How to Bulk Convert PST to VCF File With Data Accuracy?
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Blog Summary: To convert PST to VCF, the ideal solution is to get a dedicated PST to vCard Converter that supports bulk PST conversion with accuracy and customization as required. However, one can also use Outlook Classic (File> Save As), Outlook New (Share as vCard), and Google Contacts to directly or indirectly save PST file data in VCF format. Although they come with some limitations, which are non-negligible.
Sometimes users have the unavoidable requirement to bulk-change PST files to vCard with 100% data accuracy and completeness. This is a crucial task, especially for working professionals, because vCard (VCF extension) is a standard format for storing contact information.
Therefore, to share all the tried and tested ways to convert PST to VCF, we came up with this blog post. It covers everything from the file format introduction and reasons to different manual ways, a certified tool, their pros and cons, frequently asked questions, and so on. Thus, by the end of this guide, you will definitely have an easy yet modern solution to convert PST files to a contact format.
What are PST and vCard Files?
PST file stands for a personal storage table that can store Outlook emails, contacts, calendars, notes, and other crucial items. MS Outlook provides the feature to export its data in the *.pst file extension. Also, if you configure an account using POP3 settings, Outlook creates a PST file to store all data at the default destination path.
On the other hand, a vCard file stands for virtual contact file (VCF), which is a standard format to store electronic business cards or contact details. A vCard file can save complete contact information like first name, last name, phone number, email address, home address, business information, etc. Users use VCF files as a data interchange format in various electronic devices and applications.
Why Would Users Convert PST to VCF Format?
Whenever a user converts PST data to VCF, they are very particular that they have some PST files in their system and want to extract the entire contact detail from the PST file to save it in a structured vCard format. A glimpse of different reasons for doing this is mentioned below:
- PST file can be opened in Outlook only, whereas if a user convert that to VCF, they can easily move the data to other devices and platforms swiftly.
- When switching from Outlook to other email platforms like Zoho, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Gmail, and more, the user has to convert PST to vCard only to import the data in these email clients.
- As compared to PST, VCF is a light and Outlook-independent file format, which makes it ideal for backup, local archive, and long-term future use.
- vCard is the best format to share contact details as it contains a single contact in each file and is easy to share and add immediately in the contact list.
- Many solutions for data analysis, AI models, CRMs, and so on ask for VCF files to import the PST data into their system and therefore make the conversion important.
Apart from this, there are some reasons as well that make a user convert Outlook PST files to vCard format with data integrity.
How to Convert PST to vCard With Outlook Classic?
PST is a native format of Outlook, so first, you need to import those locally saved PSTs to Outlook Classic only. Thereafter, you can export Outlook contacts to vCard format. The detailed process is as follows:
- Launch MS Outlook Classic on your device and click on the File option from the menu.
- Select Open & Export from the left panel and then click on the Import/Export button.
- From the given list, select Import from another program or file option.
- Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and hit Next.
- Next, click Browse and select a specific PST file to import.
- Enable where you want to import PST in the current or same folder.
- Click the Finish button to complete the import process.
- Once done, select the People icon from the left menu panel.
- Now, select a contact that you want to export in VCF.
- After that, click on the File option again from the top-left corner and then select the Save As option.
- Browse a destination path and type a name for the VCF.
- Last, click the Save button to convert PST to VCF file with Outlook Classic.
Alert: However, this is a simple and reliable method for PST to VCF conversion, but it allows you to convert contacts one by one only. Hence, it seems a hectic and time-consuming task for batch conversion. Thus, there is no way to bulk convert multiple contact to vCard files in one go.
Save PST to VCF With New Outlook
Since the interface of New and Classic Outlook is different, the steps to convert PST to contacts format are also different. The detailed steps for that are as follows:
- First of all, import PST files into New Outlook.
- Now, go to Contacts by clicking on the People icon from the left panel.
- Then, select the PST contact file that you want to export as vCard.
- After this, click on the three-dot menu icon there and choose the Share as vCard option. You can also click on the Share as vCard option straight from the menu bar.
- Now, check the elements you want to keep after conversion and hit the Share button.
- Once done, fill in the receiver’s details to share it as a VCF contact card directly.
- Otherwise, you can click on the downward arrow and choose the Save as option.
- Following the previous step, give it a saving name and path and click on the Save button to convert PST to vCard using Outlook New version.
