How to Convert PST to RTF without Outlook Email Client Program?

In today’s post, we’ll walk you through how to convert PST to RTF without Outlook. We’ll explore both the manual method and a professional method to help you choose what works best for your needs.

While the manual method is free, it can be time-consuming and less efficient especially when dealing with bulk Outlook emails. On the other side, the alternative approach involves powerful software that offers fast, accurate, and bulk conversion with minimal effort.

Why Convert PST to RTF?                  

RTF files are compatible with most word processors and don’t require Outlook to view. This makes your data more portable, shareable, and easy to edit, all while preserving essential text and formatting.

Additional Reasons to Convert PST Files to RTF Files

Beyond compatibility and ease of use, there are several other advantages to converting PST files into RTF format:

• Once emails are converted to RTF, you no longer need Outlook or any email client to access them. This is especially useful for users who have archived PST files but no longer use Outlook.
• RTF files can be opened with a wide range of text editors and word processors across Windows, macOS, and Linux. This makes it easier to share and access email content across different platforms.
• RTF files allow you to modify text, formatting, and layout directly—something you can’t do easily with PST files. This is ideal for those who need to extract and repurpose email content.
• In legal, academic, or business settings, emails often need to be presented in a readable and printable format. RTF ensures your emails are preserved in a clean and consistent layout suitable for documentation.
• Compared to PST files, RTFs are smaller and easier to organize. You can save specific emails as individual RTF files, making storage and retrieval more efficient.

Let’s take a closer look at each technique in detail.

1 Method: Manual Way to Convert Outlook to RTF

MS Outlook allows saving individual emails manually in RTF format. Here’s how:

Steps to Convert Outlook Emails to RTF Manually:

• Open Microsoft Outlook on your system.
• Go to the folder containing your emails (e.g., Inbox, Sent Items).
• Double-click to open the mail you wish to convert.
• Click on File > Save As.
• In the “Save as type” dropdown, choose Rich Text Format (*.rtf).
• Opt the location to store the file and tap Save.

Manual Approach: What Makes It Inefficient?

• One can only save one mail at once.
• Very time-consuming for large PST files.
• No option for batch conversion.
• Requires Microsoft Outlook to be installed and configured.

2 Method: Convert PST to RTF Using an Expert Program

To save time and convert multiple PST emails into RTF format at once, it’s better to use an alternative solution like BitData Migration PST Converter. The Outlook to RTF Converter allows you to export bulk Outlook emails in a single round, saving time and effort during the conversion task. It ensures complete data integrity and maintains the original folder structure throughout the conversion process. You can also download the free trial pack to test its features and see how the tool works before purchasing.

Steps Using Automated Tool to Convert EML File to RTF File:

1. Download and install Powerful Outlook Converter on your Windows PC.
2. Launch the tool and click Select Files or Select Folder to load your PST files.
3. Pick the Needed Outlook email folders and hit Next.
4. Choose RTF as your saving format from the list.
5. Select the destination path where you want to save the RTF files.
6. Click the Convert button to begin the process.
7. Once done, the tool will show a message and may open the folder with your converted RTF files.

Top Reasons to Use a PST to RTF Converter Instead of Manual Conversion Method

• The Outlook to RTF Converter enables direct export of Outlook files to RTF format without requiring any additional software or external assistance, simplifying the entire process.
• The PST to RTF Converter supports batch conversion, allowing users to export multiple PST files to RTF file format without any data loss or modification.
• Throughout the conversion, the original folder hierarchy is fully preserved, ensuring that your email organization remains intact and easy to navigate.
• All email attributes, including metadata such as sender, recipient, timestamps, and attachments, are retained without any loss, maintaining data integrity.
• Beyond RTF, the software also supports converting PST files into various other formats such as HTML, EML, MBOX, PDF, MSG, MHT, DOC, CSV, ICS, vCard, GIF, JPEG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Zimbra, Lotus Notes, IMAP, Office 365, G Suite, Gmail, Maildir, AWS WorkMail, Exchange Server, Outloo.com, and many more.
• Advanced filtering options let users selectively convert emails based on criteria like date range, sender, or subject, which helps in exporting only relevant data.
• Multiple file naming conventions are available to help organize the exported files systematically, making it easier to locate and manage them afterward.
• Designed with a simple and intuitive graphical user interface, the tool is accessible for both home and non-professional users.
• A free demo version is offered so users can explore and test the software’s functionality before committing to a purchase.
• The software is fully compatible with all recent and older versions of Windows OS, Macintosh OS, and Microsoft Outlook.

Final Lines

If you only need to convert a few emails, the manual method may work. But for large PST files or frequent conversions, an alternative solution like PST to RTF Conversion Tool is the best choice. It saves time, avoids errors, and ensures that your email content is preserved during the conversion.