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The email applications most commonly used today are Mozilla Thunderbird and Microsoft Outlook, both of which have different contact file formats. Thunderbird saves contacts in LDIF, CSV, and vCard formats, while Outlook favors CSV or PST. Therefore, there is absolutely no alternative except to apply the right procedure for smooth transfer.
This article will elaborate on why one might want to migrate contacts from Thunderbird to Outlook and discuss its manual methods.
Also Read: If you are looking for a way to convert Thunderbird emails to Outlook, check out MBOX to PST Converter Free Download for an easy and efficient migration process.
Reasons to Export Thunderbird Contacts to Outlook
There are various points to discuss before you start the export process.
- Many users switch from Thunderbird to Outlook, given its advanced features and support for Exchange, and superior integration with Office 365.
- Organizations using Outlook may ask Thunderbird users to migrate their contact lists for smooth communication.
- Outlook is more in use in corporate environments as having contacts in one sphere improves accessibility.
- Synchronization with mobile devices and cloud services is better on Outlook.
Export Thunderbird Contacts to Outlook – Manual Methods
There are various ways of transferring contacts from Thunderbird to Outlook. Go through the steps mentioned below:
Method 1. Export Contacts as a CSV File & Import into Outlook
- Open Thunderbird and go to the Address Book.
- Select the contacts you want to export.
- Click on Tools > Export.
- Jot down this as format CSV (Comma Separated Values) and save file.
- Now, open Microsoft Outlook.
- Point to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
- Select Import from another program or file, click Next.
- Point to Comma Separated Values (CSV), Next.
- Browse for the CSV file you exported from Thunderbird.
- Now, map the fields and then Finish.
Method 2: Export Contacts as vCard (VCF) & Import into Outlook
- Open Thunderbird and then, go to the Address Book.
- Select the contacts you wish to export.
- Next, click Tools > Export and choose vCard (VCF) format.
- In Outlook, go into People (Contacts) and then click on File > Open & Export > Import a vCard file.
- Browse for the exported VCF file and import into Outlook.
Professional Way to Export Thunderbird Contacts to Outlook
The migration of contacts from Thunderbird to Outlook can be a bit challenging because of the incompatibility between the two systems. Manual methods are, of course, available, but they tend to be long-winding and with risks of data being lost. Thus, to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer of contacts, the best solution would be to use an advanced tool such as SysTools Best MBOX Converter Tool.
Conclusion
We have explored three methods to export Thunderbird contacts to Outlook using CSV or vCard. Both methods work well, but the CSV transfer is recommended for bulk transfer of contacts, whereas individual transfers are better using vCard. To fast-track the process, consider using professional software. with this guide, you will be able to safely transfer your Thunderbird address book to Outlook without excluding any important contact details.
