Confused between PST and OST files? This guide explains the key differences, use cases, and how to convert between them.
PST Converter Tool
Export Outlook PST to 17 formats — PDF, MBOX, EML, Gmail, Office 365, IMAP — plus Contacts, Calendar, and Tasks. No Outlook needed. Runs on Windows 11 and Apple Silicon M4 Mac.
PST vs OST Files: Key Differences You Need to Know
What is a PST File?
PST (Personal Storage Table) is an Outlook data file used to store messages, contacts, and other items locally.
What is an OST File?
OST (Offline Storage Table) is a synchronized offline copy of your Exchange mailbox.
Key Differences
| Storage | Local PC | Local PC (synced from server) |
|---|
When to Use Which?
Use PST for archiving and backups. OST files are used automatically when you connect to Exchange or Office 365.
Michael Torres
Verified Technical Author 8+ Yrs ExperienceEmail Systems Expert
Specializes in Microsoft Exchange, Outlook PST/OST recovery algorithms, Office 365 tenant migrations, and enterprise cloud data integrity. All migration scripts and procedures are tested in isolated sandbox environments.
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PST Converter Tool
Export Outlook PST to 17 formats — PDF, MBOX, EML, Gmail, Office 365, IMAP — plus Contacts, Calendar, and Tasks. No Outlook needed. Runs on Windows 11 and Apple Silicon M4 Mac.
- ✓Export PST to 17 formats: PDF, HTML, MHTML, RTF, DOC, TXT, JSON, CSV, EML, MSG, MBOX, EMLX, PST Archive, Gmail, Office 365, IMAP, and Yahoo Mail
- ✓Migrate Contacts, Calendar events, and Tasks to Gmail and Office 365 — not just emails