How to Convert MSG to PDF File with Attachments?
User Query: Hi everyone! I have important data in MSG files that I need to convert into PDF files for backup. I am not a technical person. Hence, I am clueless as to how to convert MSG to PDF. If anyone could provide any free manual solution/s on how to convert MSG to PDF with an attachment, it would be extremely helpful. I really appreciate any help you can provide.
This technical write-up explains a manual approach to convert MSG to PDF format. We will explain briefly about MSG and PDF file formats as well.
If you are also searching for a free and manual solution on how to convert MSG files into PDF format then, this article will be helpful for you. Keep reading to find out how you can convert MSG to PDF with attachments in just a few steps.
Before we proceed any further, please be aware that this manual method is Microsoft Outlook dependent. Hence, you must have Outlook installed beforehand in order to carry forward with the steps.
Let’s start with a briefing on what the MSG and PDF file formats are.
MSG vs PDF
MSG File Format: (.MSG) is a file extension used by Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Exchange. This file format stores any Outlook item such as an email, contact, appointment, task, calendar or meeting. By default, it is opened in Outlook but, it can also be opened in a text editor as well. In any text editor (e.g., notepad) you can view the header on an email as well. In addition to that, it is very easy to create an MSG file.
How to Create an MSG File?
The process to create an MSG file is known as the Drag and Drop Method. Open your Outlook inbox, select the email that you want to save in MSG format, and then, drag and drop it to your desired location folder. You can use this method to create MSG files.
PDF File Format: Portable Document Format or PDF is a platform-independent file format created by Adobe. It can be opened on any device/OS/platform. PDF files are not easily altered and one can protect the file by putting a password on it. This password protection feature in PDF files makes them safe and secure.
Furthermore, there are some advantages to converting MSG to PDF with attachments as well. Let’s have a look at it.
Advantages to Convert MSG to PDF
- MSG files are Outlook-dependent. Whereas, PDF file format is platform-independent.
- PDF files come with a password protection feature to make them more secure.
- MSG files are quite vulnerable and hence, can get corrupted easily. One cannot alter PDF files easily.
- PDF files are the only admissible format for courts to present any evidence.
Now that we have covered all the concepts. Let’s move on to the steps one can take to manually convert MSG files to PDF format.
How To Convert MSG to PDF with Attachment?
Here is the manual technique for you to change your MSG files into PDF format. This method is Outlook-dependent so, you must install Outlook beforehand. Follow the instructions given below to carry out the process.
Step-wise Tutorial to convert MSG to PDF with attachment:
- Select and open an MSG file with Outlook.
- Select the File option in the opened MSG.
- In the File menu, click on the Print option.
- Choose Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer.
- Lastly, your MSG file content will be printed in PDF format digitally.
This manual method is free. However, it has some limitations and drawbacks. One primary drawback is that you are not able to print the attachments in the PDF as well. At the most, it only mentions the names of attachment files.
Conclusion
In this article, we shared a manual approach on how to convert MSG to PDF with attachment. The technique that is explained here can only be used in Windows 10 and above. Hopefully, you will find the method useful to you.