Export Thunderbird Address Book to Outlook

Summary: This write-up is going to explain the many possible methods to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and older versions using an Import/Export option. Also, we have explained an automated solution for experts. Let’s start the topic with proper details and a step-by-step working process.

Also Read: 3 Best Ways to Remove Duplicate Contacts Thunderbird Quickly

Mozilla Thunderbird 78 & above versions use the SQLite file format to store address books on the computer. It creates files like abook.sqlite, history.sqlite to store the contacts. The previous versions of Thunderbird used the MAB file format for the same. The files these versions create are abook.mab, history.mab, etc. At the same time, users can export Thunderbird address book into CSV, vCard, and LDIF format.

Also Read: Find Thunderbird Address Book Location on Your System Quickly

So, when a user wants to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook, we can consider all these formats and sort out the best method. In this write-up, I will explain the methods you can use to import contacts from Thunderbird to Outlook. But, firstly, know some of the reasons behind switching to Outlook for a better understanding.

What are the Reasons to Export Thunderbird Contacts to Outlook?

So, there are several reasons why users want to migrate contacts to another email client. And some of them are given below:

Businesses move from Thunderbird to Outlook for better features, service, and settings.
Outlook is much more integrated with Microsoft Office programs.
Comes with some advanced features like improved calendar integration, task management, and a more extensive search facility.
It is the standard email client for many organizations, which makes it an important factor for employees.
Others just prefer using Outlook over Thunderbird based on its interface and the kind of functions it has.

How to Export Thunderbird Address Book to Outlook?

In case your Thunderbird profile is not working and you have multiple contact and address book files, then download the SysTools Thunderbird Address Book Converter. You can download the free version as well for a trial to understand the performance. It comes with different capabilities and filters, which are mentioned after the manual methods one by one.

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Convert Thunderbird Contacts to Outlook Manually

Thunderbird has an in-built option which allows users to export contacts and address book in a format that is supported by an Outlook account, so that users can easily convert Thunderbird contacts to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and older editions. This method is divided into two steps to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook:

Open your Thunderbird application.
Select the “Address Book” from the “Menu”.
Choose any desired address book.
Select the “Tools” >> “Export” button.
Choose any path to save the output file.
Choose the “CSV (Comma Separated Values)” from the “Save as Type” list.
Lastly, hit the “Save” button.

After exporting contacts from the Thunderbird account, follow the next process to import them into the Outlook account.

Step 2: Import Thunderbird Address Book to Outlook

Start your Outlook.
Select the “Open & Export” from the “File” tab.
Select the “Import/Export” option.
Choose the “Import from Another Program or File” from the list.
After that, select the “Comma Separated Values” option.
Locate the exported Thunderbird address book.
Select the folder in which you want to save contacts.
Now, follow the same process for each address book.

Let’s understand some drawbacks of this manual method to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook:

Thunderbird and Outlook must be installed, and a connected profile is required. Also, Thunderbird must be in working condition.
Users can’t export and import contact files in bulk at the same time.
Hierarchy and contact information will not be maintained during the process.

Why is Automatic Solution Better than Manual Methods?

An automatic solution to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and older editions is the first choice of experts because of advanced features and filters. And some of them are given below:

Users can install the software in any desired and comfortable language, like English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Russian, and many other languages.
This software can automatically fetch the data from the default storage location of the Thunderbird profile, whether it is working or not.
Provides two separate options, like Files and Folders, to add single and multiple files and folders.
This software allows users to preview their contact list before exporting Thunderbird contacts to Outlook.
It converts your contacts into PST format, which is acceptable in all the latest Outlook versions, including 2021, 2019, 2016, etc.
Also, it gives you an option called Create Single PST File, which helps you to maintain your contacts in a single file.

How to Export Thunderbird Address Book to Outlook? Tool’s Step

Download the software and install it in the desired language.
Select the Add File option and upload your data files and folders, or you can upload data automatically.
After the scan is complete, your entire contact list will appear on the screen, and you can analyze your data.
Select the contacts that you want to export and select the “Export Selected” option.
After that, select the PST option from the appearing list.
Choose any location to save your exported data file using the Browse button.
Lastly, select the Export button to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook.

Final Comment

Mozilla Thunderbird and Microsoft Outlook are two distinct email clients. When switching to Outlook, it is important to move emails, contacts, and events. This write-up covers the contacts part and helps you export Thunderbird address book to Outlook. If you also want to move emails, you can try the Thunderbird to PST converter to get the job done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which formats can I use to export a Thunderbird address book?

Thunderbird exports address books to CSV, vCard and LDIF formats. Thunderbird 78 and above store contacts in SQLite files like abook.sqlite, and older versions use MAB files like abook.mab.

How do I export a Thunderbird address book to Outlook manually?

In Thunderbird, open Address Book, choose an address book, click Tools, select Export and save it as CSV. In Outlook, go to File, select Open and Export, then Import/Export, then Import from Another Program or File. Select Comma Separated Values, locate the exported file and choose the destination folder.

What are the drawbacks of the manual method?

Thunderbird and Outlook must both be installed with a working profile. You cannot export and import contact files in bulk, and the hierarchy and contact information are not maintained.

Can SysTools Thunderbird Address Book Converter work when my Thunderbird profile is not working?

Yes. SysTools Thunderbird Address Book Converter fetches data from the default storage location of the Thunderbird profile whether the profile works or not. A free version is available for trial.