Quick Steps to Convert PST File to PDF Without Outlook

Email data stored in Outlook PST files is not just limited to communication purposes, but also serves for audits, documentation, and long-term archives. However, they are bound to MS Outlook and cannot be accessed with other applications. This creates a dependency and accessibility issue in case Outlook is unavailable. So, to resolve this, users tend to convert PST file to PDF. It is a universal standard, non-editable format preferred by millions of users to keep data intact and quickly accessible. This blog summarizes the free methods and an effective PST to PDF Converter Tool for changing formats reliably without Outlook. 

What are the Top Reasons to Convert PST to PDF?

The substantial factors for PST to PDF conversion are mentioned as follows: 

  • PDF files are universally compatible and can be opened anywhere, on any device, without email clients. 
  • For eDiscovery, audits, and legal and compliance readiness, PDF is the ideal file format. 
  • Portable Document Format provides data immutability, preventing modification of email content. 
  • Email data is shared securely without displaying the mailbox contents through encryption and password protection
  • As compared to Outlook’s proprietary PST files, PDF is a more stable archival format. 
  • Download external images and attachments completely intact as messages with PDF. 
  • Store the messages separately, and also does not take up much storage space. 

“I am a project manager at a Fintech corporation and prefer documents in Adobe PDF format. However, I recently received a few PST files from one of our clients, and I don’t have Outlook installed on my OS. Suggest effective ways for converting PST files to PDF with attachments without loss.”

-Kelly Maverick

How to Manually Convert PST File to PDF?

There are two different ways for the manual conversion of PST files into Adobe PDF format. It involves using the MS Outlook application, since without it, you cannot convert the files manually for free. So, their detailed step-by-step process is provided in this section below. 

Method1: Convert Outlook PST to PDF by Outlook 

You can use this method on any version of MS Outlook, including 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and earlier. Adhere to these instructions carefully: 

  1. Start MS Outlook and from the Inbox, open the email to convert. 
  2. Then, from the File menu, choose Print or do so with the Ctrl + P keys. 
  3. In the open Print dialog, set the Printer to Microsoft Print to PDF
  4. Further, apply other relevant settings for the email print and press Print
  5. At last, select a destination to save and give the file a name. Click Save

Note: Using this method, you can even convert MS Outlook Calendar to PDF.

Method2: Export PST to PDF with Adobe Acrobat 

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is one of the best PDF-supported applications. Also, it has a plug-in for conversion. Use these steps:

  1. Open Outlook and tap the Adobe PDF tab on the ribbon menu. 
  2. Then, choose the emails from the mailbox folder you wish to convert. 
  3. After that, click Selected Messages and choose to Create New PDF
  4. Mention a name for your PDF file and also pick a location to save it. 
  5. Finally, press the Save button to complete the conversion. 

You have completed the process to convert PST file to PDF successfully. Yet, this method has some unavoidable drawbacks. 

What Restrictions Do Manual Methods Pose?

Despite being free and easy, these methods cannot:

  • Bulk convert Outlook PSTs into PDF in one go. 
  • Perform the conversion without using MS Outlook. 
  • Retain the original formatting and structure. 
  • Avoid data loss, time consumption, and manual errors.

So, to overcome these cons and convert files accurately and confidently without Outlook, it is suggested to get a professional tool. 

How to Smartly Convert PST to PDF?

When the manual methods don’t help, the SysInfo PST to PDF Converter Tool gives an upper hand. It allows bulk conversion of Outlook files without the need for MS Outlook installation and keeps the original formatting and structure intact. Additionally, it enables techie and non-techie users to convert Outlook PST files to ICS, MBOX, EML, CSV, and many other formats as required. Moreover, its self-explanatory interface works across all major OS, converting emails without duplicates, with or without attachments, and for a particular period. 

Tip: If you want more compatibility, advanced customization as per your needs, and a no-software installation conversion without Outlook. Then, avail SysInfo’s One-Time Conversion Service. Let our experts handle your tasks scalably and flexibly, and get in touch 24*7 for any concerns. 

Quick Steps to Convert PST File to PDF Without Outlook 

  1. Download, install, and start the PST Converter Tool on the OS. Click Next.Start the PST Converter Tool 
  2. Further, choose your PST files or folders and load them. Tap Next.Choose your PST files or folders
  3. Afterward, preview the content, select the folders, and click Next.Select the folders click Next 
  4. Select PDF from the displayed list of file format saving options.Select PDF 
  5. Lastly, use the filters, pick a destination, and tap Convert to finish.Use the filters and tap Convert 

Real World Use Case

A compliance team is handling archived PST files from legacy Outlook profiles of former employees. But accessing data for free via Outlook is impossible due to licensing and profile dependencies. Convert Outlook PST to PDF documents will allow auditors and legal teams to review email records independently. This is best possible with the top-notch PST File to PDF Converter without relying on Outlook or Exchange environments.

Conclusion

Due to the steady nature of the PST files, there is no direct manual method available for the Outlook PST to Adobe PDF conversion. All the other available manual methods involve using MS Outlook at some point. This makes the professional PST to PDF Conversion Tool a stable, practical, and scalable solution to convert PST file to PDF. It provides accuracy, 100% optimum results guarantee, and keeps everything maintained with zero loss. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I convert PST to PDF manually?

Ans. To convert PST files to PDF natively, use either MS Outlook’s built-in Microsoft Print to PDF option or the Adobe Acrobat application. 

Q2. Does converting PST files to PDF change email formatting?

Ans. If you export PST to PDF manually, the email formatting may be affected. With the reliable PST File Converter Tool, rest assured that your emails are kept intact as in the original PST. 

Q3. Can I convert only selected folders from a PST file?

Ans. Yes, use the preview pane provided in the PST to PDF Converter Software for choosing the folders that you want to convert. Furthermore, if you need them for a specific period, then use the Date Range filter.

Q4. Which is the best tool to convert PST file to PDF?

Ans. The best tool for conversion is the SysInfo PST to PDF File Converter by SysInfo. It supports batch processing of files and has various advanced capabilities with a Demo Version for evaluation and free conversion of upto 50 emails per folder.

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About The Author:

Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.

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