Quick Guide to Import PST to Postbox Mail on Mac

Written By
Shivansh Shukla

Updated on
November 26th, 2025

6 minutes Read
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Introduction: Like Windows Thunderbird, Postbox Mail has become a go-to client for Mac users who require a free, open-source, fast, customized, and focused email manager. But here too users face one common challenge, i.e., how to import PST to Postbox Mail when shifting from the Outlook environment. This is because Postbox also doesn’t support the PST format and contains data in MBOX files. This blog focuses on the same and discusses free methods and an efficient MacSonik PST Converter to import PST to Postbox Mac.

Why is There a Need to Import PST File to Postbox Client?

The commonly preferred reasons for users to make the import are:

  • Postbox supports optimized threading, has message tags, and gives quick responses. 
  • It can open and keep all PST data preserved without initially accessing MS Outlook. 
  • Allows migration of Outlook data between platforms directly through IMAP. 
  • Simplifies the workflow by collaborating with other productivity tools like EverNote. 
  • Has a powerful manager for the inbox that keeps email organized and secure. 
  • Maintain old and archived email backups and save them in a single space. 

How to Import PST to Postbox Mail on Mac? 

There are three methods by which you can import PST to Postbox on Mac. It includes two manual solutions and a professional tool for the conversion. The steps for them are explained in detail below. Follow them in order for an accurate conversion. 

Manually Import Outlook PST to Postbox

We will use the Thunderbird email client as a mediator for the PST to Postbox import via IMAP. Also, we will see how you can convert through Apple Mail on your Mac. Both methods are suitable and can be used on your Mac OS without difficulties. 

Way 1: Migrate PST Files into Postbox via IMAP 

  1. First, open your Windows Outlook and choose the Add Account option. 
  2. Then, enter the Mozilla Thunderbird credentials and complete configuration via IMAP
  3. Once completed, start the Import/Export wizard from the Open and Export tab.
  4. Furthermore, choose Import from a file and select PST. Tap Next
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions and complete the process to import PST to Thunderbird
  6. Once done, start the Postbox Mail on Mac and click the Add Account option. 
  7. Now, configure the same Thunderbird account in your Postbox via IMAP
  8. Later, drag and drop the PST folders from Thunderbird into Postbox

Way 2: Import PST to Postbox Mail by Apple Mail 

  1. First, transfer your PST files to Outlook for Mac
  2. Then, choose that folder and drag it outside Outlook.
  3. Open Apple Mail, and drop the folder under the On My Mac section. 
  4. Apple Mail will save them as MBOX emails automatically. 
  5. Later, locate them at /Users/<username>/Library/Mail/ID/Mailboxes and copy the folders. 
  6. After that, start Postbox Mail and from File, click Import Mailboxes → Mail Messages → Import from MBOX file
  7. Finally, select your MBOX and click Import to transfer the entire data. 

Shortcomings of the Manual Method 

  • You need multiple account profiles and stable internet connectivity. 
  • Technical knowledge and skills are a must to move between platforms. 
  • For multiple folders or bulk migrations, this process is complex and lengthy. 
  • You need to invest a lot of time and effort, and still, there is no guarantee for accurate imports. 

Automatically Import PST to Postbox Mail 

MacSonik PST Converter is a reliable, trustworthy, and verified solution for your bulk PST imports directly into the Postbox Mail. It offers advanced filter options for duplicate removal and selective conversion, and keeps the data structure and formatting preserved. Additionally, any techie or non-techie can use it to import PST to Google Workspace and other clients apart from Postbox. Moreover, the user-friendly software enables smooth and secure conversions and provides a Demo Version for performance evaluation and more. 

Steps to Import PST File to Postbox Client

  1. Start the MacSonik PST File Converter and click Next to add the Outlook files.
  2. Then, with Select File/Folder, you can add the PST data to the tool.
  3. Tap Next. Further, check the folders preview, select them, and again hit Next.
  4. Afterward, pick the MBOX file format and apply the relevant filters.
  5. Finally, use the Path to Save option for a destination and tap Convert.

Suggested Read: Convert PST to VCF 

Pro Tip: To avoid the hassle of software installation and skip the manual import efforts at the same time, avail Maconik One-Time Service. Here, our technical experts will import your entire data into Postbox at once without any concerns. 

Conclusion 

When you import PST to Postbox Mail, you may encounter problems due to different formats. But once a good working environment has been established, it can be completed conveniently. There are two ways to transfer emails into Postbox: one is through an IMAP account from any provider, which is available for free; the other is using a professional tool to convert the PST directly into MBOX format. With the right methods, you can convert easily and secure your data smoothly. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Postbox able to natively open and import PST files?

Ans: No, the PST cannot be opened or imported into Postbox directly. The PST file must first be converted to an MBOX file using the IMAP method or a trusted MacSonik PST File Converter Software.

Q2. Can I import multiple PSTs into Postbox?

Ans: Yes. Use the PST to MBOX Converter to save multiple PSTs as a single MBOX file. Later, with the Import Mailbox option in Postbox, complete importing Outlook PST to Postbox.

Q3. Will the original folder structure of my PST file remain intact?

Ans: If you use an automatic MacSonik PST to MBOX Converter, then yes, the folder structure will remain the same as the PST. However, if you manually import Outlook PST to Postbox, then the folder structure may be altered.

Q4. Can I import PST files from Windows into Outlook?

Ans: You can import PST to Postbox Mail, but it is not beneficial. Postbox for Windows is no longer supported; the only version of Postbox that continues to be supported is for macOS.

About The Author:

Shivansh Shukla is a technical content writer who researches and provides reliable solutions to help users resolve their problems. He offers effective procedures for email migration, data backup, and file conversion for all technical and non-technical users.

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