Contacts (El Capitan): Import contacts

Import contacts

You can import contacts if you have exported contacts from another computer or app. The files can be in LDAP Interchange Format (LDIF) or text format, such as tab-delimited or comma-separated value (CSV).

Import from a vCard file

Do one of the following:

  • Double-click the vCard file.

  • Drag the vCard file to the Contacts window.

  • Choose File > Import, then select the vCard file.

Import from an archive file

Important: Importing an archive file replaces your current contact information.

  1. Choose File > Import.

  2. Select the archive file, then click Open.

Import from other file types

If you’re importing a tab-delimited or CSV file, make sure it’s formatted correctly using a text editor such as TextEdit:

  • Remove any line breaks within a contact’s information.

  • Make sure that fields in a tab-delimited file are separated by a tab, instead of by another character. Don’t include spaces before or after tabs.

  • Make sure that fields in a CSV file are separated by a comma, instead of by another character. Don’t include spaces before or after commas.

  • Make sure all addresses have the same number of fields. Add empty fields as needed.

  1. In Contacts, choose File > Import, select the file, change the encoding if necessary, then click Open.

  2. If you’re importing a text file, review the field labels.

    • If the first card contains headers, make sure the headers are correctly labeled or marked “Do not import.” Any changes you make to this card are made to all cards in the file. To not import the headers card, select “Ignore first card.”

    • To change a label, click the arrows next to the label and choose a new label. If you don’t want to import a field, choose “Do not import.”

When you import contacts from an Exchange account, information that isn’t supported is added to the Notes field. Custom fields aren’t imported.

Last Modified: Jun 24, 2016
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