CSV files, which stands for comma separated values, are a popular way to move data between apps. However, it can be difficult to export your contacts from Apple’s Contacts app in CSV format. While the app allows you to export as v-cards or a proprietary archive, exporting as CSV is not an immediate option. Fortunately, there is a straightforward way to get this done.
First, open the Contacts app and select the contacts you want to export. If you want to export all of your contacts, use the “command a” keyboard shortcut to select them all. Once you’ve selected the contacts, drag them into the Numbers app.
Depending on the number of contacts you have, this may take a moment. Once transferred, you’ll notice that there are a lot of columns in the spreadsheet. However, if you’re only going to be importing into a specific app, you may not need all of these columns. You can go in and delete any unnecessary columns to simplify the spreadsheet.
One column you may want to add is a “tags” column. This allows you to pre-populate tags for import. While you can always assign tags after you import, it can be helpful to do it in the spreadsheet where you can see everything at once.
Next, delete any rows you don’t want to import or send anywhere else. Once you’re ready, you can export the spreadsheet as a CSV file. To do this, go to File > Export to > CSV and use the default options.
That’s it! You now have a CSV export of your contacts. If your contacts are synced from your phone, this is likely the easiest way to get them out as CSV. With a little bit of cleanup, you can have a clean and organized spreadsheet that’s ready for import into your app of choice.