Convert PST to POTM in C# .NET

What is PST file format?

A PST file, or Personal Storage Table file, is a data file used by Microsoft Outlook to store emails and other items such as contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, and journal entries. These files are created automatically when you set up an email account or multiple profiles on Outlook. PST files are used to store the data locally on your computer or on a network drive, allowing you to access your emails and other Outlook data even when offline.

The PST file format is widely used by many Outlook users and is the default file format for Outlook versions 2002 and later. PST files can be easily backed up and transferred to a new computer or hard drive. Additionally, PST files can be opened and viewed using other email clients, making it a versatile file format.

Managing PST files can become challenging when the file size becomes too large, causing performance issues. However, Outlook provides various tools to manage PST files and keep them in optimal condition, such as archiving and compacting. By properly managing PST files, users can ensure that their Outlook data is always safe and easily accessible.

What is POTM file format?

A POTM file refers to a macro-enabled presentation template created using Microsoft PowerPoint, a software program used for creating slide show presentations. It includes default images, slide templates, macros, and formatting. POTM files are commonly used by PowerPoint users to create multiple .PPTM files with consistent designs and macro settings.

POTM files offer additional functionality compared to typical presentation files, as they support macros. Macros are script-like functions that automate repetitive tasks within PowerPoint. Users can record macros that can be replayed to perform specific actions and assign them to buttons or keystrokes for convenient execution. To record a macro, users can select View → Macros in PowerPoint.

For general presentation creation, users can save their files as .PPTX or .POTX files. However, if they want to create a template that incorporates macros, they can save their presentation as a POTM file.

It’s worth noting that POTM files were introduced by Microsoft when they released Microsoft Office 2007.

To open a POTM file, Microsoft PowerPoint (2007 or later) is the recommended application for full support of presentation formatting and embedded macros on both Windows and macOS. Alternative applications like Apache OpenOffice Impress, Kingsoft Presentation, and Apple Keynote can also open POTM files, but some formatting and macros may not be fully preserved. For Mac users looking to view a POTM file without editing, Apple Preview (bundled with macOS) or Google Drive, a free cloud storage service, can be used.

Online platforms like Google Slides allow users to upload POTM files for viewing, editing, and conversion. However, it’s important to note that Google Slides does not support macros.

To convert a POTM file, various presentation applications including Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, and OpenOffice Impress offer conversion capabilities. In Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows and Mac, users can select File → Save As and choose from formats such as .PPTX, .PPT, .PDF, .ODP, .XPS, .MP4, .WMV, .JPEG, and .PNG to convert the POTM file to their desired format.