How to Convert CSV to vCard (VCF) Format – Simple Tips

Summary: As Mac users, we all have a question like How to convert CSV to vCard format. In this article, we will discuss different ways to do the conversion. These methods contain manual and professional CSV to vcard approaches. Although manual methods have some limitations. So, we will discuss another method through which we can convert very effortlessly. 

A Short Overview of CSV and vCard or VCF

CSV files are mostly used in spreadsheets and databases. A CSV file is a simple text file that can be opened in a wide variety of programs, including programs that work on plain text like Notepad.

The vCard also known as VCF (Virtual Contact File) is an electronic business card that is used to store the contact details and data of the individual like contact information, phone number, emails, etc. It also allows you to store images and audio clips. CSV is a comma-separated value in which information is separated by a comma. 

Why Do We Need to Convert CSV to vCard or VCF Format?

There are a few reasons why users want to convert or export contacts from CSV to vCard 

• A CSV file takes more storage as compared to a vCard.
• A vCard file is widely accessible in comparison to CSV. CSV files are not supported on different platforms and it is difficult to migrate CSV files.
• CSV files get easily corrupted as compared to vCard.

These are some reasons and advantages why we need to convert CSV files to VCF. Now we will discuss different approaches that help us convert CSV to vCard format.

Manually Conversion of CSV to vCard or VCF

Converting CSV files to vCard is not a problem, the main problem arises when you have to repeat the process again and again. If you want to convert CSV files to VCF format without using any kind of converter, then you follow the given steps.

• Open the contact app on your Mac.
• From the menu bar choose file then export then contact Archive.

• Then delete all the contacts.
• Now from the menu bar choose file then select import.
• Select the CSV file that you want to convert and then click open.
• From the contact menu bar, click File then click Export, and then select Export vCard.
• Delete all the contacts.
• Import the archive file that is imported in step 4.

Limitations of the Manual Method

Manual methods are completely free and secure but there are a few limitations as discussed below

• For the manual process, you must have technical knowledge.
• It is a time-consuming approach because there is no direct way to convert CSV files to vCard files.
• Using a manual approach you can only convert one file at a time. 
• This method creates a new file for every contact which is hard to manage if there are thousands of contacts.

Professional Approach to Convert CSV to vCard(VCF) Format

MacSonik CSV to vCard Converter is a safe and efficient tool for the conversion of CSV contact files to vCard file format. This tool helps you to convert your CSV contacts to VCF without any alteration and data loss. It has a user-friendly and easy-to-understand interface that helps both technical and non-technical users to make their conversion smooth.

Salient Features of CSV to VCF Converter

• This tool allows users to select a single file or multiple folders for the conversion. This converter also allows users to add CSV files of any size. You can also select a path for the log file and output folder.
• This tool displays the previews of the browsed files. It displays all the relevant columns and rows of the selected CSV files.
• This converter allows you to save your resultant files in three different versions i.e. 2.1, 3.0, 4.0 select one of them.
• Although this tool helps you to convert CSV to vCard or VCF, this tool has an additional feature that helps you to convert CSV in PDF format. You can also set a password and orientation like landscape or portrait. 
• You can use this converter if you want a blank vCard file with a structure, it allows you to save the CSV contacts as blank contacts.
• The resultant file that is created by this tool is supported in all devices like Mackbook, iPhone, Mac PC, and iPad.

Steps to Convert Contacts from CSV to vCard format

Follow the given steps to convert Outlook CSV to vCard with the help of a professional CSV to vCard tool.

• Download and install the MacSonik CSV to vCard Converter.
• Open the MacSonik CSV to vCard Converter.
• Select an Add Single CSV File or Add Folder as per your requirement.

• Browse the CSV file and then click next.

• Press Add to add the map entry or you can remove entries by clicking Remove. Press the Next button.

• Tick the box next to the text Create a single file for all contacts options.
• If you want to save your contact as a blank contact then click Save as Blank Contacts.
• Choose vCard versions according to you. For accurate results, it will recommend vCard version 4.0. 
• Select the naming convention from the drop-down and browse the destination path. Then click convert.

• When the process is completed, it will represent you in the conversion report.
• If you want to download the report then click Download Report or if you want to start the conversion again then click Convert Again.

Note- You can try out the free demo version of the tool. The demo version is fully featured as a premium version but it can only convert 50 contacts.

Conclusion

In the above article, we have described an easy way to convert CSV to vCard format. There are two methods one is manual and another is professional methods, there are some limitations of manual methods and to recover these limitations there is an efficient tool. 

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