GUIDE
vCard 2.1 vs 3.0 vs 4.0
vCard versions share the same basic contact-card idea, but differ in parameters, encoding conventions, and what receiving applications accept.
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What you should know
vCard versions share the same basic contact-card idea, but differ in parameters, encoding conventions, and what receiving applications accept.
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.
The practical difference
Version 2.1 is common in older phone and desktop exports. Version 3.0 is widely supported and often the safest interchange choice. Version 4.0 is more current but not accepted by every importer.
Choose based on the receiving app
If a destination says the version is unsupported, convert a copy to the version it expects. Preserve the original and review warnings because some extensions or fields may not map perfectly.
Practical verification
For vCard 2.1 vs 3.0 vs 4.0, use a copy of the source, review the preview, and compare the output count before importing it into another address book.
- Keep the original export unchanged.
- Inspect a representative sample.
- Validate the downloaded copy before import.
Questions people ask
Does vCard 2.1 vs 3.0 vs 4.0 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.
How should I verify the result of vCard 2.1 vs 3.0 vs 4.0?
Compare the source and output counts, inspect ordinary and edge-case contacts, validate the download, and test a small destination import before using the complete address book.