PST files on Mac: the situation
PST files turn up on a Mac in a few common ways: you switched from a Windows PC and brought your Outlook archive with you; you used Outlook for Mac and exported your mail; or a colleague handed you a PST file to read. In any of these cases, Thunderbird on Mac cannot open a PST file directly — the file first needs to be converted. The PST to Thunderbird Converter does this entirely on your Mac, without uploading anything.
How to convert PST to Thunderbird on Mac
1
Download PST to Thunderbird
Click the Download for Mac button below.
2
Select your PST file
Open the converter on your Mac and select your PST file. The tool works with PST files from any version of Outlook, including those exported from Outlook for Mac or transferred from a Windows PC.
3
Press the Preview Contents button
This will allow you to see the contents of the PST file. This also confirms that the PST file is not corrupt and conversion to Thunderbird can proceed.
4
Choose the Destination Folder
The converter will automatically find where Thunderbird is installed and where it looks for local folders. You have the option to choose a different folder should you wish.
5
Run the offline conversion
The converter processes the PST archive entirely on your Mac, extracting emails, folder structure, and attachments into a format Thunderbird expects. Before starting the conversion, it is recommended that you close all instances of Thunderbird.
6
Start Thunderbird
The newly imported folders and messages will appear under Local Folders.
Download for Mac
Free — no licence required · Apple Silicon only (M1, M2, M3+)
# If macOS blocks the app on first launch:
Right-click the DMG → choose Open
Requires Apple Silicon
The current release requires an Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3, or later). It runs natively on arm64 — no Rosetta translation needed. An Intel Mac build is not currently available. If you are on an Intel Mac,
the Linux version runs on Intel hardware.
Do I need Outlook for Mac installed?
No. PST files are self-contained archives — the converter reads them directly without Outlook. This is particularly useful for users who:
- Switched from Windows and never had Outlook for Mac
- Had Outlook for Mac but have since uninstalled it
- Want to avoid installing Microsoft software just to migrate email
Thunderbird vs Apple Mail on Mac
Both Thunderbird and Apple Mail are solid choices for email on Mac. Thunderbird tends to appeal to users who want a consistent experience across platforms (Thunderbird runs the same on Mac, Windows and Linux), richer plugin support, or a client that is not tied to the Apple ecosystem. If your end goal is Apple Mail rather than Thunderbird, we also make a
PST to Apple Mail Converter.
What gets preserved during conversion
All email messages
Original folder structure
Attachments
Sent and received dates
Email headers
Subfolders
Online converters vs offline on Mac
Online PST tools require uploading your email archive to a web server. Your email likely contains sensitive personal, financial, or professional information. The PST to Thunderbird Converter on Mac processes everything locally — nothing is transmitted anywhere, and your privacy is fully intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the PST to Thunderbird converter work on Mac?
Yes, on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3 or later). An Intel Mac build is not currently available.
Can I convert PST to Thunderbird on Mac without Outlook?
Yes. The converter reads PST files directly without Outlook for Mac. No Microsoft software is needed.
I switched from Windows to Mac and have a PST file. Can I use this?
Yes. PST files from Windows work the same way in the converter. Transfer the file to your Mac and select it in the converter.
Does it work on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3)?
Yes. The current release is Apple Silicon only — it runs natively with no Rosetta layer needed.
Will my Outlook folders be preserved in Thunderbird?
Yes. The converter preserves your original folder hierarchy, all emails, and attachments.
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