What is a Global Address List?

A Global Address List (GAL) is an electronic shared address book that serves as a comprehensive directory containing all the people from a given organization. This centralized list allows users to look up contact information such as email addresses, phone numbers, work positions, and office locations. The GAL is accessed by users through various protocols like LDAP and CardDAV, and it is typically set to read-only mode, with only administrators having the permissions to add or update items.

The GAL is not just a type of data but also a software tool that integrates into user environments. Through a software tool like contactSync, the GAL is synchronized into users’ mailboxes, including those with mail-enabled objects from an on-premises Active Directory or a Microsoft Office 365 tenant. This synchronization allows for a seamless update of contact information across different Exchange scenarios, supporting various Exchange versions and Exchange Online.

As a type of service provided by Exchange, the GAL is automatically created and includes every mail-enabled object within an Active Directory forest. It's possible to create additional GALs for different organizational or location requirements. Users typically interact with one GAL and may use Offline Address Books (OABs) for local access to these lists, especially when working in cached Exchange mode. This ensures that recipients can be efficiently located for email communication, even without a continuous network connection.

Exporting the Global Address List to a CSV File

Using PowerShell Cmdlets

To export the Global Address List to a CSV file using PowerShell, you can combine several cmdlets for this process. First, use the Get-Mailbox cmdlet to list all the mailboxes within the Global Address List. Then, utilize the Get-User cmdlet to filter and retrieve the necessary details from those mailboxes. With the Select cmdlet, choose the specific details you require. Finally, export the selected details to a CSV file using the Export-CSV cmdlet. To ensure that an extra information row is not included in the CSV output, apply the -NoTypeInformation flag with the Export-CSV cmdlet.

Using Stellar Converter for EDB

For exporting the Global Address List from an old restore of an Exchange Server, Stellar Converter for EDB is an effective tool. This software is capable of opening EDB files and can export the GAL to PST and other formats, including direct exports to Live Exchange Servers or Office 365 tenants. Once converted to a compatible format, the data can then be exported as a CSV file.

Using Outlook's Import and Export Feature

The Global Address List can also be exported to a CSV file through Outlook. Start by selecting the contacts from the GAL and add them to your account. After that, you can use the Import and Export feature in Outlook to export these contacts to a CSV file. Alternatively, you can add all users from the GAL to your contacts, create a new group for these contacts, and then export the group. This group can be saved as a text file, copied to a new workbook, and subsequently saved as a CSV file.

Import Global Address List Directly with Sourcetable

Instead of the traditional method of exporting your Global Address List to a CSV file and then importing it to another spreadsheet program, consider the streamlined approach offered by Sourcetable. Sourcetable empowers you to sync your live data directly from almost any app or database into its user-friendly spreadsheet interface. This method bypasses the cumbersome export-import cycle, saving you valuable time and minimizing the risk of data transfer errors.

With Sourcetable, you gain the advantage of setting up an automatic data pull from multiple sources, including your Global Address List. This automation ensures that your spreadsheet contains the most up-to-date information without manual intervention. Moreover, Sourcetable's familiar spreadsheet environment allows you to query and manipulate your data with ease, enhancing your business intelligence capabilities and enabling more informed decision-making.

Common Use Cases

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  Use case 1: Separating Global Address List contacts from personal contacts
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  Use case 2: Moving personal contacts to a different folder
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  Use case 3: Adding Global Address List contacts to the personal contacts folder
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  Use case 4: Exporting contacts in the personal contacts folder

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Global Address List (GAL) and why would I export it to CSV?

The Global Address List (GAL) contains all email addresses in an on-prem Exchange organization or Exchange Online tenant. Exporting it to a CSV file allows you to import contacts into third-party email clients or services.

Can I export the GAL to a CSV file using Outlook?

Yes, you can export the GAL to a CSV file in Outlook using the Import and Export feature, by creating a new contact folder and adding contacts to it, or by creating a new contact group and saving it as a CSV file.

What are some tools or methods to export the GAL to a CSV?

You can use the Exchange Admin Center, PowerShell, MS Access, Outlook, csvde, or third-party tools like Kutools for Outlook to export the GAL to a CSV file.

Can non-admin users export the GAL to a CSV file?

Non-admin users can export the GAL using MS Access or third-party tools like Kutools for Outlook, which simplifies the process of adding emails to contact groups and exporting them.

How does Kutools for Outlook assist with exporting the GAL to CSV?

Kutools for Outlook helps by enabling the addition of multiple email senders or recipients into contact groups in Outlook with a few clicks and also supports exporting the GAL to a CSV file by saving it as a new contact group.