How to Convert Excel to vCard (xlsx to vcf)
Do you want to know how to convert Excel to a vCard (xlsx to vcf) file? If yes, then you’re on the right page.
On a PC, storing the contacts and other information in Microsoft Excel is the easiest way. That’s why most people and companies store contact information in Excel files.
Well, it is easy to manage, organize, and format the information or data in spreadsheets. You can calculate and manipulate the data with formulas. Moreover, some people get or buy contact information in xlsx files from many sources for business purposes.
However, business software and bulk SMS services support the Excel file to import the data/contacts from spreadsheets. But, still, to import contacts in mobile phones, cloud services, and email services, you need a vCard (vcf) file. So, if you have an xlsx file and want to import the contacts from that file, you may need to convert it to the VCF file.
So, in this article, I’ll show you how to convert Excel to a vCard (xlsx to vcf) file.
How to Convert Excel to vCard (xlsx to vcf file)
Converting the xlsx to a vcf file is seriously a lengthy process for most people. Because there is no straightforward option available in Excel for this. However, you can convert or save the spreadsheet in a CSV (comma-separated values) file. After that, you can easily create the vcf file from that.
Well, numerous paid software, programs, and online tools are available to convert the files. However, most people don’t prefer online tools because of privacy.
When you try to find the converter software, you’ll see most of the tools and software are paid. Also, the trial version doesn’t do the proper job. Trail versions always come with limitations.
Don’t worry, free software is also available without limitations to convert xlsx to vcf. Moreover, you can also do that without any software or tools. But, it is a little bit of a lengthy process.
So, there are three methods available – With Software, Without Software, and online tools. It’s your choice whether you want to use software or not.
Method 1. Convert Excel to vCard (xlsx to vcf) Without Software
However, this is a long process (not too long), but you don’t need to download any software on your PC. You can do this in three simple steps.
First, you will need to save your Excel spreadsheet in CSV format. You can do that with MS Excel or any other spreadsheet creator software. After that, the Contacts app helps to convert the file. If you are a Windows user, you may know about the built-in Contacts application (program). This inbuilt tool supports CSV and VCF files. So, using inbuilt software, you can easily convert the files.
The step-by-step guide is given below.
Step 1. Convert Excel File to CSV
You can convert your Excel spreadsheet file to CSV using Microsoft Office, Google Sheets, and other software.
First, Open the file using MS Excel.
If you have Excel for Microsoft 365, Excel 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, or Excel 2010, then click on the File » Save As » Computer and select the folder.
Now you’ll see the Save as dialog box. Select the folder and click on Save as the type to select the format. After that, you’ll see the list of formats. Click and select the “CSV (Comma delimited)” option. After that, click on the Save button.
If you have Excel 2007, click on click on the Office icon from the top left and select the Save as option. Select the “CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv)” option from the Save as type drop-down list. Click on the Save button to convert and save the file.
When you click on the Save button, you may see two warning popup messages. The first message displayed “The selected file type does not support workbooks that contain multiple sheets”. Click on the OK button to continue. After that, again popup message displayed “*.csv may contain features that are not compatible with CSV (comma delimited). Do you want to keep the workbook in this format?”. Click on the Yes button to proceed.
Now, the file will be converted into CSV format.
If you don’t have Office software, you can use Google Sheets online. Upload and open your file in Google Sheets, and go to the File » Download » Comma-separated values to save the file.
Step 2. Import CSV file in Contacts
Now open the Contacts folder on your Windows PC. For this Type Contacts in the Windows search. Otherwise, Press “Windows key + S” to open Windows search.
Click on the Contacts from the search results, After that the contacts windows will open. Click on the Import option from the top.
Note that, if your PC is running on Windows 11 OS, you might be unable to see the import/export toolbar. So, when you type the Contact in the search, click on the “Open File Location” option rather than the “Open” option. After that, open the Contacts folder.
Import to Windows Contacts popup will be open. Click on the CSV (Comma-separated values) option, and hit on the Import button.
Now browse and select the file where you saved the CSV file. After that, click on the Next button.
Map the field you want to import. Click on the checkbox to change the mapping. Select the desired fields for all. Click on the Finish button.
Now you will see all the contacts.
Step 3. Export/convert CSV contacts in vCards VCF Files
Now select all contacts from the Contacts window. Press Ctrl + A, and click on the Export option from the top.
Select the vCards option from the popup window and click on the Export button. Select the folder and click on the Ok button.
That’s all.
Open the folder and you’ll see the vcf files.
Pros:
- Lengthy Process.
- You don’t need the internet because it works offline.
Cons:
- Each contact is converted into a separate vcf file.
Method 2. Convert Excel to vCard With Software
Software and tools make the whole process easier. Without software, all contacts are saved into a separate file. So, it is difficult to handle multiple files. Even if you have 100 contacts, you’ll see 100 files in the folder after converting.
So, there are some softwares available to overcome this problem. Freeware “CSV TO VCARD” and “Systools Excel to vCard converter” are the most popular software. However, the Systools converter isn’t free, but it comes with some advanced features. Its trial version gives the option to convert up to 25 entries.
