In today's digital world, the amount of data is growing. Many Microsoft Outlook users have problems with performance when their PST files get too big. You can keep Outlook things like emails, contacts, calendar events, and more in a Personal Storage Table (PST) file. But when these files get bigger over time, Outlook can slow down and the chance of file corruption can go higher.

It's generally best to split large PST files into smaller, easier-to-handle parts to avoid these kinds of problems and make sure everything runs well. This blog post talks about three simple ways to split PST files: two that you do manually and one that you do with a reliable third-party tool. These methods can help you speed up Outlook or keep your data safe.

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Why You Should Break Up Big PST Files

Before we talk about the methods, it's necessary to understand why breaking up enormous PST files is important:

Better Performance: When Outlook has to deal with particularly large PST files, it tends to slow down.

Less Risk of Corruption: PST files that are too big are more likely to get corrupted, which can lead to data loss.

Better Data Management: It's easier to organize, back up, and recover data when you need to, when the files are smaller.

Compatibility: PST files can only be so big in some versions of Outlook. For example, Outlook 2007 can only handle 20GB files, whereas Outlook 2010 and beyond can handle 50GB files.

Method 1: Use Outlook's Archive feature to split the PST file.

With Microsoft Outlook's built-in Archive capability, users can move older emails to a separate PST file depending on a certain date. This is one of the easiest ways to make your PST file smaller without utilizing any outside software.

Steps:

1. Click on the File tab in Outlook.
2. Click on Tools and then Clean Up Old Items.
3. Select the folder you wish to archive in the Archive dialog box. To save the whole mailbox, click on the root folder and check the box that says "Include subfolders."
4. Pick a date below. Archive things that are older than. Things made before this date will be relocated.
5. Choose the location for the new PST file where the old emails will be kept.
6. Click OK to begin the process of archiving.

Benefits:

• No other software needed.
• Most people who use Outlook find it easy to use.

Drawbacks:

• Manual process; limited control over the division size.
• You can't separate based on file size or type of data.

Method 2: Send the information you want to a new PST file

You can additionally utilize Outlook's Export tool to export parts of your mailbox into separate PST files. This is another technique to handle huge PST files.

How to do it:

1. Start Microsoft Outlook.
2. Open and Export > Import/Export in the File menu.
3. Click Next after choosing Export to a file.
4. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and then click Next.
5. Pick the folder you want to export, like the Inbox or Sent Items. You can also add folders inside of folders.
6. Click Next, then look for a place to save the new PST file.
7. Create an appropriate file name and then select "Finish."

Do this for different directories or periods to make several smaller PST files.

Benefits:

• The data that is exported is entirely under your control.
• Keeps the folder structure.

Drawbacks:

• Takes a long time, especially if you need to divide by size.
• No separating into batches or automating.

Method 3: Use an Expert Solution to Divide Outlook PST File Safely.

A professional PST file splitter application is often the most suitable solution for users who prefer a more efficient and streamlined approach. One such dependable solution is Mailvita Split PST for Mac, which has been specifically engineered to divide Outlook PST files and partition them into smaller files without resulting in data loss.

By providing users with a wide variety of dividing options such as size, date and folder, this software provides a high level of customization and control. The tool ensures the integrity of your Outlook data and facilitates volume processing, irrespective of whether you are splitting a single file or multiple PST files. A free demo edition is available for testing the software before purchasing the full license.

Primary Characteristics

• Divide big PST files into smaller ones based on their size (for example, 1GB, 2GB, 5GB, etc.).
• Separate PST files by date or a range of dates
• Divide PST files into folders such as Inbox, Sent and others.
• Separate PST files by a specific email address (sender or recipient)
• Provides compatibility with both Unicode and ANSI PST file formats
• Keeps the original folder structure and email settings
• User-friendly and understandable interface
• There is the capability for dividing PST files into batches.
• Works with all versions of macOS without any problems
• You do not need to install Microsoft Outlook to use the tool.

Instructions for Use

• Download Mailvita Split PST for Mac from the official website and install it on the macOS operating system.
• You can start the program by going to the Applications folder or Launchpad.

• Click Add File and then look through your computer to find the PST file you wish to split.
• Select the method by which you wish to divide the files by size, date, folder or email address.

• Pick the folder where you want the PST files that have been separated to go.
• Before beginning the process, you must first click the Split button.

• After the process is finished, you can find your divided Outlook PST files in the chosen destination folder.

In just a few simple steps, your extensive PST file will be partitioned into smaller, more organized components, which will simplify data management and optimize Outlook performance.

Advantages

• Splitting procedure that is both automated and rapid.
• Numerous dividing criteria are available.
• Maintains the accuracy and structure of data.

Drawbacks

• Installation of third-party software is necessary.

Concluding thoughts

Dealing with a sizable PST file does not have to be a burden. Although manual methods, such as archiving or exporting, can be sufficient for fundamental requirements, they frequently fail when more sophisticated splitting is necessary. Mailvita Split PST for Mac Software is an exceptional alternative for Mac users who require a user-friendly and durable solution. You can optimize Outlook functionality, reduce the possibility of data loss and have greater control over your mailbox data by selecting the appropriate approach for your circumstances.

It is important to consistently maintain your PST files in order to ensure that Outlook operates efficiently and effectively, regardless of the approach you select.