03 Secure Ways to Split vCard File into Multiple Contacts

vCard (.vcf) files are widely used for storing and sharing contact information across various email clients, devices, and platforms. However, sometimes a single vCard file contains multiple contacts, which makes it difficult to manage and extract individual contacts separately. If you have a large vCard file containing multiple contacts and need to split vCard file into multiple contacts you’re in the right place. 

Splitting a vCard file can make it easier to organize, manage, and import individual contacts into various applications. In this blog, we’ll explore the top methods including the vCard Splitter Tool to split single vCard to multiple files. The given method will help you to choose the best option for your needs.

Understanding the need to Split One VCF File into Multiple Files

Splitting a VCF (vCard) file into multiple smaller files is useful when dealing with large contact databases. Here are some common reasons for splitting a VCF file:

• File Size Management: VCF files can become large if they contain a lot of contact information. Splitting them into smaller files helps manage the size to transfer or store the data.
• Organization: If the original VCF file contains contacts from different groups (e.g., work, family, friends), splitting the file allows for better organization. Each smaller VCF file can represent a specific category or group of contacts.
• Software Compatibility: Some applications or email services may have limits on the size of VCF files they can import or export. Splitting a large VCF file can help ensure compatibility with those systems.
• Backup & Restoration: When managing backups or restoring contacts, it’s easier to work with smaller VCF files. If something goes wrong with a smaller file, you won’t lose all of your data.
• Selective Sharing: If you only need to share certain contacts, splitting the VCF file allows you to send just the relevant portions rather than the entire contact list.

How to Split vCard File into Multiple Contacts

When dealing with hundreds or even thousands of contacts, you might want to Split One VCF file into multiple contacts, more manageable pieces. If you are looking for ways to split a vCard file into multiple individual contacts, the upcoming section will walk you through some of the best methods to accomplish this task.

Manually Split vCard Files Using a Text Editor

One of the most precise methods to split vCard file into multiple contacts is using a basic text editor (such as Notepad or TextEdit). While it’s not the most efficient method for large files, it works well for smaller vCards.

Steps to Manually Split vCard File into Multiple Contacts 

1. First of all, open your .vcf file in a text editor.
2. vCard files are plain text, so each contact is separated by a block of text starting with BEGIN:VCARD and ending with END:VCARD.
3. Copy one block of text (representing one contact) and paste it into a new file.
4. Save this new file with a .vcf extension (e.g., contact1.vcf).
5. Repeat this process for each contact in the original vCard file.

Note: While this method is free and simple, it can be tedious if you have a large number of contacts. It also requires careful attention to detail, ensuring that each contact is correctly copied into a new file.

Split Single vCard to Multiple Files Using Google Contacts

Google Contacts provides a neat way to manage and export contacts, and you can use it to split vCard file into multiple contacts. After importing the vCard into Google Contacts, you can export individual contacts as separate vCard files.

Step 01: Import the VCF File to Google Contacts

1. Open Google Contacts.
2. Click on “Import” from the left menu.
3. Click “Select file” and upload your VCF file.
4. Click “Import” and wait for the contacts to be added.

Step 02: Export Contacts as Individual VCF Files

1. Click on “Export” from the left menu.
2. In the export dialog, select “vCard (for iOS Contacts)”.
3. Click “Export”, and Google Contacts will generate a VCF file.
4. The exported VCF file contains all contacts, but each contact is stored separately.

Step 3: Extract Individual VCF Files

• The exported file will be a ZIP archive containing individual .vcf files for each contact.
• Extract the ZIP file, and you’ll get all contacts in separate VCF files.

That’s it! Now you have successfully split your VCF file into individual contact files using Google Contacts. 

Using Windows Contacts to Split Single vCard to Multiple Files

You can split a multi-contact VCF (vCard) file into individual VCF files using Windows Contacts by following these steps:

Step 1: Import the VCF File to Windows Contacts

1. Press Win + R, type web, and press Enter to open Windows Contacts.
2. Click “Import” (in the top menu).
3. Select “vCard (VCF) File” and click Import.
4. Browse to your VCF file and click Open.
5. Windows Contacts will import all contacts individually.

Step 2: Export Contacts as Individual VCF Files

1. Select all the imported contacts (Ctrl + A).
2. Click “Export” and choose vCard (Folder of .vcf files).
3. Select a folder where you want to save the individual VCF files.
4. Click OK, and each contact will be saved as a separate .vcf file.

Now you have successfully split your VCF file into individual contacts using Windows Contacts. 

Points You Should Consider While Using the Manual Method

When using the manual method to split a vCard (VCF) file into multiple individual files, consider the following key points:

• Ensure your VCF file is not corrupted before importing.
• Windows Contacts may not support all vCard versions.
• Some contact details may be lost during the import/export process.
• Google Contacts exports individual VCF files in a ZIP archive.
• Large VCF files may take longer to process.
• Windows Contacts is not available in Windows 10 and later.
• Manual methods do not support batch automation.
• Backup your original VCF file before making changes.
• Formatting issues may occur with special characters.
• Some fields like custom labels may not be preserved.

All-in-One Solution to Split vCard File into Multiple Contacts

Unlike manual approaches, the vCard Splitter Tool ensures accuracy, efficiency, and data integrity without requiring extensive technical knowledge. With the vCard Splitter Tool, you get a quick, error-free, and automated solution to split vCard files efficiently. Also, it provides flawless extraction while preserving all contact details, including names, phone numbers, email addresses, and other metadata.

Additional Key Features of vCard Splitter Tool:

1. Split Large VCF Files – Easily divide a multi-contact VCF file into separate vCard files.
2. Batch Splitting – Allows bulk processing to save time and effort.
3. Maintains Data Integrity – Ensures no data loss or formatting issues.
4. Supports Multiple vCard Versions – Compatible with vCard versions 2.1, 3.0, and 4.0.
5. User-Friendly Interface – Simple UI for both technical and non-technical users.
6. Windows Compatibility – Works on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and earlier versions.
7. Free Demo Version – Allows users to test the tool to evaluate its functionalities. 

How to Use vCard Splitter Tool to Split vCard File into Multiple Contacts

Step 01: Download & Install the DRS vCard Splitter Tool on your computer screen. 

Step 02: Click on “Add Files” or “Add Folder” to load the VCF file(s) you want to split.

Step 03: Choose the destination location to save the split files. Click “Split” and wait for the process to complete. 

Conclusion

Splitting a vCard file into multiple contacts can be done using various methods, from online tools and manual editing to command-line scripts and dedicated software. The best method depends on your technical expertise and the number of contacts you need to split vCard file into multiple contacts. If security is a concern, offline methods like Notepad, Command Prompt, or vCard Splitter are preferable. For quick and easy splitting, the recommended utility works best. Choose the method that suits your needs and efficiently manage your contacts.

Read More: Import PST Calendar to Office 365: Step-by-Step Tutorial

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