How to Export Outlook Contacts to vCard File? Complete Guide
Struggling with the idea of how to export Outlook contacts to vCard file? In this blog, we have described two strategies that you can adopt to execute the task swiftly.
MS Outlook is among the top email platforms being used owing to the various options Microsoft has integrated into it. It is not only used for communication purposes but also for personal data management, which is why it is popularly known as a personal information manager.
For instance, Outlook contacts are easy to share with other applications or even devices. This is because the client supports exporting its contacts as vCard format files, which are among the most versatile contact-storing file types supported not only by a variety of applications but even devices like smartphones and more.
Why Users Want to Export MS Outlook Contacts to vCard?
- Sharing: van Outlook makes it easy to share contact information with others. Many email clients and social media platforms can accept vCard, making the process of moving contacts easier.
- Interoperability: vCard is supported by a wide range of devices and applications, so converting an Outlook contact file to vCard ensures compatibility with a variety of services (cloud storage, mobile phones, third-party applications, etc.).
- Contact Consolidation: VCF can store a variety of data, such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses, making it easy to combine or consolidate contact information when moving contacts between different applications or systems.
- Data Preservation: Sometimes email programs or contact management systems use proprietary formats that are difficult to retrieve later. vCard is an open standard, making your contact information more accessible in the future, even if you change systems.
Export Outlook Contacts to vCard – Manually
As already mentioned, MS Outlook does not provide any direct method to convert Outlook address book to VCF. Exactly why most of the professionals go for automated software. To continue it manually, you will have to convert them into CSV format and then into VCF. Perform the below-given steps to know-how:
Method 1: Using Import Option
- Launch Outlook and click on File in the top-left corner.
- Click on Open & Export>> Import/Export.
- Then choose Export to a File>> Next.
- Choose CSV format and click on the Next button.
- Choose the contacts folder you wish to export.
- Provide a location on your system to save the file.
- At last, map the custom fields and click on Finish.
A CSV file out of your Outlook contacts has been created. Now, you will have to convert them into the VCF format.
- Go to C:/Users/Admin/Contacts.
- Click on the Import button present in the top menu
- Choose CSV>> Import. Browse the CSV file.
- Map the fields and click on Finish.
- A.contact file has been created. You will further have to change it into the VCF file.
- Click on Export>> vCard.
- Choose a location to save the file>> done.
- You have successfully executed the job to convert Outlook contacts to VCF.
Method 2: Using Save As Option (Individual vCard .vcf Files)
In this solution, we will guide you on how to export contacts from Outlook as a vCard using the Save As option.
- Launch MS Outlook on your computer.
- Go to the People section to view all the contacts saved in Microsoft Outlook.
- Next, select the contacts from the list that you want to convert to vCard VCF format.
- If you want to export all the VCF contacts, press the Ctrl + A button to select all the contacts that you want to export.
- After selecting the contacts, click on File.
- Next, click on Save As and select the path where you want to save the resulting vCard VCF.
- Now, select vCard File (.vcf) from the Save as type drop-down menu.
- Select a file name and press Save.
If you choose to process multiple contacts at once, Outlook will save a separate.vcf file for each contact. With these steps, users can easily convert Outlook contacts to VCF files.
Limitations of Manual Methods
The process is very long as compared to the automated solution
- You will require Outlook installed in your system for this method to work. The automated solution, on the other hand, works without Outlook as well.
- The chances of corrupting your contact file increase infinitely while doing it manually
- The probability of error is higher in the second method.
Professional Solution to Export Outlook Contacts to vCard Format
Despite the procedure being extremely convenient, users trying to convert Outlook address book to VCF are confronted with troubles. You can very much export MS Outlook contacts to vCard without any external help. However, the only condition is that the process must be carried out individually for each contact. Therefore, users end up having third-party tools as the last resort. When referring to third-party applications, the vCard Exporter Software plays an important role in the respective category. The application acts as a suitable platform to carry out the procedure.
The software is a boon in the industry for users with similar requirements. Mostly the requirement is targeted towards a particular set of users for respective purposes, i.e.,
- General Users: Users working on Outlook for a long time with all contacts maintained within its address book. This set of users usually requires it because vCard-type files are easily available, and once converted, the contact can further be shared easily with others when needed.
- Business Users: Businesses are all about contacts—making and sharing contacts. However, when it comes to sharing contacts, technical issues may stumble upon, causing the user to go for an external solution.
Few Clicks to Convert Outlook Contacts to VCF File
1: Download the vCard to Outlook Converter Tool.
2: Select the PST file individually or in bulk (folder selection) from which contacts need to be converted.
3: The tool will scan the files and provide a preview of the contacts along with all the fields.
4: Now click on the Export button and convert your Outlook contacts file to vCard.
5: The output can then be saved at the location of the user’s choice.
Conclusion
In this article, you learned about two ways to export Outlook contacts to vCard format. The application recommended above avails multiple other options to transfer your source files in addition to Outlook contacts to the vCard process. This adds up to the benefit of having the tool, as the users are provided more than just one output format, i.e., more than one platform to get Outlook contacts transferred. You can easily use this tool to export contacts from Outlook as a vCard. The results provided are 100% accurate and easy to achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is a vCard (.vcf) file?
Ans: vCard VCF is a standard format for saving contact details like names, mobile numbers, email addresses, and other information. It is widely supported by various email clients, smartphones, and contact management apps.
Q2. Why should I export MS Outlook contacts to vCard?
Ans: converting contacts in vCard format makes it easy to share them across platforms such as iOS, Android, macOS, and even web-based email services like Gmail. This file provides support and ease of transferring to other devices.
Q3. Is it possible to export all Outlook contacts to a single vCard file?
Ans: By default, Outlook treats each contact as a separate vCard (.vcf) file. However, MS Outlook does not provide a direct way to convert multiple contact files to a single.vcf format. You may need a third-party tool or manual to merge them into a single file.
Q4. Is there any way to export all my Outlook contacts to VCF?
Ans:Outlook does not allow you to export contacts from Outlook as a vCard in bulk at once. However, you can convert a CSV (comma-separated values) file (which can be converted from Outlook) to vCard using a third-party tool or online converter.