Free Methods to Convert OST to vCard (.vcf) Files on Win & Mac

Since VCF is universally preferred and is compatible with iPhones, Android, Gmail, iCloud, and CRMs. It is appropriate for all situations, whether you need to import contacts between clients or switch devices. Study the methods given in the sections below for reliable outcomes. But first, explore the conversion needs.

What are the Essential Factors to Convert OST to VCF?

Some of the significant reasons professionals prefer converting OST files to VCF are:

• vCard is the standardized format for contacts and address books with global accessibility.
• Sharing contacts individually as well as in batches is possible with vCard files.
• Users switching from Outlook to other platforms (Gmail, Apple Mail, etc.) require contacts in (.vcf) format.
• Also, during account transitions, backups, and contact migrations, VCF format is quite useful.

But the real challenge comes with the extraction of OST file data. Since it is tied to the specific Outlook profile or Exchange/Office 365 account.

Furthermore, to ensure smooth OST to VCF conversion, a user must consider these tips before the process:

• Backup OST files, especially for old and inactive Outlook profiles.
• Clean up unwanted and outdated entries to avoid the clutter.
• Ensure to accurately match the contact fields during the conversion.

How to Efficiently Convert OST to vCard Format?

While there are so many options available on the web for this conversion, we have jotted down the crucial ones. These are direct, instant, and reliable for secure conversions. The manual method may still lack somewhere and have a few cons, since its free. But the professional software is expert tested and verified to provide 100% best results.

Manually Convert Contacts from OST to vCard

In this section, we discuss all the methods available for Outlook OST to vCard conversion on Mac and Windows. Follow the step-by-step guides mentioned below for successful results for free.

Method 1: Export OST to vCard with Windows Outlook

1. Open your active Outlook profile linked with the OST file.
2. Then, proceed to Contacts/People view from the bottom.
3. Further, browse and choose your contacts that you wish to move.
4. Click on File and opt for the option: Save As to set file type to VCF.
5. Finally, pick up your desired file location, give a name, and tap Save.

Note: Outlook only supports saving one contact at a time, and if done for many, the process becomes complex and time-consuming.

Method 2: Two-Step Free Convert OST to vCard

In this process, users need to first convert OST to CSV, and then change CSV to VCF. It is lengthy and tedious with not much guarantee. Still, the steps that execute the conversion are:

Part 1: Exporting OST Files to CSV

Use the built-in Import/Export wizard of the MS Outlook profile. Choose the Comma Separated Value format in it and extract contacts from the folder.

Part 2: Export Outlook OST Contacts to VCF from CSV

Once you have the OST file as Excel CSV, use the Windows Import to change it to vCard. The steps include:

1. Start File Explorer and use the path C:\Users\<user-name>\Contacts to open Windows Contacts.
2. Then, press Import option in it and choose the CSV file created earlier from the PC.
3. Further, add your file and map the imported contact fields correctly.
4. Afterward, choose all contacts or specific ones and press the Export option.
5. At last, select the vCard (folder of VCF files) format and move data to your chosen location.

Note: You can even do this by importing CSV to Google Contacts and afterward, exporting it as VCF.

Method 3: Convert OST to VCF using Mac OS

Since Mac doesn’t directly support the OST file, first, change it to CSV or vCard following the above two approaches. Later, using an external drive, say, USB, AirDrop, or Email (Gmail), export contacts. Finally, access the VCF file within the Mac Contacts app.

Automated Utility to Convert OST to vCard

When the manual ways to change OST to VCF seem a bit complex and a lot of hassle, then opt for the SysInfo OST to PST Converter Tool. Though the name suggests conversion to PST, it can export Outlook OST contacts to VCF, PDF, CSV, and many more formats at once. The tool needs no Outlook application and reliably moves bulk contacts of any size, including attachments, with full accuracy.

It is sufficient for all Mac and Windows OS and even provides a demo version to its users for a few free conversions. Take a look at this real-use case where the tool proved to be extremely beneficial as compared to manual ways:

Guide for Users to Convert Contacts from OST to vCard

1. Launch the tool → and click on Next to proceed within it.
2. Then, select the OST files → and click Next → to expand the tree structure.
3. Preview files → select the folders → and click Next to continue.
4. Further, pick vCard from the file formats → and also, apply custom filters.
5. At last, specify the destination→ use Path to Save button → and tap Convert.

Conclusion

If you need to convert OST to vCard, manual methods like Outlook or Windows Contacts can only help up to a limit. Also, it needs an active profile and connected servers. These offer cross-platform portability without additional costs, but are only ideal for individual and small teams. On the other hand, exporting for a large enterprise or for migrating OST from disconnected profiles, using the professional tool is the optimum choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Suman Rawat

Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.