How to Convert IMAP to MSG File? Best Way

Written By Adom James
Updated on December 3rd, 2025

Linda’s Issue: “I have multiple IMAP emails. But now I want to save them as MSG files for offline storage and legal documentation. What is the easiest and safest way to convert IMAP to MSG without losing formatting or attachments?”

Introduction: IMAP is widely used to manage emails across multiple devices. On the other hand, MSG is a Microsoft Outlook email file format used to store a single email message. However, many professional users prefer to save important emails in MSG format for offline backup. Exporting IMAP mailbox data manually is not possible. As IMAP itself doesn’t offer a native export option. Therefore, this guide explains the manual steps to export IMAP to MSG. Also, provides a verified CloudMigration IMAP Backup Tool for accurate and secure migration.

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Table of Contents

Real-Life Example

A project manager wanted to archive all his IMAP emails for legal documentation. However, managing everything within the IMAP server was difficult, and manual conversion was taking hours. So, he used the CloudMigration IMAP Backup Tool to export IMAP to MSG. Every folder and attachment was preserved, and now he securely stores his emails offline for future reference.

A Closer Look at IMAP and MSG Formats

IMAP:

It is one of the most common protocols used to access email on a server from multiple devices.
Allows you to read, organize, and manage emails directly on the mail server instead of downloading.

MSG:

MSG is a Microsoft Outlook email file format used to store a single email message.
It contains Email body, Sender & recipient details, Date, time, subject, Attachments, and Outlook-specific metadata.

Why IMAP Emails Should Be Stored in MSG Format?

Here are the major reasons users choose to convert IMAP to MSG:

MSG files store emails individually, which helps in legal investigations.
Moreover, MSG preserves metadata, attachments, and formatting.
Also helps users create an offline backup of selected IMAP messages.
Allow the users to migrate IMAP to Zoho Mail and supported clients.

Manual Approach to Migrate Emails from IMAP to MSG

If you do not want to use third-party software, you can perform the process manually. However, this method requires Outlook and involves multiple steps. Also, it works only for small collections of emails.

Step 1. Configure IMAP Account in Outlook

Firstly, open Microsoft Outlook.
Now, go to File → Add Account.
Then, enter your IMAP email credentials and server settings.
Later, finish the setup and wait for mailbox syncing.

Step 2. Convert IMAP to MSG

After that, open the IMAP mailbox inside Outlook.
Now, select the email you want to convert.
Drag and drop the email to any folder on your computer.
It will automatically save as .msg format.

Step 3. Repeat the Steps for All Required Emails

You must manually drag each email or a selected group into a folder.
This will export them as separate MSG files.

Pitfalls to Download IMAP Emails to MSG Manually

The manual method requires Microsoft Outlook installation.
It becomes extremely time-consuming for bulk export.
Sometimes Outlook may freeze while exporting large mailboxes.
The folder hierarchy is not preserved during drag-and-drop saving.
Unfortunately, you cannot apply filters like date, subject, or sender.
Moreover, there is a risk of data loss if the mailbox fails to sync properly.

Verified Approach to Convert IMAP to MSG Instantly

Using the CloudMigration IMAP Backup Tool, users can directly export IMAP to MSG without manual configuration. This tool ensures 100% data integrity, maintains the structure and formatting intact. Moreover, it offers multiple advanced filters. Also, it supports conversion to various formats, like migrate IMAP Email to Google Workspace.

One-Time Service Option

If you do not want to perform the migration yourself, you can opt for a One-Time CloudMigration Service. Their experts will securely transfer Emails from IMAP to MSG format. Also, it will maintain complete data accuracy and zero downtime.

Expert’s Guide to Save IMAP to MSG

Firstly, download and install the CloudMigration IMAP Backup Tool → Continue to go ahead.

Now, log in using your IMAP Email Account credentials.

After that, preview your mailbox folder → click Next.

Further, choose MSG as the saving file format.

Lastly, apply the advanced filters → Start Process to begin the conversion.

Characteristics to Convert IMAP to MSG Expertly

It exports IMAP Email to CSV and more formats.
Preserves inline images, metadata, and attachments intact.
Therefore, it provides a duplicate email remover option.
Also, it creates a detailed backup and migration log report.
Extremely user-friendly interface suitable for beginners and experts.

Conclusion

To conclude, converting IMAP emails to MSG format is easy if you choose the right method. While the manual method is suitable for very small mailboxes, it is slow and does not support advanced options. For accurate and secure migration, the IMAP Backup Tool is the most efficient solution. Whether you want to archive emails or maintain legal records, the tool ensures a smooth and reliable solution to convert IMAP to MSG.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is there any automatic tool to convert IMAP emails to MSG?

Ans. Yes, you can use the CloudMigration IMAP Backup Tool. This allows you to save IMAP emails directly to MSG format. Also, it supports all IMAP servers and provides advanced filters for selective conversion.

Q2. Do I need Microsoft Outlook installed to convert IMAP to MSG?

Ans. For the manual method, Outlook is mandatory because MSG is an Outlook-supported file format. However, if you use the CloudMigration IMAP Backup Tool, you can migrate Emails from IMAP to MSG without installing Microsoft Outlook.

Q3. Can I convert multiple IMAP accounts to MSG at once?

Ans. Yes, using the professional CloudMigration tool supports multiple IMAP account conversions. Moreover, you can add and migrate multiple accounts one by one, ensuring complete data safety and accuracy.

Q4. Can I convert IMAP to MSG without Outlook?

Ans. Yes, the CloudMigration IMAP Backup Tool enables IMAP to MSG conversion without relying on Outlook. This makes the process faster, safer, and more convenient for users who do not have Outlook installed.

About The Author:

Adom James

I’m Adom james, a skilled content strategist with a focus on technical writing. With in-depth knowledge in Email Backup, Data Recovery, and Email Migration, I specialize in providing expert solutions and addressing technical challenges for both individuals and businesses, especially in the areas of Cloud Backup and seamless email transitions.