How to Easily Open and Convert MSG Files Without Outlook

ByJim Miller

Are you struggling to open MSG files without Outlook? Do you want to convert MSG files to PDF for easier sharing? Look no further, as we have the solution for you! In this article, we will guide you through the process of opening and converting MSG files without the need for Outlook.

What Are MSG Files?

MSG files are file formats used by Microsoft Outlook to save individual Outlook emails. These files contain the text of the email as well as associated metadata such as the sender and receiver, date and time, and other details. Opening MSG files is relatively easy, even without Outlook, although having Outlook installed makes it more convenient.

How to Open MSG Files Without Outlook on Windows and macOS

Using Outlook Web App

The fastest and easiest way to open MSG files on any computer is to use the Outlook Web App. Simply visit Outlook.com, send yourself an email with the MSG file attached, and then open the file in Outlook itself. The Outlook Web App has a built-in MSG file reader and can open MSG file attachments directly in your Inbox. This method works on any operating system and any modern web browser.

Using a Third-Party App

If you have concerns about privacy and security, you can also open MSG files without Outlook using third-party apps. While the official Outlook app for macOS does not support reading MSG files, you can either use the Outlook Web App as mentioned above or download a third-party app.

  1. Go to FreeViewer.org and download the MSG File Viewer Tool on your Windows or macOS computer. The free version is sufficient and is compatible with Outlook 2019.

  2. Navigate to the folder where the MSG file is saved and select the email you want to view. The app will automatically scan and list all MSG files in the folder, allowing you to easily select and view the desired email.

How to Convert MSG Files to PDF

Converting MSG files to PDF can be helpful when you want to share emails with your team or someone outside your organization. It makes sharing and reading the email much easier. Follow these steps to convert MSG files to PDF:

  1. Visit Zamzar.com in your preferred browser.

  2. Click on “Choose Files” to select the MSG file you want to convert. Then, select the file format as PDF and click on “Convert Now” to initiate the conversion.

The converted PDF file will be available for download in your chosen file format.

Outlook on MSG File Format

The Outlook web app is arguably the best way to open and read Outlook emails saved in MSG file format. All you need to do is send the file to yourself as an attachment and open it anywhere, anytime. The offline app is also useful, especially for those who frequently work with MSG files. In such cases, sending emails can become a cumbersome task.

Did you know that you can customize the look of Outlook on both web and desktop? You can also enable dark mode on both desktop and mobile clients for a more comfortable viewing experience.

In conclusion, opening and converting MSG files without Outlook is a simple and straightforward process. Whether you choose to use the Outlook Web App or a third-party app, you can easily access and share your Outlook emails in MSG format. Give it a try and simplify your email management today!