How to Convert NSF to PDF from Lotus Notes

IBM Notes (formerly Lotus Notes) is still used by many enterprises to manage emails, calendars, and other business data. It stores mailbox data in NSF (Notes Storage Facility) files. However, users often need to convert NSF to PDF to share or archive important emails in a universally accessible format.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through all the manual ways to convert NSF to PDF, discuss their limitations, and show you a reliable professional solution using the DRS Softech NSF to PST Converter Tool.

Why Convert NSF to PDF?

There are several reasons why users want to convert NSF file to PDF:

1. PDFs are easy to share and open on any device.
2. They’re ideal for legal, compliance, or documentation purposes.
3. You don’t need Lotus Notes installed to view a PDF file.
4. You want a secure, read-only version of your emails or attachments.

Whatever the reason, converting from NSF to PDF is possible, but the method you choose matters.

Manual Methods to Convert NSF to PDF

If you have IBM Lotus Notes installed and functioning, there are a couple of manual ways to convert Lotus Notes to PDF. These are basic methods suitable for limited conversions.

Method 1: Save Emails as PDF One by One

1. Open Lotus Notes and navigate to the email you want to convert.
2. Click File > Print.
3. In the printer selection, choose Microsoft Print to PDF.
4. Click Print and select the location to save the PDF file. This will save one email at a time as a PDF file.

Method 2: Copy Email Content and Paste into Word

1. Open an email in Lotus Notes.
2. Select and copy the content.
3. Open Microsoft Word and paste the content.
4. Save the Word file as a PDF using File > Save As > PDF. This is a temporary method and not ideal for formatting or attachments.

Method 3: Export Email as EML and Then Convert to PDF

1. In Lotus Notes, select the email.
2. Use File > Save As and choose a file type like .eml or .mht.
3. Open the file in a supported app (like Outlook or a browser).
4. Use the Print to PDF feature to save it as a PDF. Works for individual emails only and requires other software support.

Limitations of Manual Methods

While you can export Lotus Notes to PDF manually, these approaches have clear drawbacks:

• No batch processing: You can only convert one email at a time.
• No attachment support: Attachments are not included in the PDF.
• Formatting issues: Manual copying can result in broken layouts.
• Time-consuming: Not suitable for converting large numbers of emails.
• Requires Lotus Notes: You must have Lotus Notes installed and configured. So, if you need to convert NSF to PDF in bulk or with attachments, manual methods won’t work.

Professional Method to Easily Convert NSF Files to PST

To overcome the limitations of manual methods, you can use a professional tool like the DRS Softech NSF to PST Converter. Although its main function is to convert NSF files to PST, it also allows users to extract and save emails in PDF format.

Why Choose NSF to PST Converter?

• Batch export NSF emails to PDF files.
• Maintains original formatting and folder hierarchy.
• Supports attachments and embedded items.
• Option to apply filters (date range, specific folders, etc.).
• Compatible with all major versions of IBM Notes and Windows.

How It Works:

1. Download and install the DRS Softech NSF to PST Converter.
2. Launch the application and add your NSF file.
3. Preview all mailbox items, including emails, contacts, calendars, etc.
4. Choose PDF as the output format.
5. Select the destination folder and start the conversion.

Using this method, you can easily convert NSF file to PDF in bulk, with all metadata and attachments intact. It's also a perfect solution to convert Lotus Notes to PDF without losing data or spending hours doing it manually.

Conclusion

While it’s possible to convert NSF to PDF manually, those methods are only practical for small jobs. If you're looking to export Lotus Notes to PDF in bulk, preserve attachments, or ensure formatting is maintained, a professional solution is the way to go. The DRS Softech NSF to PST Converter Tool simplifies the process, saving you time and avoiding the headaches of manual conversion. Whether you're backing up important emails or preparing documents for legal use, this tool ensures your data is converted accurately and efficiently.