Best Outlook CSV Converter Tools: Reviews and Features

How to Convert Outlook to CSV: A Comprehensive TutorialConverting Outlook contacts into a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file is a great way to manage your contacts and facilitate their import into other applications, like Google Contacts or CRM systems. This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to achieving this, ensuring you retain all the vital information you need.

Understanding CSV and Its Importance

CSV files are widely used to store tabular data in plain text. Each line in a CSV file corresponds to a row in the table, and the values are separated by commas. This format is particularly useful for importing data into various programs because it’s compatible with many applications, including spreadsheets and databases.

By converting Outlook contacts to CSV, you can integrate your contacts into diverse platforms, perform bulk edits, or simply create backups.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the conversion process, ensure you have:

• Microsoft Outlook installed on your computer.
• A working internet connection for downloading any necessary tools or updates.
• Access to your Outlook account.

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Outlook to CSV

Step 1: Open Outlook

Launch your Microsoft Outlook application. Ensure you log into the correct account that holds the contacts you wish to export.

Step 2: Access Contacts

1. In the bottom left corner, click on the People icon (or Contacts). This will lead you to the list of your saved contacts.

Step 3: Export Contacts

1. Click on the File menu located in the upper left corner.
2. Select Open & Export, then choose Import/Export. This opens the Import and Export Wizard.

Step 4: Choose Export Options

1. In the Import and Export Wizard, select Export to a file and click Next.
2. Choose Comma Separated Values (Windows) as the type of file you want to create, then click Next.

Step 5: Select Contacts Folder

1. In the next screen, you’ll see your Outlook data files. Select the Contacts folder where your desired contacts are stored.
2. If you have multiple contacts folders, ensure you select the right one. Click Next.

Step 6: Choose Save Location

1. Now, you will be prompted to choose the location to save your CSV file.
2. Click Browse to pick a location, and provide a name for your CSV file.
3. Click OK and then click Next.

Step 7: Customize Export Options

1. You might see a dialog that allows you to select specific fields you want to include in your CSV file.
2. If necessary, click on Map Custom Fields. Here, you can customize what contact information is exported.

Step 8: Finish the Export

1. Once you have finalized your selections, click Finish to begin the export process.
2. You may see a progress window indicating the export is taking place.
3. After it’s complete, you’ll have a .csv file saved in your chosen location.

Step 9: Verifying the CSV File

To ensure the exported file contains the correct information, follow these steps:

1. Locate the CSV file in the directory where you saved it.
2. Double-click the file to open it in Excel or any text editor.
3. Verify that all desired columns (Name, Email, Phone Number, etc.) are present and populated correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Missing Contacts: Ensure you are exporting from the right contacts folder.
• Incorrect Formatting: If the CSV file appears disorganized, check if there are extra commas or blank spaces in the contacts.
• Import Errors: If you’re facing issues during import to another application, ensure the CSV file matches the required formatting for that application.

Additional Tips

• Backing Up Contacts: Always maintain a backup of your contacts before making significant changes or migrations.
• Organizing Contacts: Consider cleaning up your contacts (removing duplicates, updating information) before exporting. This will make managing your contacts easier in the future.
• Using Third-Party Tools: If you have specialized needs, various third-party tools can automate and enhance the export process.

Conclusion

Converting Outlook contacts to CSV format is straightforward with Outlook’s built-in tools. This comprehensive guide provides a clear path to accomplish this task while ensuring your data is accurate and well-organized. By following these steps, you can effectively manage your contacts and utilize them across different platforms.

Feel free to share your experiences or any additional tips you have for converting Outlook contacts to CSV!