How to Export Outlook Contacts to vCard in Easy Steps

Why Convert Outlook Contacts to vCard?

The main objectives why you need Outlook export vCard multiple contacts are mentioned here:

• VCF file is supported by multiple clients, unlike the Outlook PST, providing wide contact access.
• To create an offline backup of the Outlook contacts and access it whenever and wherever needed.
• PST files are platform-dependent, whereas VCF files can easily be imported into other address books.
• VCF is a universal contact storage format. Also, it is highly portable and compatible, maintaining a large contacts list.
• Streamline the contact management and securely keep the user data for constant edits in the future.

As we know the benefits of exporting Outlook address book to a VCF file, let’s explore methods for the same.

Notable Approaches to Export Outlook Contacts to vCard

There are two basic ways to export including a manual solution and a professional tool. For the free manual method, the user must have Outlook on their desktop. There are also some limitations attached to this method discussed at the end. Whereas, a professional tool is verified and trusted by exports for seamless contacts export. Here, proceed to learn to export contacts to VCF with the manual methods first.

Convert PST Contacts to vCard Manually

Follow the below-given steps to Outlook export contacts to VCF format:

1. Run MS Outlook and click the Contacts icon from the left corner.
2. In the contacts window, click People from the navigation pane.
3. Further, pick the contacts from the list to export and press File.
4. Then, click on Save As and choose the destination for the new file.
5. Afterward, set the file type to vCard to save and give a name. 
6. In the end, click the Save button to export vCard from Outlook.

This is the most basic way to Export Outlook contacts to vCard. It can be performed in all the Outlook versions 2019, 2016, 2013, and so on. However, the method is only suitable for exporting contacts individually, i.e., one by one.

Alternatively, you can convert PST files to CSV files and then, change to VCF with these steps:

1. Start MS Outlook and from File —> Open & Export, click Import/Export.
2. In the open wizard, press on the option Export to a File and Next.
3. Further, click on Comma Separated Values (CSV) to save PST contacts. 
4. Tap Next and choose the contacts folder from the tree structure. Click Next.
5. After that, press Browse to specify the destination for CSV and click OK.
6. Press Next and tap on Map Custom Fields to sync the data fields.
7. In the end, click Finish to create the CSV file for Outlook PST contacts.
8. Later, using an expert CSV to vCard Converter or Gmail, change CSV to VCF.

Shortcomings of the Manual Method

• Not suitable for bulk migration of Outlook contacts in a single go.
• Chances of missing the original data fields or structure during conversion.
• No data security and is difficult to understand and execute for novice users.
• Requires external application to complete the export from CSV file.

These limitations encourage users to opt for a more professional solution, i.e., a reliable tool. One such tool is explained briefly below.

Automated Tool to Export Outlook Contacts to vCard

SysInfo PST Converter is an excellent solution to save Outlook contacts as VCF directly. It allows bulk converting Outlook address book into vCard, CSV, or other formats at once with no size limitations. The tool is user-friendly for all technical and non-technical users. Along with that, preview the contacts before you convert Outlook contacts to vCard. Moreover, this expert utility has advanced features and functionalities to provide guaranteed results.

Key Features of Tool:

• Export contacts in their original format without affecting data quality.
• Convert PST contacts in standard VCF format without any restrictions.
• Run the software smoothly on all versions of Windows OS.
• Supports PST contacts created in any Outlook version.
• Perform conversion in minimum time with a few clicks after applying filters.
• Remove duplicate contacts and attachments as needed before the export.

Working Steps to Export Outlook Contacts to vCard

1. Run the PST Converter Tool on the PC after installation and click Next.
2. Select File or Select Folder to add contacts and click Open. Press Next.
3. Further, preview the contacts from the tree hierarchy and select to export. 
4. Tap Next and choose the VCF format from the drop menu of file formats.
5. Afterward, choose the filters you need and click Path to Save for a location.
6. At last, click Convert to export the Outlook address book to the VCF file.

Conclusion

In this blog, we discussed the reasons and best ways to export Outlook contacts to vCard. The manual methods are suitable for all Outlook versions but have other unavoidable limitations. Furthermore, if you are a big business organization or have bulk contacts to export, use a professional tool. With the tool, you get a free demo version to evaluate performance and export up to 50 contacts for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.