How to Import Outlook Contacts to Thunderbird Directly

Complexities to Import PST Contacts into Thunderbird

Both Outlook and Thunderbird treat contacts as small databases. Outlook stores contact information in Personal Storage Table (.pst) files, and it is common to include them in your calendar items and distribution lists. On the other hand, Thunderbird prefers using lightweight address books in LDIF or vCard format.

That structural difference between these formats, when users want to make the switch, creates difficulties.

Imagine “Changing a dusty old desktop to a modern new laptop!”

Of course, you can do it, but it requires some reorganization to make everything work smoothly. While email IDs transfer seamlessly, there are other fields to consider (e.g., business address, nicknames, or custom notes). Since these may not map correctly, and can potentially get reallocated elsewhere.

For someone moving those contacts for personal access, it may be a simple inconvenience. While for a sales or HR department, which is dependent on using a layered contact metadata, it could inhibit typical workflows. Therefore, look for these methods that can easily solve your issue and make the transfer process smooth and efficient.

Manual Method to Import Outlook Contacts to Thunderbird

There is a simple and reliable method that individuals and users who have a small volume of address books can use to import. Its steps involve:

Part A: Exporting Outlook Contacts as a CSV File

1. First, start your MS Outlook account profile and click on the File menu.
2. Then, choose the Open and Export and Import/Export tabs to start the wizard.
3. In it, select the Export option and, with Next, choose Comma Separated Values (CSV).
4. After that, again click Next and select the Contacts folder from the tree structure. Press Next.
5. Later, select a destination to save CSV and click Map Custom Fields to organize them.
6. Finally, press Finish to download Outlook Contacts CSV.

Part B: Importing Outlook CSV File in Thunderbird

1. Start Mozilla Thunderbird and from the More menu, select Tools → Import.
2. Next, the Import Tool window opens. Here, choose Import from Outlook → Continue.
3. Further, select Address Book as the type of data to import and upload your CSV.
4. Lastly, finalize the process and click Import to migrate Outlook contacts to Thunderbird address book.

Shortcomings of The Freeway:

• It is a lengthy and two-step process (Import, then Export), which can take a lot of time.
• Also, there are chances that the fields are not mapped correctly, which may result in missed contacts.
• Moreover, there’s a high possibility of human error if you do not have technical knowledge.

Automated Method to Import Outlook Contacts to Thunderbird

While the manual method is free and effective, it may not work when you have a large database of contacts. Then, the SysInfo PST Converter Tool can help you directly import contacts into Thunderbird with 100% accuracy. Plus, you can check the data before import, or also perform selective conversions with ease on Mac or Windows. Moreover, using this smart tool, you can convert PST to JSON without any technicalities or Outlook or other applications.

Easy Steps to Import Contacts from Outlook to Thunderbird

(Ensure you have already extracted Outlook Contacts as a PST file before you begin.)

1. Install the Outlook Contacts Import Tool and click Next.
2. Then, load the contacts PST with the Select File/Select Folder button.
3. Further, in the preview pane, explore Contacts from the tree hierarchy.
4. After that, select it, click Next, and opt for Thunderbird from the list.
5. By default, its location is set. You can choose filters to apply and finally, tap Convert.

Sarah’s experience highlights why the use of professional tools to import contacts from Outlook to Thunderbird is often the first place businesses go to when they are investing in speed and accuracy.

Conclusion

When users import Outlook contacts to Thunderbird, they translate from one system to another. While the manual process may work for people with a few hundred contacts. Businesses and professionals find the most value in using dedicated software. It will migrate your contacts faster, more accurately while preserving the Outlook data structure and even calculating time zones when relevant. This saves you time as well as reputation without hassle.

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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.