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How To Export Contacts from Outlook Mac to CSV

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    Introduction

    Exporting contacts from Outlook Mac to a CSV file can streamline data management and enhance productivity. This guide provides clear instructions on how to efficiently export your Outlook Mac contacts into a CSV format.

    We'll also explore how Sourcetable lets you analyze your exported data with AI in a simple to use spreadsheet.

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    How to Export Contacts from Outlook Mac to CSV Format

    • Steps to Export Contacts

      To export contacts from Outlook Mac, start by launching Outlook for Mac and clicking on Contacts. This will take you to the contact management section of the application.

      Next, click the File menu and select Export. A box will appear asking, "What do you want to export?" Select "Add contacts to a list (text separated by tabs)". This option will enable you to save your contacts in a text format that can be later converted to CSV.

    • Saving the Exported File

      Once you have selected the export format, press the bottom right arrow to proceed. A save dialog box will appear where you need to enter the filename in the "Save As" area. Ensure that the filename ends with the ".txt" extension.

      In the save dialog box, select "Where" and choose your desktop as the destination for the file. Press the "Save" button to save the exported contacts to your desktop. To complete the export process, click the Done button.

    • Why Export Contacts?

      Exporting Outlook contacts allows you to back up your data, ensuring that you have a copy in case of data loss. This process also facilitates the transfer of contacts when changing devices or email systems, making it easier to stay organized.

      Having your contacts in a CSV file format makes it simple to share and collaborate with others. CSV files also allow for easy management, filtering, and sorting of contact data, improving overall contact list organization.

    • Converting TXT to CSV

      Once you have exported your contacts as a .txt file, you can open the file in Excel or any other spreadsheet software. Use the applicationā€™s built-in functions to convert the text data into CSV format by saving the file with a ".csv" extension. This ensures compatibility with other email programs and services.

      It is recommended to review and edit the data in Excel to ensure everything is formatted correctly before importing it into another program. This step helps to catch any inconsistencies or errors in the exported contact information.

    • Conclusion

      Exporting your contacts from Outlook Mac to CSV format is a straightforward process that provides numerous benefits including data backup, easy management, and seamless data transfer across different platforms. Follow the outlined steps to ensure a smooth export process and take advantage of the CSV format's versatility.

    How to Export Contacts from Outlook Mac to CSV Format

    Using Outlook for Mac Directly

    Open Outlook for Mac. Click on Contacts. Go to the File menu and select Export. Choose "Add contacts to a list (text separated by tabs)" to export contacts as a CSV. Click the right arrow. Enter a filename ending with .txt. Select "Where" and choose the desktop. Click Save. Click Done to finish the export.

    Exporting Contacts in OLM Format and Converting to CSV

    To begin, open Outlook on your Mac. Click on the Tools option and select Export from the menu. In the dialog box, select the contact checkbox and click continue. Provide a name and choose a location to save the OLM contacts file. Click on the save button and then Finish after the process completes.

    Next, download and install MacSonik OLM Converter. Add OLM files with contacts to the software. Choose the contact folder to convert into CSV. Select CSV from the Save As drop-down menu. Define the location to save the CSV file. Click on the convert button to finalize the process.

    Another Method Using Outlook Built-in Options

    Open Outlook for Mac. Select the File menu and choose Open & Export > Import/Export. Then select Export to a file > Next. Choose Comma Separated Values > Next. Select Contacts under the email account you want to export from. Click Browse... and choose where to save your .csv file. Enter a file name and click OK. Finally, select Finish.

    Understanding Export Options in Outlook for Mac

    Note that the only export option directly available in Outlook for Mac is .olm. Conversion to CSV involves external tools or alternative methods detailed above.

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    Use Cases for Contacts in Outlook Mac

    Creating and Managing Large Contact Lists

    Contact Lists in Outlook for Mac enable users to manage extensive email address lists, simplifying the task of sending emails to multiple recipients. These lists can be created by hovering over the 'New contact' primary button and selecting 'New contact list'. Once created, these lists synchronize across all devices.

    Utilizing Contact Lists for Efficient Communication

    Users can save time by using Contact Lists when addressing emails or scheduling events. Simply input the contact list name to email everyone on the list. This functionality is particularly useful for team communication or managing group email distributions.

    Integrating iCloud Contacts

    SyncGene and Cisdem ContactsMate facilitate the synchronization of iCloud contacts with Outlook for Mac. This ensures that contacts stay updated across platforms, providing seamless access to contact information, no matter where it's stored or accessed.

    Streamlined Contact Creation

    Outlook for Mac allows users to create new contacts from scratch or directly from email messages, saving them in the default Contacts folder. This functionality enhances productivity by efficiently capturing and storing contact details encountered in everyday communications.

    Comprehensive Contact Management

    Use the People tab to find, view, and edit contact information. It also allows users to add photos to their contacts for easier identification. This tab serves as a centralized hub for all contact-related activities, simplifying the user experience.

    Address Book Synchronization

    Using tools like SyncGene and ContactsMate to sync iCloud contacts with Outlook for Mac ensures consistency across different platforms. Keep your contact list up-to-date and remove duplicate contacts with tools designed to maintain a clean and organized address book.

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    Why Choose Sourcetable Over Contacts from Outlook Mac?

    Sourcetable excels at consolidating data from multiple sources into one cohesive spreadsheet. Unlike Contacts from Outlook Mac, Sourcetable allows you to not only access but also query and manipulate your data in real-time.

    With Sourcetable, your data integration process becomes seamless. It offers a spreadsheet-like interface, making it simple to interact with complex datasets without needing advanced technical skills. This greatly enhances productivity and data management efficiency.

    For professionals seeking to streamline their workflow, Sourcetable provides a robust alternative to traditional contact management tools. Its ability to pull data from various databases and offer immediate querying capabilities is unmatched by Outlook Mac's contacts feature.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I export contacts from Outlook Mac?

    To export contacts from Outlook Mac, click on Contacts after launching Outlook for Mac, go to the File menu, select Export, choose 'Add contacts to a list (text separated by tabs)' in the pop-up box, enter the filename ending with '.txt', specify the location as your desktop, and click Save. Finally, click the Done button to finish the export.

    What file format will the contacts be saved as when exporting from Outlook Mac?

    The contacts will be saved as a text file with a '.txt' extension when exporting from Outlook Mac.

    Can I convert the exported contact file to CSV format?

    Yes, you can convert the exported contacts file to CSV format by using a converter tool such as MacSonik OLM Converter. Load the OLM files with contacts, choose the Contact Folder, select CSV in the Save As dropdown menu, define a location to save the CSV file, and click the convert button.

    Why should I export contacts from Outlook Mac?

    Exporting contacts from Outlook Mac allows you to back up your data and use your contacts when changing devices or email systems.

    What should I do if the contact export file does not have a .txt extension?

    Ensure that the file name ends with a '.txt' extension in the 'Save As' area when saving the export file.

    Conclusion

    Exporting contacts from Outlook Mac to CSV is straightforward with the right steps. Ensuring your data is correctly exported helps in seamless integration with other tools.

    CSV files are versatile and can be used in various applications for analysis and reporting. With your contacts now in CSV format, you can leverage advanced tools for deeper insights.

    Sign up for Sourcetable to analyze your exported CSV data with AI in a simple-to-use spreadsheet.



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