How To Export Contacts from Outlook to CSV
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Introduction
Exporting contacts from Outlook to a CSV file is a straightforward process that enhances data portability and accessibility. This tutorial will guide you through each step to ensure a seamless export.
Once you have your contacts in CSV format, discover how Sourcetable can help analyze your exported data with AI in a user-friendly spreadsheet.
Export Your Contacts from Outlook to CSV Format
- Exporting contacts from Outlook is a straightforward process that enables users to manage their contact information effectively. The exported CSV file can be imported into other email accounts or used for data backups. This guide explains how to export your contacts to CSV format from both the new and classic versions of Outlook.
- To begin the export process, open Outlook and navigate to the side panel.
- Select <strong>People</strong> from the navigation bar.
- In the ribbon at the top, click on <strong>Manage contacts</strong> and from the dropdown menu, select <strong>Export contacts</strong>.
- In the dropdown menu under <strong>Contacts from this folder</strong>, choose the specific contact folder you wish to export.
- Click on <strong>Export</strong> to proceed with the export.
- Once exported, the CSV file will be saved automatically to your <strong>Downloads</strong> folder.
- Outlook offers an Import/Export wizard that simplifies the export of contacts. This wizard guides you through each step, ensuring your CSV file is properly formatted and ready for use.
- The generated CSV file can be used to import contacts into another email account. Ensure the CSV file is UTF-8 encoded for best results when importing.
- You can also use this CSV file for importing contacts into Outlook on the web or Outlook.com, maintaining consistency across different platforms.
- Following these steps allows you to efficiently export your Outlook contacts to a CSV file. This process ensures that your contact data is easily transferable and can be accessed in other email services or backup purposes.
Introduction
Steps to Export Contacts
Output Location
Import/Export Wizard
Using Your CSV File
Conclusion
How to Export Your Contacts from Outlook to CSV Format
Step-by-Step Guide to Export Contacts to CSV
Exporting contacts from Outlook for Windows helps you save a copy of your contacts in a CSV file. This file can be used to import contacts into another email account effortlessly.
To start the export process, open Outlook and select Open & Export > Import/Export from the File menu.
Choose Export to a file, then select Comma Separated Values as the file format.
Next, in the Select folder to export from box, choose the Contacts folder under your account and click Next.
Click Browse, name your file, choose OK, and then click Finish to start exporting your contacts.
Importing Contacts into Outlook Using a CSV
To import contacts, the CSV file should have UTF-8 encoding for best results, as this encoding works for all languages and alphabets.
Select People from the navigation bar in Outlook. Choose Manage contacts > Import contacts from the ribbon.
Browse for your CSV file, select Open, and click Import to transfer your contacts.
Converting a CSV File to UTF-8 Encoding
If your CSV file is not in UTF-8 format, you can convert it using Excel or third-party applications. In Excel 2016, create a new workbook, import your CSV file, and save it as CSV UTF-8.
Ensuring your CSV file is in UTF-8 format prevents issues with character encoding when importing contacts.
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Use Cases Unlocked by Knowing Information or Having a Solution for "Contacts from Outlook to"
1. Moving Contacts to Another Email Program |
Exporting contacts from Outlook allows users to transfer their contact lists to another email program. This ensures continuity and accessibility of contact information across different platforms. |
2. Synchronizing Contacts Between Platforms |
Outlook supports two-way contact export for Microsoft 365, Outlook.com, and hybrid modern authentication for on-premises mailboxes. This enables synchronization of contacts across different platforms for seamless communication. |
3. Integrating with External Services |
Although contacts sync is not supported for Gmail and iCloud, knowing how to export Outlook contacts makes it easier to manually integrate contacts with these and other external services as needed. |
4. Editing Contact Data Before Import |
By exporting contacts, users can examine and edit the contact data before importing it into another program. This ensures that the contact information is accurate and up-to-date in the new platform. |
5. Sharing Contacts with Colleagues |
Sharing Outlook contacts through sharing invitations allows users to collaborate effectively. Contacts can be shared with both people within and outside the organization, ensuring that everyone has access to the needed contact information. |
6. Adding Contacts to Favorites |
Adding important contacts to favorites in Outlook makes them easier to find and access. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining quick communication with frequently contacted individuals. |
7. Using Contacts in Mail Merges |
Outlook contacts can serve as a data source for Word mail merges. This enables users to automate the process of sending personalized letters, emails, or other documents to multiple recipients efficiently. |
8. Categorizing Contacts by Color |
Outlook allows users to categorize contacts by color. This visual organization makes it easier to manage and locate specific groups of contacts quickly. |
Why Choose Sourcetable Over Contacts from Outlook
Sourcetable is a powerful spreadsheet tool designed to centralize all your data. Unlike Contacts from Outlook, Sourcetable integrates multiple data sources, enabling seamless data collection in one place.
With Sourcetable, you can query real-time data from databases effortlessly. This feature offers significant advantages over the static data management typical of Outlook Contacts.
By combining a spreadsheet-like interface with advanced data manipulation capabilities, Sourcetable provides a level of functionality and flexibility unmatched by Outlook Contacts. Experience better data control and analysis with Sourcetable today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start the process of exporting contacts from Outlook for Windows?
To start exporting contacts from Outlook for Windows, choose Open & Export > Import/Export.
What is the format required to export contacts from Outlook?
The format required to export contacts from Outlook is a CSV file.
Which folder should I select when exporting contacts from Outlook?
In the Select folder to export from box, select the Contacts folder under your account.
What are the steps after selecting the Contacts folder to complete the export?
After selecting the Contacts folder, choose Next, then Browse, name the file, and choose OK. Finally, choose Finish to start exporting contacts.
How can I save the exported contacts file on my computer?
Choose Browse, name the file, and choose OK to save the exported contacts file on your computer.
Conclusion
Exporting your Contacts from Outlook to a CSV file is an essential step for effective data management and analysis. Follow the outlined steps carefully to ensure a seamless transition of your contact data.
Once you have your CSV file, it's crucial to leverage the right tools for data analysis.
Sign up for Sourcetable to analyze your exported CSV data with AI in a simple to use spreadsheet.
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Get insights into your CSV data
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