Using Freeware CSV to vCard Converter
This is a free and lightweight tool i.e. less than 500KB. Also, it supports auto-mapping for common and important fields like Name, Phone Number, Email, Job, Web Page, etc. So, you don’t need to manually select the fields for the map. However, there is an option to change the fields manually.
This is the CSV to VCF converter, so you need to save the Excel file in CSV format to use it.
First, download and install the CSV to vCard converter software. The link is given below to download it.
Download CSV to vCard Converter
The steps are given below to use this software.
- Open the Excel xlsx file in MS Excel or Google Sheets to save it in CSV format. Click on the File » Save as » Select the CSV from the to save as type and save the file. In Google Sheets, you need to go to File » Download » Comma-separated values.
- Open CSV to vCard software and click on the Browse from the CSV file option. Select and open the file.
- Now you have two options – Save all contacts in one VCF file and Each contact creates a VCF file. By default, the first option is selected to save all contacts in one file. Click on the Save as a button to select the folder or location.
- Check the CSV Field and vCard properties. If the software fails to automap, select the field manually.
- Click on the Convert button and you will see the message – File conversion has been successfully completed.
That’s it.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Save all contacts in one VCF file.
- Lightweight and free software.
- Offers automap feature.
- Don’t need the Internet.
Cons:
- Needs to convert xlsx file to CSV.
Using Systools Excel to vCard Converter
This software comes with advanced features, and you don’t need to convert your Xlsx file into CSV format. This software automatically does the entire job.
However, the tool is paid, but it converts up to 25 entries for free from the Excel file.
First, download and install Systools Excel to vCard converter software on your PC. Below is the link.
Download Systools Excel to vCard Converter
The steps are given below to use this software.
- Open Systool Excel to vCard converter and import the Xlsx file. For this, click on the browse button and select the file.
- Now the tool shows the preview of the file. Click on the Next button.
- From the map column, Select the Excel fields and vCard fields. Click on the Next button.
- Select the vCard version and Save the location. After that, click on the convert button.
Open the folder and see the results.
Features of Systools Excel to VCF converter:
- Load and Preview Xlsx files.
- Offers to export files in 3 vCard versions.
- Import empty email addresses.
- Default saving location.
Pros:
- Don’t need to save the file in CSV.
- Direct converting.
- It offers additional features.
Cons:
- The free version allows the conversion of only 25 entries.
Method 3. Using Free Online Excel Xlsx to vCard VCF Converter Tools
Online tools are very handy, and you don’t need to install any tool locally on your PC. Numerous online converter tools are available. You just need to upload the Excel file and these tools return the vcf file.
You need to arrange your spreadsheet data before uploading it. Otherwise, the tools show an error.
Moreover, in some online converters, you need to specify the first and last row & column, and what data is contained by columns. So, it may be a difficult and time-consuming process for some users.
Popular Free Online Converters are
https://www.thewebvendor.com/excel-to-vcf-vcard-online-converter.html
https://pdfmall.com/excel-to-vcf
Pros:
- Don’t need to install software on a PC.
- Free to use.
Cons:
- Need an Internet connection.
- Privacy risk. Your data may be leaked.
- Difficult to map the data.
What is a VCF (vCard) file?
VCF (vCard) file format stands for virtual card format. It is an electronic business card. This format is used to store contact information like Name, Phone/Mobile Number, Address, Email Address, Photo, Web Address, etc. It also supports custom fields, so you can add a new field easily as per your requirement.
Moreover, with vCard, you can share and send contact information over the Internet. Almost all email services can read the vCards. Also, Operating systems have inbuilt programs to create and read vCards. All PC and Mobile operating systems like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS come with an inbuilt contacts app/program that supports vCards.
Also, import and export the contacts in the VCF file facility offered by all major OS.
In vCards (VCF File), the information is stored in text. So, you can easily read the information by opening the file in Notepad/TextEdit or any other text editor.
Example of vCard (VCF) file data:
BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
FN:oTechWorld,
TEL;TYPE=VOICE,WORK;VALUE=text:+123548568,
EMAIL;TYPE=HOME,INTERNET,pref:[email protected]
END:VCARD
What is an Excel (xlsx and xls) file?
Xlsx file is an MS Excel spreadsheet file created by Microsoft Excel. The file can also be created by other programs like OpenOffice, Google Sheets, LibreOffice, and Apple Numbers. It uses tables (i.e. rows and columns) to store the data or other information.
Because of the tables, you can easily organize the data. Also, you can apply formulas for calculations and make changes. Moreover, you can represent the data in the charts. That’s why most businesses use Excel spreadsheets.
xlsx vs xls files
However, both file formats are created by Excel software, but there is a difference between these two formats. XLS format uses the proprietary binary format and XLSX format uses Open XML. Microsoft Excel 2007 and later versions use Xlsx format and all previous versions use XLS format.
Conclusion
Now you know how to convert Excel to vCard (xlsx to vcf file). You can do that with or without software. Moreover, online tools are available for free. Without software, you can create a separate file for every contact. Well, it is difficult to manage multiple files.
But, the software is best to use because you can easily convert the files. Moreover, you can save all contacts in one vCard file and you can easily use one file to import the contacts into any phone, email service, or cloud service.
