Export Outlook Contacts to vCard (VCF) in Bulk Using 5 Effective Ways

Why Export Outlook Contacts to vCard (VCF) file?

Exporting Outlook contacts to vCard (VCF) files offers several practical benefits:

1. Universally recognized, vCard files are compatible with various applications and devices, including iOS, Android, Gmail, and other email clients.
2. vCards allow smooth contact transfers between devices, ideal for backing up or migrating contacts.
3. With vCard, you can consolidate multiple contacts into one file or folder, simplifying organization and sharing.
4. Small and widely supported, vCards make it easy to share contacts via email or messaging without losing formatting.
5. Storing contacts as vCards provides an additional backup, safeguarding data from accidental loss or Outlook issues.
6. vCards preserve essential details like phone numbers, emails, and addresses, ensuring no data is lost during transfers.
7. Widely used in business, vCard files allow seamless professional contact exchanges in a standardized format.

1. Exporting Contacts to vCard Using Microsoft Outlook and Windows Contacts

One common method to export contacts from Outlook to vCard is by using the Windows Contacts feature. This approach leverages Outlook’s export options and is straightforward, but it involves a few steps.

Steps to export contacts using Outlook and Windows Contacts:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook and go to the File menu.
2. Select Open & Export > Import/Export to launch the Import/Export wizard.
3. Choose Export to a file and click Next.
4. Select Comma Separated Values (CSV) as the file format, then choose the contacts folder to export.
5. Save the CSV file to a location on your computer.
6. After exporting the CSV file, open Windows Contacts (you can search for it in the Start menu).
7. Import the CSV file into Windows Contacts.
8. Once imported, select all contacts, right-click, and choose Export > vCard (Folder of .vcf files).

This method works well for users who don’t mind the intermediate steps. However, it’s slightly time-consuming due to the need to import contacts into Windows Contacts before exporting them as vCard files.

2. Using Aryson Outlook Converter for Exporting Outlook Contacts

Aryson Outlook PST Converter is a dedicated tool for exporting contacts and other Outlook data, making it a valuable solution for users who require a faster and more straightforward bulk export process. It also export Outlook emails to CSV format according to date range when you have needed. Aryson Outlook Converter supports exporting contacts from Outlook to vCard format directly, streamlining the entire process and saving time.

Steps to export contacts to vCard using Aryson Outlook Converter:

1. Download and install Aryson Outlook Converter.
2. Launch the application and click Add Files to load your Outlook data file (PST).
3. After loading the file, select the contacts folder for export.
4. Choose vCard as the output format from the list of available formats.
5. Customize any additional settings if needed, such as choosing the file save location.
6. Click Convert to start the conversion process.

Aryson Outlook Converter simplifies the task of exporting contacts to vCard in bulk, making it a preferred choice for users who handle multiple contacts or need an efficient, dedicated tool. The software also supports batch processing, allowing you to export multiple contacts in one go.

3. Using the Outlook Web App (OWA) to Export Contacts to vCard

For users who primarily use the Outlook Web App, exporting contacts to vCard is possible, though the options may vary depending on the version of OWA you’re using. This method requires first exporting contacts as a CSV file and then using an online converter to convert them to vCard format.

Steps to export contacts using Outlook Web App and an online converter:

1. Open the Outlook Web App and go to People.
2. Select the contacts you want to export and go to Manage > Export Contacts.
3. Choose CSV as the export format, and save the file.
4. Once you have the CSV file, go to an online converter, such as CSV to vCard, to convert the file to vCard format.
5. Upload the CSV file to the converter, adjust any settings, and download the resulting vCard file.

Using OWA and an online converter is convenient for users who work primarily in the cloud, though it requires converting the CSV file in a separate step.

4. Using Microsoft Outlook with Third-Party Add-ins

Microsoft Outlook supports add-ins that can add functionality, including tools to export contacts to vCard format. Some add-ins, like vCard Wizard or Outlook4Gmail, integrate with Outlook and enable bulk exports to vCard, simplifying the process.

Steps to export contacts using a third-party add-in:

1. Install a suitable add-in, such as vCard Wizard, from the Microsoft Store or the add-in provider’s website.
2. Open Outlook, then open the add-in through the toolbar.
3. Select the contacts folder and choose the option to export contacts.
4. Choose vCard as the export format and configure any settings, such as the destination folder.
5. Start the export, and the add-in will automatically save all selected contacts as vCard files.

This method is ideal for users who frequently need to export contacts to vCard, as it simplifies the process within Outlook itself. The only requirement is installing the add-in, and it generally offers faster processing than manual exports.

5. Using an Online vCard Converter

If you have already exported your Outlook contacts to a CSV or PST file, you can also use an online vCard converter to convert these files to vCard format. This approach is simple, particularly for occasional conversions.

Steps to export contacts using an online vCard converter:

1. Export your Outlook contacts as a CSV file by following the steps in Method 1.
2. Open a reliable online vCard converter, such as Online vCard Converter or CSV to vCard.
3. Upload the CSV file, select vCard as the output format, and configure any necessary settings.
4. Click Convert and download the resulting vCard file.

Choosing the Right Method

The best method for exporting Outlook contacts to vCard in bulk depends on your needs and available resources. For users who only need to export occasionally, the built-in Outlook and Windows Contacts method, as well as online converters, are sufficient and cost-effective. However, for users handling frequent bulk exports, Aryson Outlook PST Converter provides the most efficient solution with batch processing, direct conversion to vCard, and no need for intermediate steps.

Third-party add-ins, on the other hand, can make the process faster for Outlook desktop users, integrating directly into Outlook for seamless functionality. The Outlook Web App and online converter solution is convenient for those working primarily online or in a cloud-based environment.

Conclusion

Exporting Outlook contacts to vCard format in bulk is simple with the right tools and methods. Each of the five methods outlined here caters to different needs, providing options for occasional users and professionals alike. By choosing the method that best suits your requirements, you can efficiently export and manage contacts across devices and platforms, ensuring your contact data is easily accessible, shareable, and securely backed up.

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