Export Outlook.com Contacts to vCard [Updated Methods]
If you decided to switch from Office 365 to Google Workspace or any other platform, then you have to export Outlook.com contacts to vCard, as this file format is supported by most of the services. This guide will help you understand how to download Outlook.com contacts to VCF using the most appropriate methods step by step. Many users also take this opportunity to export Outlook.com calendar data.
Why Export Outlook.com Contacts to vCard Format?
Personally, the contacts in the emails are important for me because losing them might hamper my workflow, and this is important for most of the users as well. There can be many reasons you might lose them, like accidental deletion or account suspension. So it is best to save Outlook.com contacts to VCF format and avoid these kinds of obstacles.
The vCard platform is an independent and compatible format with every mobile device, cloud services, and even with desktop email clients. After exporting contacts to VCF, I experienced better control over my data.
It is my decision whether I want to import them into Gmail, iCloud services, mobile devices, or want to keep them as an offline backup. If anyone is considering switching the services or wants to create a secure copy of contacts, then it is always a wise decision to export Outlook.com contacts to vCard.
Understanding vCard (VCF) and Its Benefits
You need to understand why I am suggesting exporting the contact on vCard. The reason is that it is an independent and compatible format that stores all the detailed information regarding the contacts, such as names, phone numbers, etc. When you download Outlook.com contacts to VCF, the data remains intact and readable in most formats. This is useful when users need to change Hotmail.com to Outlook.com, as the data structure remains intact.
After exporting contacts to vCard, I noticed that the files are lightweight and easy to manage. Unlike CSV files, VCF files stores details contacts without any formatting issues. That’s the reason I suggest to download Outlook.com contacts to vCard, as it is a more practical decision for both personal and professional users.
Manual Method to Export Outlook.com Contacts to vCard
Outlook.com doesn’t provide a direct option to export contacts to VCF. That’s why, first export contacts to a CSV file, and then convert them into vCard format. For the same, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Log in to Outlook.com with your credentials and then open the people (Contacts) section
- Select all contacts you want and export them as a CSV file
- Use another email client or device to import the CSV file
- Export the contacts again in the vCard format
This is the best method and helps you to save Outlook.com contacts to vCard. But there are some limitations, which are that this method is time-consuming and requires a more reliable solution. For beginners and users who are not very tech savvy, this method can be overwhelming when they try to download Outlook.com contacts to VCF, alongside like import Outlook to Thunderbird.
Limitations and Risks of Manual Methods
There are multiple risks and limitations in the manual method, but the risk that I was most afraid of is data loss, because it will interrupt my whole workflow. The reason for data loss is that sometimes CSV files don’t support, which can lead to details missing during conversion, which can be a risk when typing to export Outlook.com contacts to vCard.
Another challenge that I face is that this method is time-consuming, and it will become a nightmare when you have hundreds or thousands of contacts to download. This is a drawback that the manual method doesn’t offer you for specific contacts to export.
These are some disadvantages that discourage any users who want to download Outlook.com contacts to VCF manually.
How to Export Outlook.com Contacts to vCard Directly and Professionally?
If you want to avoid steps like exporting contacts to CSV files, then opting for an automated solution helps users to save contacts to vCard directly and simultaneously. For the same, I researched and found SysTools Outlook.com Backup Tool is the most reliable and secure one.
It automatically backs up all the contacts with details and formatting in desired formats, i.e., PST, PDF, EML, etc.
Not only this, but there are some advantages that I noticed while using this tool for seamless download Outlook.com contacts to VCF:
- It directly exports contacts to vCard format
- Time-consuming and contact details remain as they are without any formatting issues
- No issue in exporting bulk contacts
- Authenticate securely with an Outlook.com account and store no data of your credentials
- Suitable for both professional and personal use
With these features, there is no need to worry about the data and missing contact details. You will experience the hassle free export outlook.com contacts to vcard
Author’s Verdict
Based on my experience, I don’t see exporting contacts as a task; it is more than that. As we discussed that manual method has its limitations, and it is not a good strategy when exporting contacts is something you mostly do. Managing your Outlook.com account in the right way is important for you then considering the right approach always matters. When users also need to download emails from Outlook.com or migrate platforms.
I always recommend a professional and reliable solution to export Outlook.com contacts to vCard because it is the wisest decision one can take. You will see that the process is done automatically without any hassle and with data security when users download Outlook.com contacts to VCF.
FAQs
Q. How do I export all contacts from Outlook as vCard?
You can do it by following the manual method that we have discussed above in the article, but using a professional tool can ease the process.
Q. What is the difference between VFC and vCard?
There is no difference; it’s just that the vCard is safe.VFC file, which is an internet standard to share contact details.
Q. Is there any need to install Outlook to export Outlook.com contacts?
No, if you are using a professional solution, then there is no need for installation because it works directly with your Outlook.com account
Q. Is it possible to download Outlook.com contacts to VCF directly from Outlook.com?
If you are doing it with a manual method, then this can’t be done directly byt on the other hand professional tool that we have discussed in this article can offer exporting contacts directly.
Q. What is a VCF file example?
VCF is a text file format (most likely stored in a compressed manner).