How to View Outlook OFT Templates Without Using Outlook

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most widely used email clients in the professional and organizational world. One of its features is the ability to create and save templates in email clients in OFT (Outlook File Template) format. These templates make it possible to reuse pre-designed email content for repetitive communication like marketing emails, customer support replies, HR mails, internal mails, etc.

However, a common problem is faced by many users who receive or have OFT files and no Outlook is installed. Hence, the question is— how to view Outlook OFT templates without Outlook? In this article, you will be enlightened on what OFT files are, why OFT files cannot be viewed directly, the manual method, and how converting them into different file formats can help you access them easily.

What is an OFT File?

An OFT file is an email template file created in Microsoft Outlook. It stores a pre-formatted email layout that includes:

• Subject line
• Email body content
• Rich text formatting
• Images and embedded elements
• Attachments
• Signature details

These templates are designed to save time by sending frequently used emails without rewriting them.

They (OFT files) are stored locally on the system and are specially constructed to work only within Outlook. This is where the issue arises.

Why OFT Files Cannot Be Viewed Without Outlook

There are a few technical reasons why users can't open OFT files without Outlook:

1. Proprietary File Structure

The OFT file is a type of file that works under Microsoft only. The file is unsupported by other e-mail clients and text editors.

2. No Default Application Support:

Windows and macOS do not have OFT file viewers built in, unlike PDF and DOCX files.

3. Outlook Dependency:

It requires the internal Outlook framework for displaying the overall email layout in OFT files properly.

4. Compatibility Issues:

Sometimes, even if Outlook is installed, you may not be able to open OFT files due to differences in Outlook versions.

For these reasons, OFT files cannot be opened properly by double-clicking without Outlook.

Manual Method to View OFT Files

If you have Outlook installed on your computer, you can view OFT files manually.

• Start the Microsoft Outlook program.
• Choose a file.
• Choose Open and Export.
• One can either open the Outlook Data File or opt for Form.
• Locate the OFT file, and click on it.

Limitations of the Manual Method

• Needs to have Outlook installed
• One cannot open this file directly in a web browser.
• It is impossible to convert the template into any other format.
• Not Helpful When Outlook is Not Installed or is Broken
• Long time for a lot of OFT files.

If you want to open OFT files without Outlook, the manual way won’t help.

Smart Solution: Convert OFT to Other File Formats

If you don’t have Outlook, the best way to open an OFT file is to change it into a format that all programs can read. Neither do you have to use Outlook when opening an OFT template. It is possible to convert them into formats openable on a variety of platforms and applications.

With the OSTtoPSTAPP OFT Converter, a user can convert OFT files to many other file formats.

Such as:

• PST
• MBOX
• EML
• PDF
• HTML
• And more

This flexibility lets users get to the email template content without having to use Outlook.

Why Convert OFT to Different Formats?

Each output format has a different use:

PST: converts OFT to PST files, which they can later import into their Outlook or keep properly.

MBOX: The MBOX files can be opened on Thunderbird and other email clients that support MBOX as well.

EML: It can be opened directly in a variety of email clients or simply by double-clicking on it.

PDF: You can see and share the email template as a document in PDF format. You can open it in any PDF reader.

HTML: You can open the email template in any web browser, such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. This is the easiest method of viewing OFT contents without Outlook.

Steps to Convert an OFT File and View Without Outlook

Do these easy things:

Step 1: Install the Software

Get the tool and install it on your Windows PC.

Step 2: Add OFT File

Open the program and click “Add File” to locate and select the OFT file.

Step 3: Choose Output Format

Select the necessary output format from the given options (PST, MBOX, EML, PDF, HTML, etc.).

Step 4: Select Destination Location

Choose the folder of your choice to save the file that has been converted.

Step 5: Start Conversion

To start the process, hit the Convert button.

After the conversion:

• If you convert it into PDF format, then you can open it in any PDF reader.
• If you convert it into HTML format, you will be able to open it in any web browser.
• If you convert it to EML, you can open it with email clients that can read it.
• If you convert it to MBOX, you can import it to the platforms that support MBOX.
• If you convert it to PST, you can open or import it into Outlook whenever you want to.

Conclusion

OFT files are the only supported email templates that function solely with Outlook. Due to their formatting and dependency on the application, it is impossible to open them directly without Microsoft Outlook. The manual method will only work when Outlook is open, offering no options or working with more programs.

The best option for viewing Outlook OFT templates without Outlook is by converting them into popular/file formats such as PST, MBOX, EML, PDF, or HTML. Afterward, the user can either view the file in their web browser, PDF viewer, or supported email client.

There is no need to depend on Outlook again if you convert the OFT file into an easily usable format. It is also possible to decide on the location and display mode of email templates.