Importing Contacts into Outlook from a CSV File

Importing contact information into Outlook from a database or spreadsheet is a straightforward process. The steps in this guide will walk you through the process of importing contacts from a CSV file into Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, Outlook for Microsoft 365, and Outlook.com, as well as Outlook.

• Using a CSV file, you can import contacts into Outlook
• Importing Contacts from Outlook.com

Using a CSV file, you can import contacts into Outlook

Contacts data should be exported from a database or spreadsheet program to a CSV (comma separated values) file for storage. Column headings should be appropriate, albeit they do not always have to correspond exactly to the values used in the Outlook address book. You have the option of manually mapping columns to fields during the import process.

1. Select File from the menu bar.
2. Select the Open & Export option from the drop-down menu. Then, in Outlook 2010, select the Open button.
3. From the File menu, choose Import/Export from the list of options. Outlook 2010 has a menu option called Import that allows you to import data.
4. In the Import and Export Wizard, after selecting Import from another software or file, click the Next button to proceed.
5. After selecting Comma Separated Values, click the Next button.
6. Click Browse and navigate to the CSV file containing the contacts you intend to import.
7. Select one of the following options from the drop-down menu:

Verify that no duplicate products are loaded into the system.

Replace duplicates with objects that have been imported. If the data in the CSV file is more recent or complete, this may be the most appropriate alternative.

Allow the development of duplicates if necessary. If duplicates are created, you may always use a duplicate removal software to locate and remove them from your system.

8. Press the Next button to proceed.
9. Locate the Outlook folder into which the contacts should be imported and double-click it. This might be your Contacts folder, or it could be a Contacts folder within a different folder entirely. Additional options include the creation of a new Outlook folder that is dedicated solely to newly imported items.
10. Press the Next button to proceed.
11. Select Custom Fields to Map from the drop-down menu.
12. Create a mapping between all columns in the CSV file and the corresponding fields in the Outlook address book. Several fields are automatically mapped by Outlook; if any of them are erroneously mapped, make the necessary changes.
13. To begin the import procedure, click OK, followed by Finish.

Importing Contacts from Outlook.com

Outlook.com also allows you to upload a CSV file containing your contacts, which you can access from any computer. When compared to the previous software versions, the procedure is slightly different.

1. In the Applications Launcher, select People from the drop-down menu.
2. From the menu bar, select Manage > Import contacts to begin the process.
3. Select Browse from the drop-down menu.
4. After selecting the CSV file, click on the Open button.
5. In the Import contacts dialog box, select Import from the drop-down menu.
6. All of the contacts from your Outlook.com email account are uploaded and imported.
7. When the procedure is finished, click the Close button. The new contacts will be added to your Outlook address book when they are created.