GUIDE
How to Convert CSV to VCF with Correct Field Mapping
A good CSV-to-VCF conversion is a mapping exercise: one row becomes one card, and each column is assigned to a known contact property.
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What you should know
A good CSV-to-VCF conversion is a mapping exercise: one row becomes one card, and each column is assigned to a known contact property.
Before you begin
- Keep an untouched copy of the source export.
- Work on a small sample before changing a complete address book.
- Review the downloaded file before importing it elsewhere.
Start with a clean header row
Use one header row and one contact per row. Keep names, phone numbers, emails, and organization columns separate so a mapping preset can be reviewed rather than inferred from a single combined cell.
Map the fields that matter
Map first and last names to N, a display name to FN when available, phone columns to TEL, email columns to EMAIL, and company or role to ORG and TITLE. Keep unknown columns outside the import until you decide how to represent them.
- Choose the CSV copy.
- Select a generic, Google, or Outlook mapping preset.
- Review every mapped column in the preview.
- Download and validate the generated VCF.
Check loss before import
Compare a sample row with its generated card, especially for multiple phones, accented names, notes, and international prefixes. If a field has no vCard equivalent in the selected version, preserve the CSV separately.
Questions people ask
Does How to Convert CSV to VCF with Correct Field Mapping change the original file?
No. The browser works with the selected copy and creates a separate download. Keep the original export as your rollback point.
What should I verify after How to Convert CSV to VCF with Correct Field Mapping?
Compare counts and representative fields, validate the generated copy, and test a small import before processing a full address book.