting issues).
- Again navigate to the File >> Save As.
- In the Save As dialog box, select the destination folder.
- From the Save as type dropdown menu, choose PDF.
- Lastly, click Save to export the HTML file as a PDF.
Limitations:
- This method is time-consuming for large email datasets.
- It doesn’t support bulk conversion efficiently.
- Attachments are saved separately and not embedded in the HTML file.
Know More: Guide to Convert iCloud Emails to PDF Documents
3. DRS Softech OST to PDF Converter Tool
The DRS Softech OST to PDF Converter is a professional tool that provides flawless conversion of OST files into PDF. This software is ideal for users who need to export Outlook emails, including attachments, into a secure, shareable, and universally accessible format like PDF. It supports the conversion of both healthy and corrupted OST files. There is no data loss during the process. It preserves the original email structure, metadata, and formatting, making it suitable for archiving, legal, or business documentation purposes. Additionally, the software is user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that allows users to perform batch conversions, saving significant time for large email archives. It has robust compatibility across various Outlook and Windows versions.
Simple Steps to Convert OST to PDF
- Firstly, Install and Run the DRS Softech OST to PDF Converter on your screen..
- Subsequently, click the Select Files or Select Folder button to add the desired OST file.
- After the scan is complete, a preview of the OST file’s data, including emails, folders, and subfolders, will be displayed.
- From the preview panel, select the specific emails or folders you want to convert to PDF.
- After that, choose the PDF as the saving format and enter the appropriate Path to save it.
- Apply the additional feature and click the convert button to convert OST to PDF.
After the conversion is completed, it will display a success message with the location of the saved PDF files.
Conclusion
At the end of this blog, you have the appropriate solutions to convert OST to PDF. The manual method does not come with the accuracy. Keep in mind that handling attachments and maintaining the original formatting are crucial for a successful conversion. Hence, use the given utility and utilize the benefits of the PDF.
Also Read: OST File Won’t Open in MS Outlook 2016.
About The Author:
Pradeep is an expert with over 2 years of experience in email migration, email recovery, and file conversion. He has a passion for helping users by sharing easy-to-understand solutions for common technical challenges across different platforms. Known for breaking down complex tech topics into simple, enjoyable content, Pradeep's work has earned recognition in several well-known tech blogs. His straightforward approach and reliable guidance have made him a trusted source for both tech enthusiasts and beginners looking to resolve their technical issues.