Which vCard Method Fits Your Case?
A vCard file has the .vcf extension. Outlook handles one vCard per file well and a vCard with many contacts badly.
| Case | Method | Result |
|---|---|---|
| VCF attachment in an email | Open and Save and Close | One contact saved |
| VCF file on your PC | Import/Export wizard | One contact per import |
| Many VCF files | Drag into Contacts | Every file opens for saving |
| One VCF with many contacts | Google Contacts route | All contacts as CSV |
How do You Save a vCard From an Email?
Method #1: Open the Attachment (Free)
Who it suits. Anyone with a VCF attachment in Outlook. Extra application. None.
- Open the email that holds the vCard.
- Double click the VCF attachment.
- Outlook shows the vCard as a contact card.
- Select Save & Close.
- Open People and find the new contact.
Use another mail client? Save the VCF attachment to your PC first and use the next method.
Can the Wizard Import a VCF File?
Method #2: Import/Export Wizard (Free)
Who it suits. People with one VCF file on the PC. Extra application. None.
- Select File, then Open & Export, then Import/Export.
- Select Import a VCARD file (.vcf) and select Next.
- Browse to the vCard and select Open.
- Open the Contacts folder and check the new entry.
Microsoft documents this import for Outlook for Microsoft 365 and Outlook 2016 to 2024.
The wizard takes one file per import and cannot import a folder. If the file holds many contacts, Outlook imports only the first.
Can Outlook Import Many VCF Files?
Method #3: Drag Files Into Contacts (Free in Outlook)
Who it suits. Anyone with a folder of single contact files. Extra application. None.
- Open the Contacts folder in Outlook.
- Open the Windows folder that holds the VCF files.
- Select the files and drag them into the Contacts folder.
- Select Save & Close on every card that opens.
Slipstick describes this drag step and the need to save every card.
Method #4: Google Contacts Route (Free With Google)
Who it suits. People with one VCF that holds many contacts. Extra application. A Google account.
- Import the VCF file into Google Contacts.
- Export the contacts in the Outlook CSV format.
- Import the CSV file into Outlook with the same wizard.
Need the other direction? Outlook Contacts Export Tool exports Outlook and PST contacts to vCard. The vendor page does not list a vCard import.
What should You Check After the Import?
- Open three contacts and confirm the vCard phone numbers and addresses.
- Check for duplicates if you imported the same file twice.
- Confirm the photo field when the vCard held photos.
- Copy the Contacts folder to a PST file.
Many small VCF files? Read how to combine many VCF files into one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do You Save a vCard From an Email in Outlook?
Open the email, double click the VCF attachment and select Save and Close.
What are the Steps for a VCF File Import?
Select File, then Open and Export, then Import/Export, choose Import a VCARD file (.vcf) and select the file.
Can Outlook Import Several VCF Files at Once?
No. The wizard takes a single file. Drag the files into the Contacts folder and save every card.
What Happens With a VCF File That has Many Contacts?
Outlook imports only the first contact. Use the Google Contacts route to bring in all of them.
Which Outlook Versions does Microsoft List for the Import?
Microsoft lists Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook 2024, 2021, 2019 and 2016.
Where do the Saved Contacts Appear?
They appear in the Contacts folder under People.
Can Outlook Export Contacts to vCard?
Yes. Outlook can export contacts to vCard. The Outlook Contacts Export Tool exports contacts from Outlook and PST files.
Author's Verdict
Open the attachment for one contact.
Use drag and drop or the Google Contacts route for many contacts.
Key Takeaways
- Wizard steps import a single vCard.
- Outlook reads the first contact in a multi contact file.
- Drag and drop opens every card for saving.
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