How to Export Contacts from Zimbra to Outlook?- Easy Ways

Sufia Parveen ~ March 5, 2025 ~ 6 Minutes Reading

Wondering how to export contacts from Zimbra to Outlook? We have come up with the best solutions to the problem. Contacts play a very important role, no matter if you are an individual, large organization, or business person. Zimbra is a widely used email client that allows you to manage your whole mailbox along with all the contact details. However, many users prefer to use Microsft Outlook due to its multiple advanced features, better integration, and enhanced security. If you are also looking forward to export contacts from Zimbra to Outlook, this article will walk you through many possible ways.

Compelling Reasons to Export Contacts from Zimbra to Outlook

Some of the basic yet compelling reasons to import contacts from Zimbra to Outlook are:

  • Switching: Organizations need to migrate from Zimbra to Outlook for multiple professional purposes.
  • Compatibility: Outlook integrates seamlessly with several platforms and offers the best compatibility.
  • Advanced Features: Outlook offers better email management, security, and contact organization as compared to Zimbra.
  • Cloud Accessibility: Outlook offers the best Cloud accessibility and synchronization as per your needs.
  • Cross-Platform Usage: Outlook email platform is very easy to access on multiple devices.

Now that you know the reasons to export Zimbra contacts to Outlook, you need to know how to import contacts from Zimbra to Outlook accurately without any errors. We have both indirect as well as direct solutions to export contacts from Zimbra to Outlook easily. Let us know how these solutions work to export Zimbra contacts to Outlook.

In-Direct Methods to Export Contacts from Zimbra to Outlook

Method 1: Export Zimbra Contacts in CSV and Import into Outlook

This method will be completed in two phases. You can extract contacts from Zimbra to CSV file format and then import them into the Outlook email client.

Phase 1: Export Contacts from Zimbra

  1. Login to Zimbra Webmail.
  2. Navigate to Preferences then click on Import/Export.
  3. Now choose Contacts under the Export section.
  4. Choose CSV file format and click on Export.
  5. Now save the CSV file to your system.

Phase 2: Import CSV File into Outlook

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook in your System.
  2. Click on File then Open & Export and click on Import/Export.
  3. Now select Import from another program or file and click on Next.
  4. Now choose CSV and click on Next.
  5. Choose Contacts as a destination folder.
  6. Finally, the Zimbra address book sync with Outlook is done.

Method 2: Export Zimbra Contacts as vCard (VCF) and Import to Outlook

This indirect method also consists of two phases. You can first export Zimbra contacts into a vCard file and then import them to Outlook

Phase 1: Export Contacts from Zimbra to vCard File

  1. Firstly, open Zimbra Webmail in your system.
  2. Now navigate to Preferences and then Import/Export.
  3. Now choose Contacts under the Export option.
  4. Now select vCard (VCF) and click on Export.
  5. Now save your VCF file into your system.

Phase 2: Import vCard File into Outlook

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
  2. Click on File then Open & Export and then click on Import/Export.
  3. Now choose Import a vCard file (VCF) and click on Next.
  4. Now browse and select the exported VCF file, and open it.
  5. Your vCard file is been exported into Outlook.

Both of the above in-direct methods come with multiple limitations which do not let you import contacts from Zimbra to Outlook seamlessly below is the list of the limitations:

    • If you are dealing with a large quantity of contacts these methods are very time-consuming.
    • You may miss or lose any of your contact data while you import data into VCF/CSV file.
    • You may face errors in the field mapping when you import your CSV files.

Direct Method to Export Contacts from Zimbra to Outlook

There are multiple tools to effortlessly import contacts from Zimbra to Outlook. meanwhile, Outlook is the most preferred application due to its precise level of security. The in-direct process is very lengthy and time-consuming and comparatively SoftSpire Zimbra Converter is the most reliable solution to import contacts from Zimbra to Outlook effortlessly without facing any problems.

How Does This Tool Improve Zimbra Contacts to Outlook?

  • This amazing solution offers Dual Options to export contacts from Zimbra to Outlook.
  • It offers you multiple languages that you can choose to perform the whole procedure as per your language preference.
  • It converts all types of Zimbra files, which include large-size files, corrupted, and encrypted files as well.
  • This solution keeps all your contact data safe and secure throughout the whole procedure.
  • It is a standalone solution that export Zimbra contacts all by itself. It also maintains the integrity and hierarchy of your data very well and keeps your data.

How to Export Contacts From Zimbra to Outlook with Direct Method?

Below are the following steps to export Zimbra contacts to Outlook with this amazing method:

  1. Download and launch the best solution to import contacts from Zimbra to Outlook.
    download the tool
  2. Select one option from Select Files or Select Folders as per your needs.
    file uploading option
  3. Check all the required folders that you need to export to Outlook and click on Next.
    convert selectively
  4. Now, select PST from the Select Saving Option.
    select saving option
  5. Enable the Change Language option to access folders in a different language.
    select language to export contacts from zimbra to Outlook
  6. Now, select a File Naming Option from the given list to rename your resultant data.
    naming to export contacts from zimbra to Outlook
  7. Lastly, click on Next to start the procedure and get results just within a few minutes.
    click next to export contacts from zimbra to Outlook

This tool saves the resultant file to Desktop by default, you can click on the browse button and select a destination location of your choice.
Now click on the Next button to start the procedure. Now you can open your Outlook and easily import your PST file to access all your contacts

Final Analysis

We concluded that exporting Zimbra Contacts to Outlook can be effective but has multiple limitations related to accuracy, speed, and trust. Whereas, the direct solution can lead to a more seamless migration of your Zimbra contacts to Outlook. We highly recommend you to use the direct solution to effortlessly export contacts from Zimbra. As it ensures a quick, error-free, and seamless Zimbra to Outlook contact transfer.