How to Import Contacts From Microsoft Outlook

Use CSV format to export contacts from Outlook.

The way in which you import your contacts from Microsoft Outlook is dependent upon the specific email client you wish to import them to. Microsoft Outlook offers a few different options for exporting your contact list out of the program. The most universal of these options is the comma separated value. This is essentially a spreadsheet containing all your contacts information and is easily read and transferred among email clients.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Outlook

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Outlook. Select "File" > "Import and Export."

2. Select "Export to a File" and click "Next."

3. Select "Comma Separated Values (Windows)" and click "Next." Select "Contacts" and click "Next."

4. Set a name and select destination to save the .csv file. Click "OK," "Next," "Finish."

5. Open your new email client or webmail.

6. Select "Import Contacts." The location of this will depend on your client. If it's a desktop application similar to Outlook, it is probably located in the "File" menu. If using webmail, it is probably within the Settings or Contacts page.

7. Navigate to the .csv file saved in Step 4 and select "OK." The application will then process (or upload) the file and import your Outlook contacts into your new email application.

Tips & Warnings

• Refer to your email client's help files for specific instructions on importing .csv files.

References

• MailMerge: Export Outlook Contacts to CSV
• Microsoft.com: Export Outlook Contacts to Webmail