# CSV, Excel, vCard, PDF or Word: which contacts format do you need?

Source: https://exportcontacts.com/guides/csv-vs-excel-vs-vcard/
Updated: 2026-11-14 · By the Contaxo team

> Use **vCard (.vcf)** to move contacts to another phone or keep a backup, **Excel (.xlsx)** to read, sort and share a list, **CSV** to upload to a CRM or mailing tool, **PDF** to print, and **Word** to edit a list before printing. **Contaxo** exports all five from the same contacts, with the same columns and filters.

## What you need

- An iPhone, iPad, Mac or Android phone
- The free Contaxo app (exports and shares up to 100 contacts; backups are free for all contacts)

## Export in any format with Contaxo

1. **Pick the format.** On the Home tab of Contaxo, tap **Excel**, **PDF**, **CSV** or **Word**, or **Share Contacts** for a vCard.
2. **Choose the columns.** Keep only what the file is for, for example name and phone for a printed list.
3. **Filter.** Export one group, or only contacts with a phone number, an email or a company.
4. **Export.** Tap **Export** and save or send the file.

## The quick chooser

| You want to | Use | Why |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Move contacts to another phone | [vCard](https://exportcontacts.com/to-vcf/) | Every phone imports it, with photos and labels |
| Keep a backup | [vCard](https://exportcontacts.com/backup/) | Restores anywhere |
| Read, sort or share a list | [Excel](https://exportcontacts.com/to-excel/) | Opens as a table in Excel, Numbers and Google Sheets |
| Upload to HubSpot, Mailchimp or a CRM | [CSV](https://exportcontacts.com/to-csv/) | The format every import tool accepts |
| Print a phone list | [PDF](https://exportcontacts.com/to-pdf/) | Looks the same on every printer |
| Edit a list before printing | [Word](https://exportcontacts.com/to-word/) | Change fonts, add notes and headings |

## What each format keeps

| | vCard | Excel | CSV | PDF | Word |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Photos | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Several numbers per person | Yes | Yes, one row | Yes, one row | Yes | Yes |
| Import back into a phone | Yes | With [Contaxo](https://exportcontacts.com/import/) | With [Contaxo](https://exportcontacts.com/import/) | No | No |
| Edit easily | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Print nicely | No | Possible | No | Yes | Yes |

## What your phone can do without an app

iPhone and Android export only vCard files. Google Contacts on a computer adds CSV. For Excel, PDF and Word from your phone's contacts, you need an app such as Contaxo.

## Frequently asked questions

### Which format keeps the most detail?

vCard. It keeps photos, labels (mobile, work, home), several numbers and emails per person and birthdays, and every address book can import it.

### Is CSV the same as Excel?

No. CSV is plain text with commas between values; it has no formatting and can lose leading zeros or special letters when opened carelessly. An .xlsx file keeps every character and opens as a table directly.

### Which format should I use for a backup?

vCard. It is what phones use to import contacts, so you can restore it anywhere. Contaxo's [backup](https://exportcontacts.com/backup/) saves one for free.

### Can I turn a vCard into Excel later?

Yes, see [How to open a VCF file in Excel](https://exportcontacts.com/guides/open-vcf-file-in-excel/). It's easier to export Excel from your phone directly.

## Related

- [How to export your contacts to Excel](https://exportcontacts.com/to-excel/)
- [How to export your contacts to a CSV file](https://exportcontacts.com/to-csv/)
- [How to export your contacts to a vCard (VCF) file](https://exportcontacts.com/to-vcf/)
- [How to export and print your contacts as a PDF](https://exportcontacts.com/to-pdf/)
- [How to export your contacts to Word](https://exportcontacts.com/to-word/)

Get Contaxo: App Store https://apps.apple.com/app/id1546550155 · Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onnex.exportcontacts.excel.backup