How to Use Cigati OST Converter — Step-by-Step Tutorial

Cigati OST Converter: Complete Guide & Top Features (2026)

Introduction Cigati OST Converter is a Windows-based utility for converting Microsoft Outlook OST files into PST and many other formats while preserving mailbox structure and metadata. It targets users needing mailbox migration, recovery from offline or corrupted OST files, and cross-platform transfer to cloud or other email clients.

Key features

• Multiple output formats: PST, MBOX, EML, MSG, PDF, CSV and direct export to Office 365, Gmail, IMAP, Thunderbird.
• Bulk conversion: Add single or multiple OST files and convert them in one run.
• Corrupt OST recovery: Built-in recovery routines extract data from damaged OST files before conversion.
• Preview pane: Tree-structure preview of folders and messages (including attachments) to select items before export.
• Filters: Date-range filter, folder selection, and options to exclude/include attachments.
• Duplicate removal: Detect and skip duplicates based on From, To, Subject, Bcc, and Body fields.
• Split PST: Option to split large resultant PST files into smaller parts.
• Preserve hierarchy & metadata: Keeps folder structure, timestamps, headers, and other metadata intact.
• Modern authentication support: Connects to cloud accounts securely where supported (requires user sign-in).
• Save-to-source & custom path: Save results in the source folder or a chosen destination.
• Trial mode: Demo converts/preview limits (commonly ~50 items) before purchasing.

System requirements & licensing (typical)

• Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 (64-bit recommended)
• Moderate disk space (installer ~150–200 MB); RAM depends on mailbox size.
• Trial/free demo with item limit; paid licenses unlock full conversion and business tiers.

When to use Cigati OST Converter

• Migrating mailboxes from OST to PST for Outlook import.
• Exporting mailboxes to cloud services (Office 365/Gmail/IMAP) or other clients (Thunderbird).
• Recovering emails from inaccessible or corrupted OST files.
• Creating backups of mailbox data in multiple formats.

Step-by-step: Basic OST → PST conversion

1. Install the Cigati OST Converter and run the app.
2. Choose “Single File”, “Multiple Files”, or “Select Folder” to add OST files.
3. Wait for the tool to load and display the mailbox tree; use the preview pane to verify items.
4. Select target format: choose PST and set options (split PST, remove duplicates, include/exclude attachments, date range).
5. Set the output location (Save to Path or Save to Source).
6. Click Convert; monitor progress and verify the resulting PST by opening in Outlook.

Tips & best practices

• Run a demo first to confirm compatibility and preview results.
• Use date filters and duplicate removal to shrink export size and speed processing.
• Split PST option helps when producing PSTs for older Outlook versions or to meet size limits.
• If converting corrupted OSTs, export recovered data to a new PST and validate contents in Outlook.
• Keep a backup copy of original OST files before conversion.

Limitations & alternatives (consider before buying)

• Platform: mainly Windows-focused — limited macOS support across Cigati product line.
• Trial limits: demo typically restricts converted items (e.g., first 50 emails).
• For enterprise-scale migrations, dedicated migration services or Microsoft-native tools may be preferable.
  Alternatives include Aryson OST Converter, SysBud/Aid4Mail, and other OST-to-PST utilities; compare recovery accuracy, performance, and support.

Pricing & support

• Pricing varies by edition; entry-level licenses commonly start around $49 (check vendor for current 2026 pricing and business plans).
• Support: online documentation, FAQs, and vendor live/online support options.

Conclusion Cigati OST Converter is a full-featured tool for individual and small-to-medium business users needing reliable OST recovery and conversion into PST and multiple other formats. It combines previewing, filtering, duplicate removal, and cloud-export options in a straightforward UI. For one-off conversions or small-scale migrations it provides a practical, low-friction solution; evaluate via the demo and verify performance on representative OSTs before large-scale deployment.

Sources

• Cigati official product pages and documentation (product details, features, screenshots, and release notes).