What PST data can be migrated to an IMAP mailbox?

IMAP is designed for email and mail folders. EdbMails can migrate supported email content and attachments from PST to the target IMAP mailbox. Contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, journals, and other non-mail Outlook data are not native IMAP mailbox content.

Does EdbMails require Outlook for PST to IMAP migration?

Yes. The current EdbMails PST-to-IMAP restore workflow requires Microsoft Outlook with a working profile on the Windows computer performing the migration.

Will folder structure and attachments be preserved?

EdbMails reproduces supported mail folders and transfers readable email content and attachments where the target IMAP server accepts them. Folder behavior and naming rules can vary by provider, so verify the target after migration.

Can I migrate to Gmail, Zoho Mail, Outlook.com, Zimbra, or another IMAP service?

EdbMails can migrate to supported IMAP services when the provider allows the required IMAP connection and authentication method. Hostname, port, app-password, OAuth, MFA, and other security requirements vary by provider.

Can I import multiple PST files to multiple IMAP accounts?

Yes. Use the bulk-account workflow and CSV file to load target account details, then review every source-to-target mapping before migration.

Can I migrate only selected email folders or dates?

Yes. Select the required PST mail folders and use available filters such as date, sender, recipient, subject, attachment, or other supported criteria.

What happens if I re-run the same PST to IMAP migration?

For supported re-runs from the same source/computer to the same target, EdbMails can use migration tracking to avoid needlessly reprocessing items already recorded as migrated.

How do I verify PST to IMAP migration?

Review the migration log for skipped or failed items, then sign in to the target IMAP account and verify representative folders, messages, dates, participants, and attachments.

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Import PST to IMAP Server with EdbMails

Use PST to IMAP migration when email stored in Outlook PST files needs to be moved into a supported IMAP mailbox for server-based access and synchronization. The IMAP protocol is designed for email and mail folders; contacts, calendars, tasks, and other non-mail Outlook data are not transferred through a standard IMAP mailbox migration.

EdbMails supports direct PST-to-IMAP migration for single-user and bulk projects. This workflow complements the broader EdbMails PST Migration Tool family while using the EdbMails IMAP Migration Software workflow for IMAP destinations. Add the PST sources, connect to the target IMAP account or accounts, review source-to-target mailbox mapping, apply available filters, start the restore, and review the migration log. For supported re-runs, EdbMails can use migration tracking to avoid needlessly reprocessing items already recorded as migrated.

Import PST to IMAP

This page is both the PST-to-IMAP product overview and the step-by-step implementation guide. It covers prerequisites, PST selection, IMAP authentication, bulk CSV setup, mailbox mapping, filters, migration, limitations, and post-migration verification.

PST to IMAP migration planning checklist

Inventory PST email data.
Identify each PST owner, approximate size, required mail folders, and intended target IMAP account.
Understand the IMAP scope.
IMAP is an email protocol. Contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, journals, and other non-mail Outlook data do not migrate as native IMAP mailbox content.
Confirm provider authentication.
Check the current IMAP hostname, port, encryption requirement, and authentication method for each target service before the migration window.
Plan bulk mappings carefully.
For multiple accounts, review every PST-to-target mapping before starting the restore.
Keep PST sources until validation.
Retain the source PST files until migration logs and representative target messages have been verified.

Prerequisites to Import PST to IMAP
- Install and configure Microsoft Outlook: The current EdbMails PST-to-IMAP restore workflow requires Outlook with a working profile on the Windows computer performing the migration.
- Collect IMAP connection details: Have the target IMAP hostname, port, email address, and the authentication method required by your provider. Some providers require app passwords, OAuth, or other security-specific credentials instead of a normal account password.
- Prepare CSV file for Multiple Users Migration: If you need to migrate multiple mailboxes, download the sample CSV file from the EdbMails application. Update it with the IMAP server hostname, port number, email addresses, and passwords for each mailbox you want to migrate.
- Provider-specific authentication: Follow the current security requirements of the target IMAP provider. For Gmail accounts using app-password authentication, generate an app password where that method is available and appropriate.
  Learn how to find an IMAP server hostname.
Steps to Import Bulk PST Files to IMAP Account
- Step 1: Download and install EdbMails IMAP migration Software
  - Download EdbMails and install the application on any Windows computer.
    
