PST vs. MSG: What's the Difference and When to Use Each File Format?
Last Updated: 10 Nov, 2025
If you’ve ever needed to save or back up your Microsoft Outlook data, you’ve likely encountered two key file formats: PST and MSG. While they might seem similar at first glance—both are created by Outlook and store email data—they serve fundamentally different purposes.
Choosing the wrong one can lead to cluttered digital storage, inefficient backups, or difficulty finding important information later. So, what’s the real difference between a PST and an MSG file?
What are Popular Email File Formats & How to Choose the Right One?
Last Updated: 30 Jul, 2025
What are Email File Formats? An email file format refers to the specific structure or type of file used to store email messages. These formats dictate how email content is encoded, how attachments are handled, and how metadata such as sender, recipient, subject line, and timestamps are preserved. These formats ensure compatibility across different email clients, servers, and applications. Whether you’re backing up important emails, migrating to a new service, or sharing messages, understanding email file formats1 is essential.