How to Export Outlook Contacts to CSV: Best Practices

Reason to Convert Outlook Contacts to CSV File Format

There are various reasons why users want to convert an Outlook contact into a CSV file format. The following points are discussed for better comprehension:

• CSV files are widely accessible across various applications and devices.
• Structured tabular form for storing data within CSV files means it will be easier to arrange, sort, and filter contacts for easier management and analysis.
• If you want to create a backup, then the conversion of Outlook to CSV helps you a lot.
• CSV files are light files and easy to share.
• CSV files open and edit in spreadsheet programs, allowing you to update, modify, or add new contact details as needed with greater flexibility.
• You can convert Outlook contacts to CSV format and easily transfer your data without losing any information.

Overview of Outlook Contacts and CSV File Format

Features	PST Format	CSV Format
Full Name	Personal Storage Table	Comma-Separated Value
File Extensions	.pst	.csv
Primary Use	Maintains Outlook’s database	Saves data in table form in a portable format.
Compatibility	It requires an application of Microsoft Outlook.	Can be opened and edited using many applications.
Size	Can be a very long	Usually smaller than PST files
Structure	It can be complex.	It can be in a simple, text-based format with values separated by commas.
Security	It can be password-protected	Not secure since the data is written in text format.
Attachments handling	In PST, attachments are included in an email message	Attachments are not managed

Method to Export Outlook Contact Group to CSV with Ease

Two known methods are available to import your Outlook contact into a CSV file. The methods are:

1. Manual methods to export contacts to CSV file
2. Professional methods to convert contacts

Manual Method: Export Outlook Contacts to CSV Using Outlook (Classic)

In this method, we will use the native export feature in Outlook to transform your PST files into CSV.

Steps to Convert Outlook Contacts Files to CSV

1. Download and open the Microsoft Outlook application in your default system.
2. Go to the Info, then click on File in the top-left corner.
3. Now, click on the option Open & Export, and then Import/Export.
4. Then, from the list of options, choose Export to a file and click Next.
5. In that given panel, choose Comma-Separated Values as your export file type and click Next.
6. Then, choose the folder that contains a contact that you wish to export.
7. Browse a defined location to save the exported CSV file and give it a name.
8. Also, include all the required attributes that suit your needs.
9. Lastly, click Finish to complete the export process.

Through this, you export Outlook contacts to a .csv file without any issues. Now, let us discuss some limitations that arise while converting or using manual methods.

Restrictions While Exporting Outlook PST to CSV File

• Too many restrictions are coming while performing the conversion task. Some of them are discussed below:
• Manual conversion of files to CSV format is usually a task that requires some technical knowledge.
• Sometimes it produces errors; thus, data might get corrupted or lost if the mistake is repeated.
• Also, the manual method does not convert several files at the same time, and it consumes a lot of time.
• This process applies only to the Outlook Classic, not to the Outlook New application.

Automated solutions might be required in case you find it hard to manually convert files and need to move several files simultaneously.

Professional Method: Export Outlook Contacts to CSV Without Outlook

The Outlook PST Converter is an effective solution to convert Outlook PST files into multiple formats and email clients. It maintains the integrity of your data throughout the conversion process, thus providing smooth transfers from one file type to another. In addition, this tool can export Outlook contacts to Gmail, Thunderbird, and many more. It is equipped with advanced features, which provide a better user experience. To test the PST Converter Tool’s capabilities, you can download a free trial or demo version, which will allow you to test the migration of PST files to CSV file format.

Simple Steps to Export Outlook Contacts to CSV File

1. Download, install, and launch the Outlook PST Converter on your defined system.
2. Now go for the Single Files/Multiple File Option to upload a file or folder.
3. Click Select File and browse the desired PST file option that you want to convert.
4. In the utility, you’ll see a tree-like structure displaying your contacts to avoid any type of data loss.
5. Now, select the file or folders you want to convert, and then click Next to proceed.
6. Then, select CSV from the drop-down list as the file format option.
7. Now, choose the additional built-in option/attributes to meet your requirements and needs.
8. After that, browse to the desired location where you want to save the output file.
9. Finally, click on the Convert button to complete the import process.

This is the best way to convert your Outlook contact into a CSV file without hassle. Along with this, this tool also enables users to convert PST to MSG.

Conclusion

This write-up is a comprehensive guide on how to export Outlook contacts to CSV file format, describing the process and benefits. We would recommend the advanced PST Converter Tool, which is highly efficient and minimizes the risk of errors or complications. This tool is endorsed by IT professionals and saves time and effort and does not require technical expertise. You may choose the best method that fits your needs and follow it to complete the task effectively.