    See EdbMails system requirements for PST to IMAP import
  - Open the EdbMails application on your computer.
  - Enter your registered email and password, then click ‘Login’. If you don’t have an account, select ‘Start Your Free Trial’ to try the application.
    Note: The Free Trial allows up to 30 items per folder for evaluation. For migration beyond the trial limit, purchase the appropriate EdbMails license.
    Click here to purchase the license from the EdbMails website.
    After purchase, restart the application and log in with the same email and password to activate your license.
  - Choose the option ‘IMAP (Gmail, Outlook and more) Migration’
  - Select ‘Restore PST to IMAP’.
  - You can continue using the default job name that has already been assigned, or select ‘New Job’ to rename it according to your preference before proceeding.
- Step 2: Add PST files
  - Click the ‘Add file(s)’ button.
  - Browse the PST file(s) from your computer that you want to import.
- Step 3: Connect to Target IMAP server
  - To migrate a single user account, select ‘Single User / Account Migration’. Then pick the relevant protocol, either ‘Connect to IMAP Server’ or ‘Connect to POP3 Server’, and click ‘Next’ to proceed.
  - For a single-user login, select the appropriate IMAP hostname from the list or enter it manually, then provide the authentication details required by that provider.
    Note: Provider requirements vary. For Gmail accounts using app-password authentication, see how to create an app password.
  - Click the ‘Login’ button.
  - To migrate several IMAP accounts at once, choose ‘Multiple (bulk) Users/Accounts Migration’ and then click ‘Next’.
  - Click ‘IMAP Migration CSV File’ and choose the destination folder on your local drive to download the ‘Sample.CSV’ file.
  - Open the CSV file and enter the required information for each mailbox, such as the email address, password, IMAP server hostname, and port number. Once all details are added, save the CSV file and close it.
  - Now, click the 'Load Modified CSV File' button to load, and select the modified CSV file.
  - Click ‘Next’ to proceed after verifying the mailboxes.
- Step 4: PST to IMAP mailboxes mapping
  - Select the appropriate option to map the source mailboxes to the corresponding target mailboxes.
  - EdbMails can suggest source-to-target mappings where identifiers align. Review every proposed mapping and manually change the target account where required before starting migration.
- Step 5: Start PST to IMAP Restore operation
  - Click the ‘Settings’ button to apply filters as needed. For instance, you can use the date filter to migrate data only within a specific time range.
  - Click the ‘Start Restore’ button to initiate the migration process.
  - Select ‘View Log’ to review migration status, skipped or failed items, and available folder/item counts. Then sign in to the target IMAP mailbox and verify representative folders, messages, dates, participants, and attachments.

Benefits of EdbMails for PST to IMAP migration

Single-user and bulk PST migration
Add one or multiple PST files, connect to a single IMAP account or load multiple target accounts through CSV, review the mappings, and migrate supported email data to the selected IMAP destinations.
Selective email migration with filters
EdbMails IMAP Migration Software provides filter controls to help you selectively migrate email. You can choose emails based on criteria such as the date (before/after), subject, attachment names, sender, recipient, and whether the message is read or unread. This feature allows you to target only the emails you want to migrate.
Folder and filter controls
Use available filters and folder exclusions to reduce the migration scope and avoid moving email data that is outside the project requirement.
Direct PST-to-IMAP workflow
EdbMails reads the PST source and writes supported email data to the connected IMAP destination without requiring an intermediate PST conversion stage.
Support for compatible IMAP destinations
EdbMails can connect to supported IMAP services and custom IMAP servers when the required hostname, port, authentication method, and account permissions are available. Provider-specific security requirements can differ.
Windows-based migration application
Run EdbMails on a Windows system that meets the current product requirements. Check the IMAP migration system requirements before deployment.
Free trial and 24/7 customer support
EdbMails offers a free trial, giving users a chance to evaluate the tool's capabilities before purchasing. Additionally, 24/7 free tech support ensures assistance is always available, helping users navigate any issues during the migration process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What PST data can be migrated to an IMAP mailbox?
IMAP is designed for email and mail folders. EdbMails can migrate supported email content and attachments from PST to the target IMAP mailbox. Contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, journals, and other non-mail Outlook data are not native IMAP mailbox content.
Does EdbMails require Outlook for PST to IMAP migration?
Yes. The current EdbMails PST-to-IMAP restore workflow requires Microsoft Outlook with a working profile on the Windows computer performing the migration.
Will folder structure and attachments be preserved?
EdbMails reproduces supported mail folders and transfers readable email content and attachments where the target IMAP server accepts them. Folder behavior and naming rules can vary by provider, so verify the target after migration.
Can I migrate to Gmail, Zoho Mail, Outlook.com, Zimbra, or another IMAP service?
EdbMails can migrate to supported IMAP services when the provider allows the required IMAP connection and authentication method. Hostname, port, app-password, OAuth, MFA, and other security requirements vary by provider.
Can I import multiple PST files to multiple IMAP accounts?
Yes. Use the bulk-account workflow and CSV file to load target account details, then review every source-to-target mapping before migration.
Can I migrate only selected email folders or dates?
Yes. Select the required PST mail folders and use available filters such as date, sender, recipient, subject, attachment, or other supported criteria.
What happens if I re-run the same PST to IMAP migration?
For supported re-runs from the same source/computer to the same target, EdbMails can use migration tracking to avoid needlessly reprocessing items already recorded as migrated.
How do I verify PST to IMAP migration?
Review the migration log for skipped or failed items, then sign in to the target IMAP account and verify representative folders, messages, dates, participants, and attachments.