Export Gmail to PST File Format – A Complete Guide

  

Rollins Duke   
Published: January 13th, 2026 • 8 Min Read

Wondering for a perfect method to export Gmail to PST file? You’re in the right place. In this blog post, we will walk you through the simplest and most efficient methods to backup Gmail to PST files with or without MS Outlook installation. Stay with us till the end of this article to find the methods that suit your needs best.

Many users across the globe export Gmail to PST on a regular basis, whether it is for accessing files in offline mode, normal email backup, or migration of files to Outlook. The PST file is a form of file generated and kept in Outlook that enables users to easily organize and manage their critical attachments, files, and emails locally.

Since Gmail does not directly convert Gmail to PST, it is essential for users to look for alternatives, both manual and automated methods, to safely backup Gmail to PST. For this, users would first need to convert Gmail emails into MBOX format and then further export MBOX to PST format.

Read the blog till the end to fully understand the process to export Gmail emails to PST through both professional and free methods, along with their pros and cons, to ensure 100% safety of users’ information.

What Is Need to Convert Gmail to PST Format?

Several users may have different types of requirements to export Gmail messages to PST format. Here, we are mentioning some common reasons:

• Backup Requirements: An extra backup of your account always seems beneficial because if you have a backup then you can restore accidentally deleted emails. This is also advisable to backup your Gmail account before deleting it permanently.
• Offline Access: Gmail is a web-based email service that can’t be accessed without an internet connection. Hence, users wish to download Gmail emails for offline viewing in PST format. After that, they can use the free PST viewer program to access emails offline.
• Switch Email Platform: Sometimes users want to switch email platforms from the cloud to the desktop. So, they prefer to export Gmail emails to PST format, because PST file is suitable for Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and previous versions.
• Retention Policies: Various organizations follow the government’s retention policies for legal and compliance requirements. According to the retention policy, companies store employee’s email data for a specific period after switching and leaving their jobs.
• Forensic Investigation: When forensic investigators find some email accounts during the raids. Then they immediately export Gmail to PST file format because suspects may change the password. Later they can analyze PST files to find out crucial evidence. For this, use PST File Analyzer.
• Management: Users export Gmail to PST file to manage complete email account data in a single file. A PST file can store all email folders with complete associated items. Even, there are multiple solutions available to manage PST files accordingly.

How to Convert Gmail to PST with Manual Solutions?

For users who want to export Gmail to PST in less volume, they usually look for either a free or easily accessible method. As mentioned above, there’s no immediate support for Gmail to PST; users need to execute the process through alternative methods, such as IMAP, and convert Gmail emails to MBOX, and further to PST format.

Method 1: Export Gmail to PST File

1. Sign in to Gmail and enable IMAP from settings.
2. Add your Gmail account in Outlook using IMAP.
3. Wait to sync your Gmail account with Outlook.
4. Restart the Outlook client and select File.
5. Then, select Open & Export >> Import/Export.
   
6. Choose Export to a file and tap the Next button.
   
7. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and press Next.
   
8. Next, pick a recently configured Gmail account.
   
9. Now use Browse button to set preferred destination.
   
10. Click Finish to export Gmail to PST file.

Method 2: Export Gmail Mailbox to PST Using Takeout

1. Sign in to your Gmail account and open Takeout.
2. Choose Deselect All to uncheck all checkboxes.
   
3. After that, select the Mail option and click Next Step.
   
4. Choose Delivery Method i.e. Send download link via email.
   
5. Select file type and maximum size accordingly.
   
6. Press the Create Export button to prepare.
   
7. See Google is creating copies of your emails.
   
8. Login to your Gmail, and press Download Archive to export ZIP file.
   

Important Note: After that extract the downloaded ZIP file and get data in MBOX format. Now use MBOX to PST Converter and get data in PST format.

Limitations of Manual Method

• It requires multiple stages to complete i.e. Enable IMAP, Configure Gmail with Outlook, and Export PST from Outlook.
• Not useful for users looking for a direct conversion of Gmail emails to PST format.
  Consumes a large amount of user’s time and productivity when they export Gmail emails to PST in bulk.
• There’s a mandatory requirement to download Outlook on their respective operating system.
• Requires a compulsory need for the internet, which could risk data loss if disrupted in the middle of the process through IMAP.
• Does not guarantee of sustaining folder structure and the integrity of data during the export process.
• Likely to cause issues in processing attachments due to size limitations to securely export Gmail to PST.
• Not suitable for non-technical users due to the complex steps and processes.

How to Export Email from Gmail to PST? Steps

1. Download and launch the Gmail to PST Export Tool on your computer.
   
2. Enter your account credentials (Email ID and App Password), and click Login.
   
3. Select the required Gmail folders from the software GUI to export.
   
4. Enable advance settings to use filters to export selective emails.
   
5. Thereafter, choose PST as the saving option as shown in the figure below.
   
6. Browse the destination path and press Backup to export Gmail to PST file.

How Is The Above Mentioned Tool Beneficial?

• Batch mode option to export Gmail emails to PST from multiple accounts at once.
• Export selective folders from your Gmail account to PST file extension.
• Enable filtration options to convert Gmail to PST between specific dates.
• Gmail to PST Converter provides 30+ standard saving options.
• Several file naming options for renaming exported emails and documents.
• Suitable for all versions of the Mac and Windows operating systems.
• This software maintains the folder and subfolder structure during the export Gmail to PST file process.
• It also allows you to export Google Workspace emails to PST with incremental export.
• Separate option to download all attachments from Gmail account in actual formats.

Conclusion

Finally, you can pick any method to export Gmail to PST file format as per your need and choice. Whether you are a business user or a home user. This Gmail to PST Export Tool is valuable for both. The advanced feature of this software is that it is compatible with both Windows & Mac OS.

You can also go with the manual techniques to export Gmail to PST with Outlook, Takeout, and Three Dot (More) options. All the methods work successfully; however, these manual methods have some limitations.