How to Export Outlook Address Book to VCF File? Best Methods
If you want to back up or transfer contacts from MS Outlook to another platform, you may have considered converting them to a VCF or vCard file. vCard files are a widely accepted standard for storing contact information and can be easily imported into email clients, phones, and other address books. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the detailed, yet simple guide on how to export Outlook address book to VCF file. We will also explore various scenarios where you might need this functionality, so you know exactly why and when to use this method to export Outlook contacts to VCF.
Scenarios Where Exporting to VCF is Useful
- Switch Email Clients: If you are switching from Outlook to another email client, exporting contacts to a VCF file is the most efficient way to transfer contact information.
- Backup Contacts: If you need to keep your contacts safe outside of MS Outlook, exporting them to a VCF file allows you to keep an offline backup of your contact list.
- Migrate to a New Device: When you upgrade your system or android phone, exporting your Outlook contacts to a VCF allows you to easily import them to your new device.
- Share Contacts with Others: Alternatively of manual enter contacts information, converting them to VCF file allows you to send the file to others, who can then import it into their address books.
Now that we understand when it can be useful, let’s look at the step-by-step process to export Outlook contacts to VCF.
Manual Trick to Export Outlook Address Book to VCF File
This way is based on the latest edition of Outlook for Microsoft 365 and Outlook 2021, 2019, but the process is similar for older editions. Follow the steps below:
- Open Outlook on your system.
- Select the Contacts tab. A list of contacts will open.
- Choose the contacts file you want to export.
- With your contact file selected, hit the File menu in the upper-left corner.
- Go to the folder where you want to save your exported contacts.
- In Save as type drop-down menu and press the vCard Files (*.vcf).
- Name the file contact and choose a location to save it, then press save.
If you want to export individual contacts instead of exporting them in bulk:
- Double-click to open a specific contact.
- When the Contacts window opens, click File > Save As.
- Pick the destination to save the contacts as a.vcf file.
Your contacts file will be saved as.vcf or vCard files in the location you choose. You can then import them into other apps or share them as needed.
Read More: Export Outlook Contacts to CSV
Limitations of the Manual Method
Exporting your Outlook contacts list to VCF (vCard) format is an effective way to back up or share your contacts, but there are a few limitations you should keep in mind when doing this. These restrictions depend on the edition of MS Outlook you’re using, but the most common ones are:
- Not Supported for Groups or Contact Lists: Microsoft Outlook does not permit you to export distribution lists (groups) as a vCard. If you manage your contacts into groups, you must export each contact individually, and group membership is not preserved in the VCF format.
- Custom Fields and Data Loss: Custom fields or other information you have added to a contact record may not be preserved in the VCF file. For example, social media, custom notes, links, or other fields not included in the standard vCard format may be missed.
- Bulk Export: When converting a large number of file contacts, Outlook does not allow you to choose multiple individual contacts and export them in bulk as a VCF format. Typically, you will need to select all contacts or select them one by one.
Automatic Solution to Export Outlook Address Book to VCF File
If you are not a tech-savvy user and want to export Outlook Address Book to vCard at once, then try this method. You can choose the Best Outlook Contacts to vCard Converter Tool. There is no risk of information theft, and the integrity of the data is also maintained.
With this utility, you can also export Outlook contacts to VCF for use in various email clients and other file formats in Outlook. Moreover, it provides also convert Outlook contacts to MSG format . It is very reliable software and is recommended by experts.
Few Steps to Convert Outlook Address Book to vCard
- Download the vCard Export Software on desktop.
- Load the Outlook contact file from the default destination.
- Show the preview all contacts on the software screen.
- Hit the Export option to export Outlook Address Book to vCard.
Common Problem and How to Resolve Them
- Exporting Issue: If you are having trouble exporting, check your Outlook settings and make sure you have the necessary permissions. Sometimes, organizational restrictions might prevent exporting contacts.
- Missing Data After Conversion: After converting CSV to VCF, some contact details might be missing. Ensure the CSV file was correctly formatted, and each column aligns with the vCard standard.
- Incomplete VCF Files: Sometimes, not all contacts transfer properly to the VCF file. Ensure the conversion tool is reliable and supports the number of contacts you are trying to export.
Final Words
In this article, we have talked about both manual and automated solutions. If users want to bulk export Outlook Address Book to vCard, they can use the manually to export Outlook address book to VCF format. However, if you are an organization or a big business, you should look for a professional solution. Users can also try the free trial version of the software on their system to check the functionality and compatibility.
