Introduction
Many users store contact information in Excel spreadsheets, but smartphones, Outlook, Gmail, iCloud, and other contact management platforms require contacts in VCF (vCard) format. Since Excel is not a native contact format, converting Excel files directly into VCF files can be challenging.
Users generally have two options:
Use manual conversion methods
Use dedicated Excel to VCF software
In this guide, we compare both approaches and review five popular Excel to VCF converter tools to help you choose the most suitable solution.
Reasons to Convert Excel to VCF
There are several situations where converting Excel contacts to VCF becomes necessary:
Importing contacts into Android devices
Syncing contacts with iPhones
Uploading contacts to Google Contacts
Importing contacts into Microsoft Outlook
Creating contact backups
Sharing contact information across multiple devices
VCF (vCard) is one of the most widely accepted contact formats and supports information such as:
Full Name
Mobile Number
Email Address
Company Name
Process Title
Website
Address
Other contact details
How to Convert Excel Contacts to vCard Manually
Method 1: Converting an Excel Spreadsheet to vCard Using Windows Contacts
Procedure:
- Launch the Excel file that contains email contacts.
- Verify that the columns are correctly labeled as:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Company
- Save the worksheet as a CSV file.
- Access the Windows Contacts folder.
- Import the CSV file.
- Correctly map the fields for contacts.
- Finally, after the import, export the contacts to VCF.
Method 2: Change Excel Address Book to vCard via Google Contacts
Process:
- Export the required Excel file in CSV format.
- Log in to Google Contacts.
- Import the CSV.
- Check whether all the contacts have been imported.
- Export the contacts in the vCard format.
Shortcomings of Manual Methods
Even if manual methods can be utilised in the case of shorter contact lists, they can come with their disadvantages:
Crossing several conversion steps
Need to map the fields by hand
More risk of losing correct formatting
Too slow for a bigger database
Cannot perform bulk conversion
Has no preview feature before export
Increased possibility of having duplicated contacts
Not suitable for transfer on a business scale
Needs to possess the proper skills
Can suffer from loss of data during conversion
Common Steps Performed by Most Professional Software
Note: Every software application has a different interface and workflow. However, the overall conversion process is generally similar across most Excel to VCF converter tools.
Almost all such tools should follow the following steps:
- Download and install the tool and open the application.
- Import the Excel file.
- Preview the contacts list.
- Locate Excel columns on VCard fields if needed.
- Choose the corresponding version of VCF you wish:
- VCard 2.1
- VCard 3.0
- VCard 4.0
- Select one of the following:
- You can create a single VCF file
- You can generate separate VCF files for each contact
- Choose the location you want the file to be saved to.
- Finally, press the button for the conversion to start.
- Save the generated VCF file.
Software Comparison
WholeClear Excel to VCF Converter
WholeClear Excel to VCF Converter is specifically designed to offer a straightforward solution to convert the contacts from Excel into vCard format. The software emphasises making the conversion easy and effective while losing no details regarding the contacts.
Key Features
- Easy to use
- Supports batch conversion
- No loss of details
- Compatible with Excel files
- Fits into business needs
Limitations
- Only a limited trial version is available to test the features of the software.
- Needs installation before use.
Best For
Individuals who are looking for a no-fuss, hassle-free tool to convert contacts.
Aryson Excel to vCard Converter
Aryson Excel to vCard Converter is capable of providing sophisticated mapping features with it and supports a variety of vCard versions. Ideal for users who require more advanced options for conversion.
Key Features
- A preview option for the contacts
- Capability of tweaking the mapping options
- Various vCard versions supported
- Batch conversion available
- Integrity of contacts was kept the same
Limitations
- The user interface can be a little complicated for beginners
- Some advanced settings need tweaking
- Full version requires purchase.
Best For
Advanced users who require detailed mapping options and customisation.
FreeConverter.app
FreeConverter.app is a browser-based solution that allows users to convert Excel files into VCF format without installing any software.
Key Features
- Web-based platform
- No installation required
- Accessible from multiple devices
- Suitable for occasional conversions
- Quick conversion process
Limitations
- Requires an internet connection
- Cannot be ideal for large contact databases
Best For
Users who only need occasional Excel to VCF conversions.
eSoftTools Excel to vCard Converter
eSoftTools Excel to vCard Converter has several functions that make it useful for a big user base. It provides you with manual and automatic mapping of fields.
Key Features
- Contact preview option
- Manual and automatic mapping of fields
- Creation of single or multiple VCF files
- Elimination of duplicate contacts
- Compatible with VCard version 2.1, 3.0, and 4.0
- Compatible with many versions of Excel files
Limitations
- The first-time user can find it hard to understand everything.
- Very complex functionalities for users with very simple needs.
Best For
Users who have a big contact database to manage, along with other mapping and conversion needs.
RecoveryTools Excel to VCF Converter
While being a simple software, RecoveryTools makes sure that the contact information does not get corrupted in any way, and that unintentional conversion is not accomplished. The software works for personal and commercial needs.
Features
- Working with big number of contacts at once
- Preserving fields
- Simple to use
- Several export formats
- Suitable for both personal and professional use.
Limitations
- The demo version has limited features.
- Some other software can provide more customization options.
Best For
Users who want something very simple and easy.
Which Method Should You Choose?
The option chosen should be based on the number of contacts you intend to convert as well as the required quality of conversion.
Select the Manual Method When:
- You have only a limited number of contacts to work with.
- Conversions do not need to be done repeatedly.
- You don’t want to bother with any software installation.
- You can bear long conversion steps.
However, you can opt for the Excel to VCF Converter Software if:
- You are dealing with a broad network of contacts
- You require the mapping of fields to be accurate.
- You want to make conversions much quicker.
- You require batch processing
- You want to avoid any data losses
Conversion tools are usually the best option for business purposes.
Final Verdict
When the number of contacts is not extensive, and the users have no objection to performing many conversion steps, manual methods can be effective. However, such methods can be time-consuming and tedious if the contact list is extensive.
The Excel to VCF converters discussed in this article facilitate the process of converting from Excel to VCF with minimal manual effort, improve your conversion accuracy, allow bulk conversion operations, and ensure contact data safety. Each tool included in this article has its own pros and cons, enabling users to make informed decisions based on their preferences, such as ease of use of the tool, features concerned with mapping of the data, availability of the tool in online mode and ability of the tool to transfer many contacts at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is it possible to convert Excel to VCF file?
Ans. No. There is no option in Excel to export contacts directly to VCF format. Most methods in this regard require you to first convert your Excel file to CSV format and then convert it from CSV to vCard.
Q2. Can you use VCF on iPhone and Android?
Ans. Yes. VCF format is supported by different platforms such as Android, iPhone, Microsoft Outlook, Google Contacts, and so on.
Q3. Is an online converter suitable for converting large Excel files?
Ans. An online converter can be effective if you use it occasionally and if your phone book is small. If it is a large conversion, desktop software is more reliable and has more options.
