Why export fails
Outlook for Mac varies by build: classic Outlook historically lacked direct CSV export for contacts, while newer builds add People > Manage contacts > Export contacts as CSV, creating confusion and perceived failures when the option isn’t visible or grayed out. Additionally, Outlook for Mac often exports all data as OLM first, requiring a second step to reach CSV or vCard, which users mistake as “no export”.
Method 1: Use new Outlook People export (fastest)
In the new Outlook interface, switch to People, open Manage contacts, and choose Export contacts to create a UTF‑8 CSV that imports cleanly into Excel, Google Sheets, CRM, or email platforms; ensure the CSV encoding is UTF‑8 to avoid garbled characters in multilingual address books. This is the simplest native route if the new Outlook toggle is enabled and the account is cloud‑synced (Microsoft 365/Outlook.com).
Method 2: Export to OLM, then convert
If CSV isn’t available, export items to an Outlook for Mac Data File (.olm) via File > Export (classic Outlook), including the Contacts set, then convert that OLM to CSV using a reputable converter workflow; this two‑step method circumvents UI limitations and works reliably for large address books. Many guides confirm Outlook for Mac typically pushes contacts into OLM first, then third‑party or downstream steps produce CSV or vCard for broader compatibility.
Method 3: Export vCards and merge
When only vCard export is accessible, export contacts as vCard (VCF), then merge multiple VCFs into a single file or convert to CSV for spreadsheet use and deduplication; vCard is a universal contact format supported across Apple Contacts, iCloud, iOS, and many CRMs. After creating vCards, import them into Contacts on Mac for quick verification or further export/archiving as needed.
Method 4: Use Apple Contacts as a bridge
Sync Outlook contacts to the macOS Contacts app (via Exchange/Microsoft 365 account), then export from Contacts using File > Export (archive or vCard) to create a portable dataset; this is a dependable fallback when Outlook UI paths are missing. While Contacts doesn’t natively export CSV in all versions, vCard output can be converted to CSV using standard tools if spreadsheets are required for email list hygiene and segmentation.
Method 5: Tab‑delimited list workaround
On some classic builds, Outlook for Mac supports exporting “Contacts to a list (tab‑delimited text),” which opens seamlessly in Excel and can be saved as CSV after field cleanup; this is useful when CSV is absent but a list export is available. Ensure columns like Email Address, Company, and Phone align properly after import into Excel to prevent malformed lists in email marketing platforms.
Method 6: Extract from mail folders to CSV
If the goal is email addresses from messages (From/To/CC/BCC) rather than the Contacts module, use Outlook’s export capabilities on Windows or web to CSV, or rely on platform‑neutral extraction tools that target headers and produce CSV; header‑based extraction captures interaction‑based addresses not stored as contacts. This method is ideal for building outreach lists from sent items or project mailboxes where contacts were never saved.
Fixes when export options are missing
- Switch to the new Outlook UI and check People > Manage contacts > Export contacts; the button appears only in supported builds/accounts.
- In classic Outlook, use File > Export to create an OLM and proceed with conversion to CSV or vCard; this consistently appears even when CSV is absent.
- If Exchange/365 sync is enabled, try exporting via Outlook on Windows using PST > CSV or via Outlook.com People export to CSV as an account‑level workaround.
Formatting and data quality tips
Always choose UTF‑8 CSV to preserve international characters; many importers expect UTF‑8 and will misread other encodings during contact onboarding. Before importing into a CRM or email service, standardize columns (First Name, Last Name, Email Address) and remove duplicates to protect sender reputation and ensure segmentation accuracy.
Quick decision guide
- Need a one‑click CSV: use the new Outlook People export if available.
- On classic Outlook: export OLM, then convert to CSV or vCard for portability.
- Need addresses from emails, not contacts: extract from headers using a tool or cross‑platform workflow to CSV.
With these options, exporting email addresses from Outlook for Mac is achievable across versions—either directly with the new People export or via dependable OLM and vCard routes that convert cleanly to CSV for analytics and marketing use.