Alert: To follow this method, the user must have a subscription to Microsoft 365 else the very first import process can’t happen. In addition to that, this method as well converts only one contact at a time, making it unsuitable for batch enterprise-grade processes.
How to Convert PST to vCard Using Google Contacts?
This is an indirect yet free way to batch convert PST files to VCF contacts format via Google Contacts. This method contains multiple steps, so make sure that you perform it patiently and correctly to get the desired output.
- Run Outlook Classic on your device and click on the File option.
- Then, select Open & Export and choose the Import/Export option present there.
- Afterward, choose the Export to a file option.
- Select Comma Separated Values and hit Next.
- Thereafter, select the Contact folder to export and click on Next again.
- Click Browse to set a destination path and hit the Next button.
- Now Map Custom Fields as per your requirements.
- Tap on Finish to export PST contacts to CSV.
- After that, open Google Contacts, select the Import icon, choose the CSV file, and import it there.
- Lastly, export contacts from Gmail to vCard.
Alert: This method is very prone to error and has a high chance of data loss as well manipulation since it is not a dedicated solution for this conversion. Also, there is no support available if the user get stuck in between the process.
Common Limitations of Manual Methods
- A very time-consuming process.
- Some users might find them complex to follow.
- For Outlook methods, users must have an Outlook account and know how to use Outlook.
- A stable internet connection is a must.
- Very high chance of data loss.
- Does not work properly for large-sized PST files.
Certified PST to VCF Converter Tool
PST File Converter Tool by BitRecover is a reliable and modern software to batch convert PST contacts to VCF format with complete data accuracy. This software supports both configured and orphan PST files. It is capable of adding PST files to the software automatically from the default storage location. If you have an orphan PST file, then you can use the Select Files or Select Folders button to add PST files in the software window.
This PST to vCard Converter is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. It also has a free demo version available to let users test its efficiency before getting the paid license. Thus, it is known for its fast, accurate, and customized output generation in minimal resource consumption. From advanced filters and naming options to a range of saving options and supporting mildly corrupted PST contact files, it is a one-stop tool.
Steps to Use Professional PST to vCard Converter
- Start PST to VCF Converter and add PST files or folders in the software GUI.
- Select the PST contacts folder in the software window and tap the Next button.
- Thereafter, choose vCard as a saving option from the listed choices.
- Click the Browse icon and set a preferred destination path accordingly.
- Press the Convert button to convert PST contacts to VCF files.
Why Choose BitRecover PST to VCF Converter?
- Convert multiple PST files to vCard at once by maintaining complete information and items.
- PST to VCF Converter supports PST files exported from any Outlook edition.
- This application is compatible with both ANSI and Unicode standard PST files without any error.
- 100% guarantee of data safety and accuracy even after the conversion.
- Advanced filters, naming options, and saving destination options to generate customized and easy-to-access output.
- Recovery mode available to convert damaged PST to vCard file.
- 24×7 available customer support to provide easy and customized solutions.
- Feature customization services available to add any new option as per the work requirements.
- Remote certified services to safely and accurately export PST to VCF file.
- Self-explanatory interface for non-tech users to easily do the conversion.
FAQs
1. How to save PST contacts to VCF with Outlook web?
First of all, import PST to Outlook web. Once done, log in to your Outlook web account and click on the people icon from the left panel to access the saved contacts. Now, just like New Outlook, click on the contact you want to convert to vCard and then click on the Save as vCard option from the menu bar. Now, click on the downward arrow present on the contact attachment and select the Download option. This will automatically download the PST file as VCF format using Outlook web.
2. Can I convert all PST files to vCard using Outlook?
No, there is no such bulk option available through which a user can batch convert PST to VCF using Outlook. Therefore, using the dedicated PST to VCF converter is the best option as they are meant for bulk conversions with complete data accuracy.
3. Which is the safest way to convert PST contact files to VCF?
The most privacy-centric and legitimate solution to save PST to VCF is the BitRecover PST to VCF converter. It follows strict data-privacy guidelines, runs on your desktop, does not upload your data to any server, and is virus-free from installation. All of this makes it the ideal solution to share even the most confidential contacts for conversion.
Conclusion
In total, if you have only a few PST files to convert into a vCard contact file, then using the manual methods would work. But on the other hand, if you have bulk and important PST files, then relying on the BitRecover PST to VCF Converter is the best option. This professional utility has in-built teams for development and support, which keeps it updated as per the user requirements and ensures no data breach at all. Over and above that, it is awarded for its features and promises to generate quality output, as said.
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