Import Lotus Notes to Outlook – Manual & Professional Methods
Updated On - September 30, 2026 by Deepika Singh | Reading Time: 7 minutes
Quick Answer
To import Lotus Notes into Outlook, first convert the NSF mailbox data to PST because Outlook cannot directly open NSF files. The free CSV method can transfer selected Notes view data, but it may not preserve the complete mailbox structure. For a more complete migration of emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, and folders, use Regain Lotus Notes to Outlook Migration to convert NSF files to PST and then open the PST in Outlook.
To Import Lotus Notes to Outlook, you need to convert NSF files to PST because Lotus Notes uses NSF format, while Outlook uses PST. Outlook is preferred by many for its flexibility, advanced features, and excellent service. There are two ways to transfer NSF files to Outlook versions like 2019, 2016, or 2013: a free manual method or a professional Regain Lotus Notes to Outlook Converter tool.
Why Do Users Move Mailbox from Lotus Notes to Outlook?
- Ease of Use: Outlook offers a user-friendly interface compared to Lotus Notes.
- Better Integration: Outlook works seamlessly with other Microsoft tools like Word, Excel, and Teams.
- Wider Accessibility: Many organizations use Microsoft 365, making Outlook the default choice for email management.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Outlook is often more affordable and requires less maintenance.
Things to Know Before Importing
- File Formats: Lotus Notes saves emails in NSF format, while Outlook uses PST files. You’ll need to convert NSF files to PST to complete the migration.
- Backup Your Data: Always back up your Lotus Notes data before starting the process to prevent accidental loss.
- Professional Tool Available: While manual methods exist, using a tool like Regain Lotus Notes to Outlook Converter ensures accurate and reliable data migration. It takes few clicks to import Lotus Notes Data to MS Outlook.
Manual Steps to Import Lotus Notes to Outlook 2019/2016/2013
Let’s first talk about a manual solution for transferring Lotus Notes NSF file data to Outlook. The manual method is classified into a two-step process. The user first exports Lotus Notes file data into a CSV file, and then in another step, a user needs to easily import saved CSV files into Outlook application.
Note: You are advised to keep a backup copy of the NSF file before starting the manual process, as data loss is possible during this process.
1st Step: Exporting NSF File Data to CSV File
Follow the steps by steps instructions given below to export the Lotus Notes data to a CSV file.
- Launch Lotus Notes application. Click on File > Open > Lotus Notes Application.
- An Open Application windows will displayed on your screen. Here, click Browse option to add Lotus Notes NSF file and click Open.

- Now, go to File menu and then click Export.
- Now, in the Export window, select the Comma Separated Value format for the file. And, click Export.

- In the next CSV Export window, choose the required options. And, Click OK.

- The NSF file data get saved to the CSV file at the specified location.
2nd Step: Importing CSV File to Outlook 2019/2016/2013
In this step, you need to import the CSV file created in the first step to your Outlook (2019, 2016 or 2013) by just following the given instructions.
- Launch Microsoft Outlook application. Go to File Menu > Open & Export > Import/Export.

- In, Import and Export Wizard dialogue box, choose Import from another program or file, And click Next.

- Now, select Comma Separated Values option as a file type and click Next.

- Click Browse to add the CSV file created earlier to import. Select options replace duplicate items and click Next.

- Select the Outlook folder to save the NSF data from the CSV file. And click Next.

- Now, just click Finish to complete the import process.

