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Written By
Simran Bhatia -
Approved By
Sonika Rawat -
Updated on
September 11th, 2025 -
Read Time
7 minutes
Free Methods to Convert PST to JSON on Windows & Mac
“In today’s data-driven economy, flexibility in file formats is the key to long-term maintenance.”
Outlook users often work with PST, but in API-driven applications, JSON is the standard for data exchange. Developers, IT admins, and even analysts find the need to convert PST to JSON for accessing Outlook data in web apps, databases, and automated workflows. Here, the good news is that you do not need to worry. We have provided the PST Converter and a free solution in this guide just for you. It ensures you can access Outlook data in a developer-friendly format with ease.
Why You May Export Outlook PST to JSON?
Except for PST, which is an Outlook-based file format, JSON is a very lightweight and platform-independent structure. It can be safely and reliably used to:
- Import Outlook data into apps developed for the web or cloud.
- Share email metadata with developers or analysts.
- Merge email logs into an integrated, easy-to-manage dashboard, into a CRM tool, or into a ticketing system.
- Facilitate machine learning-speed parsing for AI analytics.
Hidden Insight:
JSON provides a useful structure for serverless computing (i.e., AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, etc.) where raw PST files cannot be parsed.
User Queries:
“My team has a few large PST files from Outlook, and they need to convert them to JSON for integration with a custom app. Any recommendations for reliable tools or methods that convert PST to JSON Mac, while retaining email metadata, attachments, and folder structure? If there’s any, please provide a step-by-step guide to avoid losing anything!”
-Daniel
“I am migrating email data from Outlook PST files into the JSON format for my JSON-based database analysis. What is the best method to efficiently change PST to JSON in bulk? I also need to extract calendars, contacts, etc., with an emphasis on their compatibility with modern APIs. Thus, include details on managing a large file while maintaining data integrity.”
-Sofia K
How to Free Convert PST File to JSON?
PST is a proprietary format, while JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is an open interchange format. It is not a simple file conversion, so there are many considerate free ways for conversion. Note that there is always a risk of losing metadata (e.g., timestamps, attachments, or formatting) in these methods.
Method 1: Convert PST to JSON Windows
This method requires you to first convert PST to Excel CSV and later save it as a JSON file. The steps to follow here are:
- Start MS Outlook and launch the Import/Export wizard from File Export.
- Then, choose the Export option and click Next in the dialog.
- After that, pick Comma Separated Values (CSV) as output and tap Next.
- Further, select your PST files from the tree format and opt for Include Subfolders (optional).
- Now, with Browse, choose where to save CSV, map your fields, and click Finish.
- Later, open the Python scripting tool or PowerShell window and use the following code:
import pandas as pd PSTfile = pd.read_csv(“outlook_data.csv”) PSTfile.to_json(“outlook_data.json”, orient=”records”, lines=True) |
You will get a structured JSON file with all your Outlook data in it.
Method 2: Convert PST to JSON Mac
In this method, you can use either Apple Mail or Outlook for Mac. The steps may vary slightly. (Ensure you have imported PST on your Mac OS using an external drive or via IMAP.) We prefer to use Apple Mail, and its steps are:
- Start Apple Mail on your macOS and import the PST into it.
- Then, using the export feature, extract the data in an MBOX file.
- Later, use any MBOX to JSON Converter Tool to complete the conversion.
- Or, use the following Python scripts to free convert PST file to JSON:
|
import pandas as pd import mailbox import json mbox = mailbox.mbox(‘result.mbox’) emails = [] for message in mbox: email_data = { ‘from’: message[‘namefrom’], ‘to’: message[‘nameto’], ‘subject’: message[‘namesubject’], ‘body’: message.get_payload() } emails.append(email_data) with open(‘result.json’, ‘w’) as f: json.dump({’emails’: emails}, f, indent=4) |
How to Effortlessly Convert PST to JSON?
SysInfo PST Converter Tool is an efficient utility to secure Outlook PST data in a developer-compatible JSON file. It enables you to preserve the data and maintain the structure and integrity even after the conversion. Additionally, you can convert PSTs in bulk without Outlook or Python scripting. Moreover, it doesn’t need high-tech skills and works on all Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, giving complete flexibility and scalability.
Direct Steps to Export Outlook PST to JSON
- Launch PST to JSON Converter and click Next.
- Afterward, add your Outlook .pst and click Open→Next.
- Then, select the folders from the tree view after preview and tap Next.
- Further, choose JSON format from the file formats and apply filters.
- In the end, select your final destination and click Convert to change.
| Manual Methods | Automated Tool |
| Require high technical knowledge, including scripting and coding. | No need to be technically specialized, easy to use with a simple GUI. |
| Some items may be skipped, lost, or altered. | All data, attachments, and meta details are intact alongwith the structure. |
| Bulk conversion is not possible and needs a lot of effort. | Simplified conversions in bulk without size limits. |
| Often need you to go through the two-way process. | Instant and direct conversion with advanced filters for customization. |
Manual vs Professional: Which to Choose?
When you convert PST to JSON on Windows & Mac, you can opt for any of the given methods. But the point is, which one is the most convenient among them. To understand the same, take a look at this difference table:
Moreover, this isn’t it. The expert tool even has a demo version, which you can download for evaluation and a few free conversions.
Conclusion
Don’t let the Outlook PST files pile up like dusty boxes in an attic. With some free tools and smart solutions, you can convert PST to JSON on Windows and Mac. Thus, releasing your Outlook files into a more modern, flexible format, suited for all developers, IT admins, and other professionals globally. Once you perform this simple transformation, you can start to move emails to structured insights, a future-proof and developer-friendly guide, in just a few clicks.
FAQS
Q. Will attachments and body text also convert to JSON?
Ans- Yes, they will convert to JSON, but will usually show inside the .json file encoded, as raw text, or as links to files. To ensure you get that as plain text, you can use the Python scripting or best preferably, a PST Converter Software.
Q. Is it safe to change PST to JSON online?
Ans- It depends. If you are working with sensitive corporate data, you want to avoid online tools. It is because they are not secure and can pose a potential threat to your data. So, use an offline converter like PST to JSON Conversion Tool and keep data secure, and perform instant conversion in one go within minimal time.
Q. Does analysis work better with CSV or JSON when converted from PST?
Ans- CSV format would work better for spreadsheets. JSON is better suited for APIs, databases, and web applications.
About The Author:
Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.
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