How to Export Contacts from Outlook to CSV File

Exporting contacts from Outlook to a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file can be a convenient way to manage and share your contact information. Whether you are moving to a new email client or simply want to backup your contacts, exporting to a CSV file can make the process quick and easy. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to export your contacts from Outlook to a CSV file.

Step 1: Open Outlook and Select Contacts

The first step is to open Microsoft Outlook on your computer. Once Outlook is open, navigate to the “Contacts” tab. From here, you will see a list of all your contacts. Select the contacts that you want to export by clicking on each contact while holding down the Ctrl key on your keyboard. You can also select all contacts by pressing Ctrl+A.

Step 2: Export Contacts to CSV File

After selecting the contacts you want to export, go to the “File” menu at the top of the Outlook window. From the drop-down menu, select “Open & Export” and then click on “Import/Export.” This will open the “Import and Export Wizard.” Choose “Export to a file” and then click “Next.”

On the next screen, select “Comma Separated Values” as the file type and click “Next.” Then, select the folder or contacts that you want to export. In this case, choose the contacts folder that you selected in Step 1. Click “Next” and then choose a location on your computer to save the CSV file. Finally, click “Finish” to export the contacts to a CSV file.

Step 3: Verify the CSV File

Once the export process is complete, navigate to the location on your computer where you saved the CSV file. Open the file in a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel to verify that all the contacts were exported correctly. The CSV file should contain columns for each contact field such as name, email, phone number, etc.

Step 4: Import the CSV File

If you want to import the contacts from the CSV file into another email client or application, you can usually do so by going to the “Import” or “Add Contacts” section of the program. Follow the on-screen instructions to import the CSV file, and your contacts should be added to the new program.

Conclusion

Exporting contacts from Outlook to a CSV file is a simple process that can be useful for various reasons. Whether you are switching email clients, backing up your contacts, or sharing contact information with others, exporting to a CSV file can streamline the process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily export your contacts from Outlook to a CSV file and manage your contact information efficiently.