It is possible to import by manual method, but it imports only one NSF file at a time, without any assurance of complete data transfer. It can prove to be helpful in some situations, but it has many limitations too. Some of which are given below–
Limitation of Manual Method:
- The manual method is complex and challenging for beginners.
- It takes a lot of time and may not transfer all your data.
- Mishandling the process can corrupt the NSF file.
- It doesn’t allow selective conversion of emails or folders.
- You can only convert one NSF file at a time, making it a slow process.
If you want a hassle-free and secure way to Import Lotus Notes to Outlook, try the Regain NSF to PST Converter. This tool ensures smooth data transfer without any loss. Download the free demo version today to experience effortless migration to Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and more.
Tips for a Smooth Migration
- Check Compatibility: Ensure both Lotus Notes and Outlook are installed and compatible with your operating system.
- Optimize Large Files: Split large NSF files into smaller ones for faster processing.
- Test the Results: After migration, verify the data to ensure all emails, folders, and attachments are intact.
Use Professional tool to Import Lotus Notes Mailbox to Outlook
Regain NSF Converter tool is specially designed to convert Lotus Notes mailbox to Outlook PST file in just few clicks. It can export emails from Lotus Notes to MBOX, MSG, PDF, EML, EMLX, vCard format as well. With the help of this tool, user can migrate Lotus Notes mailbox to Office 365, Gmail, Yahoo Mail and many more. It is available with free version. You can try this application before going to purchase.
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Step by step guide to Convert NSF to PST file using this software
- Install and Launch the Regain NSF to PST Converter.

- Now, select the Lotus Notes NSF file, which you want to import.

- On the screen you will see that file is still scanning. Wait for a moment.

- Now, Show preview of scan emails on the screen.

- Select the Destination location and File format

- Finally, Lotus Notes files imported to Outlook PST file.

Video Tutorial to Import Lotus Notes to Outlook Using Regain Software – Watch Now!
Conclusion
Import Lotus Notes to Outlook seems difficult, but the right approach simplifies the process. Manual methods take time, involve complexity, and risk errors, especially for beginners. The Regain NSF to PST Converter streamlines the migration with features like selective conversion and multiple format options. It ensures safe, quick, and hassle-free data transfer to Outlook 2019, 2016, or 2013. Download the free demo and take control of your email migration today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Can I import Lotus Notes NSF files directly into Outlook?
Ans. No. Outlook does not directly open NSF files. You need to convert the NSF data into a compatible format such as PST before importing it into Outlook.
Q2. How can I import Lotus Notes into Outlook manually?
Ans. You can export Notes view data to CSV and then import the CSV file into Outlook using the Import/Export wizard. However, this method is limited and does not provide a complete NSF to PST mailbox migration.
Q3. Does the manual CSV method migrate all Lotus Notes data?
Ans. No. CSV export primarily transfers Notes view data. It may not preserve the complete mailbox structure, attachments, folder hierarchy, contacts, calendars, or other Notes-specific properties.
Q4. What is the easiest way to migrate Lotus Notes to Outlook?
Ans. For a complete NSF to PST migration, a dedicated tool such as Regain Lotus Notes to Outlook Migration can simplify the process by scanning NSF files, previewing mailbox data, selecting folders, and exporting the data to PST.
Q5. Can I migrate Lotus Notes emails and attachments to Outlook?
Ans. Yes. A dedicated Regain NSF to PST Migration tool can migrate supported emails and attachments while creating a PST file that can be accessed through Outlook.
Q6. Can I migrate Lotus Notes contacts and calendars to Outlook?
Ans. Yes. Regain Lotus Notes to Outlook Migration supports the migration of supported Notes contacts and calendar data along with mailbox information.
Q7. Can I migrate multiple NSF files to Outlook?
Ans. Yes. Regain Lotus Notes to Outlook Migration supports processing NSF files and allows users to select the required mailbox data for export.
Q8. Can I preview Lotus Notes data before converting it to PST?
Ans. Yes. Regain Lotus Notes to Outlook Migration provides a preview of scanned NSF data before the export process.
Q9. Can I select specific folders from an NSF file for migration?
Ans. Yes. The Regain tool allows users to select the required folders and mailbox data before exporting them.
Q10. Can I migrate Lotus Notes to Microsoft 365?
Ans. Yes. The current Regain Lotus Notes to Outlook Migration product supports exporting Lotus Notes mailbox data to Office 365 and Exchange Server, in addition to PST and other formats.















