How to Import OLM to IMAP Server on Windows & Mac

Moving Outlook data across platforms isn’t as simple as it should be because when you are switching from Mac, you need to be careful. Whether you are moving to another email client or centralizing data on a mail server, the practical task is to import OLM to IMAP server. However, due to the nature of OLM files, they are bound to Outlook for Mac and can’t be directly imported to an IMAP server. This guide will explain to you how the import can be formed freely or with an OLM Converter in an efficient, secure, and reliable manner.

Brief Understanding of OLM to IMAP Migration

The OLM file created by Outlook for Mac is platform-dependent and stores all emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and other data locally. Whereas IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a server storage that keeps your mailbox data synced across various devices in real-time.

With this import, you move data from your local desktop to cloud storage, which gives wide accessibility.

How?

IMAP supports numerous email clients, such as Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Gmail, Other Webmails, etc.

Furthermore, the common scenarios where you must import OLM file to IMAP server include:

  • Transferring from Mac to web-based or cross-platform emails.
  • Exchanging Outlook data between Mac and Windows spaces.
  • Importing OLM data to a central IMAP server for easy team access.
  • Better security, data backup, and storage from a single space.
  • For effortless collaboration, better compatibility, and improved management.

Ultimate Solutions to Import OLM to IMAP Server

In this specific section, find out how you can perform the data transfer for free manually with control. Additionally, learn the pros and cons of manual data transfers. Once done, find out the best solution for quick and secure transfers with the OLM File Converter.

Cost-Free Open OLM File in IMAP Server

The manual process is somewhat technical, but it is feasible if done diligently. Use the following steps to manually import your OLM mailbox to IMAP through Outlook for Mac. The steps are:

  1. Launch Outlook for Mac and from Tools >> Accounts, click + >> New Account.
  2. Then, sign in using your IMAP-supported account (Say, Gmail).
  3. Further, verify that IMAP access is active via your mail server settings.
  4. Once connected, click on your IMAP account in Outlook and select New Folder.
  5. Afterward, title the folder with a name of your choice, like “OLM Emails”, etc.
  6. Later, drag and drop the desired emails, folders, or items from your OLM mailbox to the new IMAP folder.
  7. Your Outlook will automatically sync that folder to the IMAP server.
  8. Now, open Windows Outlook (or another email program).
  9. Next, install the same IMAP account on Outlook/whatever email they are using.
  10. Finally, every email that was transferred will be there via the synchronized folder, consistent across devices.

Loopholes of the Manual Method

  • Takes too long when you have large OLM files or a bulk mailbox.
  • Does not save contacts, calendars, or attachments appropriately.
  • The system is constantly interrupted and has data duplication issues.
  • Requires a constant internet connection, and Outlook is installed.
  • Must have some technical expertise to avoid major loss or corruption.

Error-Free Import OLM to IMAP Server

Enterprises and large-scale users are always concerned about data security and folder structure. This is why it is better to download the SysInfo OLM Converter Tool to automate the process and migrate data, ensuring accuracy and precision. Moreover, this tool has some exceptional features that make it a preferred choice, such as:

  • Support for bulk migration of very large OLMs with attachments.
  • Preservation of folder hierarchy, email content, and metadata.
  • Map OLM folders directly and work across Windows and Mac OS.
  • User-friendly tool with no requirement for Outlook installation.
  • Demo Version to instantly import upto 50 emails per folder at no cost.

Guide to Migrate Outlook OLM to IMAP Server

  1. Start the OLM to IMAP Migration Tool and tap Continue.
  2. Then, using the Select buttons, load OLM files and folders and hit Next.
  3. Further, preview files and folders from the tree view and select them. Tap Next.
  4. After that, choose the IMAP option from the email clients list and enter the credentials.
  5. Press Sign In to authenticate. Apply the filters and, at last, click Convert to transfer.

Also, you can use it to Extract Attachments from OLM without hassle.

Example Case

Darcy from a marketing agency was managing around 25 Mac systems. She decided to consolidate all OLM mailboxes into a centralized IMAP Server for easy and reliable access. With the OLM File Converter, she was able to successfully upload over 60 GB of data in a few hours without loss or downtime. It helped cut her migration time by a huge ratio, providing an effortless transition and saved time and data.

Conclusion

Importing OLM files to an IMAP server allows you to move email from local Mac Outlook data to accessible email in the cloud. This works well for small mailboxes if you manually transfer your data, but the process is usually slow and can lead to mistakes with bulk mailboxes. A professional OLM to IMAP Migration Tool makes it easy to import OLM to IMAP server accurately and securely. Thus, making it a great option for organizations managing large email infrastructures that are shared across multiple users.

FAQs

Q. Is it possible to open OLM files directly in an IMAP server?

Ans- No, you cannot open OLM file in IMAP server directly because OLM files are not compatible with IMAP. To open them, use the advanced OLM Conversion Tool.

Q. Is there any size restriction when importing OLM to IMAP manually?

Ans- Yes, there are typical size restrictions. The vast majority of IMAP servers impose limits, either in size per mailbox or size limitations for attachments, often around 25-50MB per email, and Mailbox limits of 2-5 GB.

Q. Can I choose to migrate only selective OLM folders to IMAP?

Ans- Yes, OLM Conversion Tool allows you to choose and select your folders (Inbox, Sent, Drafts, etc.) rather than transferring data you do not wish to transfer.

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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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