Best Methods to Extract Contacts from OST to CSV File

Why do Users Convert their OST Files to CSV Format?

There are some common reasons behind the OST to CSV conversion.

• CSV files help you view data in Excel, Google Sheets, or other software for charts, filters, and calculations.
• You can move data from Outlook to different software, like CRM or email marketing, using CSV files.
• Share data easily with others via email, cloud storage, or network drives using CSV files.
• CSV files for simple data backup on external drives, cloud storage, or discs.
• Archive Outlook data conveniently in CSV format for future access in various software programs.

Now, we are going to explain the smart methods to convert Outlook contacts from OST to CSV format.

Method 1: Manual Method to Extract Contacts from OST to CSV

You can convert OST to CSV using the Outlook application by following the below steps:

1. Open the Outlook application.
2. Click on the File tab.
3. Click on Open & Export > Import/Export.
4. Select Export to a file, and then click Next.
5. Choose the Comma Separated Values (Windows) and then click Next.
6. Select the folder that you want to convert to CSV and click Next.
7. Browse to the location where you want to save the CSV file and enter a filename.
8. Click Finish to start the conversion process.

Once the conversion process is complete, you can open the CSV file in a spreadsheet program such as Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, etc.

Note: The Outlook application can only export one folder at a time to CSV. If you want to convert multiple folders to CSV, you will need to repeat the steps above for each folder.

Limitations of converting OST to CSV using Outlook

Here are some drawbacks that you can face while converting manually.

1. Outlook can only export one folder at a time to CSV.
2. Outlook does not allow you to select specific fields to export to CSV.
3. Outlook does not allow you to export attachments to CSV.

If you want an automated solution and want to avoid limitations, you can choose another solution. Let’s explore the method with step-by-step instructions.

Method 2: Direct solution to Convert OST to CSV Format

The Microsoft OST to PST Converter Tool is a reliable and risk-free solution that can easily extract contacts from OST to CSV format in bulk. This software can convert any amount of data from OST to CSV format at once. This application is designed with a simple GUI; therefore, novice users can use it without difficulty. It has multiple options, such as removing duplicate mail, saving in the same format, date filter, etc. It allows users to export Outlook Calendar to Google Calendar and other email clients. Now, let’s explain the steps without delay:

Five simple steps to export contacts from OST files to CSV:

1. First, download & install the tool on your system.
2. Click on the select files/select folder button to choose the OST files, then click Next.
3. Preview your files and select OST files from the tree-structure list, then Next.
4. Now choose the CSV format from the drop-down list, then pick the desired features.
5. Finally, set the path destination and click on the Convert button to start the process.

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, there are two helpful ways to move your contacts from an OST file to a CSV format. Both methods work well, but if you’re not familiar with using Outlook, you can avoid the manual method. Instead, the professional method is a better choice for beginners who want to convert lots of OST files to CSV all at once.

Frequently Asked Questions