If you’re looking to export Outlook contact list to CSV file for backup, sharing, or transferring contacts to another email service or device, the process is straightforward. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to easily export Outlook contacts to CSV files, so you can access or manage your contacts at any time.
What is a CSV File?
Before we begin, let’s first explain what a CSV file is. A CSV (Comma Separated Values) file is a simple text format that stores tabular data, such as contact details, where each field is separated by a comma. It’s a widely used format for importing and exporting data because it can be opened in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or any text editor.
Exporting a contact list from Outlook to CSV format will make it easy for you to transfer the data between different programs, devices, or email services without losing any information.
Why Export Outlook Contacts to CSV?
There are several reasons why you might want to export contact list from Outlook to CSV file:
- Backup your Contacts: Keeping a backup ensures that you don’t lose important contact details if something goes wrong with your Outlook account.
- Share Contacts with Others: If you want to share your contacts with someone, exporting them as a CSV file allows them to easily import the data into their system.
- Move Contacts to Another Platform: If you switch from Outlook to another service, such as Gmail or Apple Mail, you can import your CSV file into your new email provider.
How to Export Outlook Contact List to CSV File?
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to convert Outlook contacts to CSV format, whether you’re using the desktop version of Outlook or Outlook.com.
Method 1: Exporting Contacts from the Desktop Version of Outlook
The first off all you need to do is open or start Outlook on your computer. This process works for both Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, and Outlook for Microsoft 365.
- Once Outlook is open, go to the File tab in the top-left corner of the screen.
- From the list of options that appear, select Open & Export.
- In the Open and Export menu, select the Import/Export option. This will open the Import and Export Wizard, which lets you choose the type of data transfer you want to perform.
- In the application, select Export to a file and hit Next.
- Next, you will be asked to select the type of file you want to create. Choose Microsoft Excel or Comma Separated Values.
- Click Next after making your selection.
- Now, you’ll need to select the folder from which to export contacts. Choose Contacts from the list. It’s typically located under your main account’s folder.
- Click Next after selecting the folder.
- Click Browse to choose where you want to save the file. You can name the file whatever you like, but make sure it ends in .csv (for example, OutlookContacts.csv). Once you’ve selected a location and named the file, click OK.
- Once you’ve confirmed the destination, click Finish. Depending on the number of contacts you have, the export might take a few moments.
Method 2: Export Outlook Contact List to CSV (Web Version)
If you’re using Outlook on the web (Outlook.com), here’s how to export Outlook contacts to csv
- Go to Outlook.com and log in with your Microsoft account credentials.
- Once logged in, click on the App Launcher icon (the nine-dot grid) in the upper-left corner of the screen. Then select People from the list of apps.
- In the People app, click on the Manage drop-down menu located on the top-right side of the screen. From the menu, select Export contacts.
- You will be given the option to export either All contacts or only contacts from a specific folder. Choose the option that best suits your requirements.
- After choosing your contacts, click the Export option. Outlook.com will generate a CSV file that contains your contacts, which will be automatically downloaded to your computer.
Export Outlook Contact List to CSV File Using Automated Software
The PCVITA Outlook Contacts Export Tool is a reliable and efficient solution to export Outlook contacts to CSV and other file formats. These formats can then be used for importing your contacts onto different platforms.
Also, you can export Outlook contacts to vCard file with all attributes. This method offers more control over how and where you store your backup compared to automatic syncing options.
Quick Steps to Export Multiple Outlook Contacts to CSV Format
In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to export contact list from Outlook to CSV using the Tool. Here’s how you can do it:
- Before starting the process, you’ll need to download vCard Exporter Tool on your computer.
- Select Outlook Profile and Load Contacts
- Choose Export CSV format.
- Once you’ve selected the export format and destination,
- It’s time to begin the convert Outlook contacts to CSV process:
Final Thoughts
Exporting your contacts from Outlook to a CSV file is a simple and effective way to back up your information, transfer contacts to another platform, or share them with others. Whether you’re using the desktop version of Outlook or Outlook.com, the steps to export Outlook contacts to CSV are easy to follow, and you’ll have your contacts saved in no time.
Make sure to regularly back up your contact list to avoid losing important information. It’s also a good practice to check and clean your contacts now and then to keep them up-to-date and organized.
