How can I export my contacts into a file I can use in another address book?

Start with the address book you’re moving to, not the one you’re exporting from. Find its import instructions or supported file formats. Then choose an export option that matches. Google Contacts offers CSV and vCard for transferring contacts, but the right choice depends on what the destination accepts; that does not mean every destination supports both or that every field will carry over [S1]. iCloud.com can export contacts as a vCard [S2].

A safe sequence is: check the destination, export a small sample if possible, inspect or test-import it, and only then export or import the full set. Keep the original contacts in place until you’ve checked the result.

Use the destination’s stated preference as the deciding factor. If it asks for a particular format, choose that. If it lists both, consider what the file is for: Google specifies Google CSV for a Google Contacts backup, while its transfer instructions offer CSV or vCard [S1]. iCloud.com exports selected contacts as a vCard; selecting multiple contacts produces one vCard file [S2].

Don’t treat either format as a guarantee that every contact detail will transfer perfectly. The available guidance establishes that these export options exist, not universal compatibility or complete preservation of every field [S1]. If the destination’s instructions are unclear, export a small sample and test it there before committing to a full transfer.

First check that the export produced a file and that it represents the contacts you intended to select. Then inspect the file if you can, or import a small sample into the destination and review the resulting records. iCloud’s guidance recommends inspecting the file or test-importing a small sample to confirm the expected records and fields are present [S2].

Make a short list of the details you care about, such as names, phone numbers, email addresses, or organization names. These are examples for your own check—not a promise that every exporter or destination handles each field the same way. Compare a few representative contacts, including one with several details, and look for missing or oddly placed information.

Assuming your current address book offers an export option and your destination has an import function, use this plan:

1. Check the destination’s import instructions and note the accepted format.
2. In the current address book, select a small sample if the service allows it, and export in the matching format.
3. Inspect the file or test-import the sample. Confirm the expected contacts and important fields are present [S2].
4. If the sample looks right, export the contacts you actually want to move and import that file.
5. Review the imported records before removing or changing anything in the original address book.

For example, if the destination says it accepts vCard, choose a vCard export rather than assuming a CSV will work. If it gives no clear preference, don’t guess that one format is universally better: ask its support channel or test a small sample first. The available guidance does not establish that all services support the same formats or preserve every field [S1].