How to Export Thunderbird Address Book to Outlook | MAB & SQLite

Summary: Mozilla Thunderbird 78 & above versions use SQLite file format to store address books on the computer. It creates files like abook.sqlite, history.sqlite to store the contacts. The previous versions of Thunderbird used MAB file format for the same. The files these versions create are abook.mab, history.mab, etc. At the same time, Thunderbird also allows users to export its address book into CSV, vCard and LDIF format.

So, when a user wants to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook, we can consider all these formats and sort out the best method. In this write-up, I will explain the methods you can use to import contacts from Thunderbird to Outlook. But, firstly know some of the reasons behind switching to Outlook.

Reasons to Export Thunderbird Contacts to Outlook

Here, you will find the different aspects why you need to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook. Let’s go through these points:

• Outlook is much more integrated with Microsoft Office programs.
• Comes with some advanced features like improved calendar integration, task management, and a more extensive search facility.
• It is the standard email client for many organizations which makes it an important factor for employees.
• Others just prefer using Outlook to Thunderbird based on their interface and the kind of function it has.

There are various methods for such scenarios:

1. Directly Transferring MAB & SQLite Files
2. Exporting Address book to VCF Format, then Importing into Outlook
3. Export to CSV Format, then Import into Outlook
4. Using LDIF Method

The first method is for scenarios when you have MAB or SQLite files and want to transfer them into Outlook. The second method is for the scenario where you have access to Thunderbird and can export the address book into Outlook compatible format.

I. Export Thunderbird Address Book to Outlook – MAB & SQLite Contacts Transfer

Before proceeding with the method, ensure that you have the MAB or SQLite file containing your address book in your computer’s hard drive. You can find these files in your Thunderbird profile in the location path that looks like this:

C:\Users\admin\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles\6cgxc8ix.default-release-1\

• Download, install and run Thunderbird Address Book Converter on your computer.

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• Click on Add File

• In the Select path window, choose one mode:
  • File – to select a MAB or SQLite file
  • Folder – to select a folder that contains multiple MAB or SQLite files
  • Auto detect folder storage location – to let the software automatically detect Thunderbird address book files.

Do note that the first two options do not require Thunderbird to be installed on the system.

• After that, the software scans the added file/path and displays all Thunderbird contacts on its interface.

• In the next window, choose PST.

• Now, browse the location where you want to save the address book file.

• Click Export to start exporting contacts.

Once you have the PST file, it’s time to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook successfully.

• Open Microsoft Outlook.
• Go to File, then Open & Export, then Import/Export.
• Now, choose Import from another program or file.
• Then, select Outlook data file (.pst).
• Browse the PST file that you get above.
• After that, select the Outlook contacts folder and click the Finish

II. Use Thunderbird to Export Contacts, Then Import in Outlook

Mozilla Thunderbird provides the option to export contacts in different file formats. You can save Thunderbird contacts to vCard and then import them into Outlook. The exact steps to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook using this method are as follows:

• Open Thunderbird and go to its Address Book.

• Select the address book you want to export.

• Then, go to Tools menu and click on Export.

• Select vCard (.vcf) as the Save as type

• Click Save

Once you have the Thunderbird address book in vcf file, import it in Outlook by doing the following:

• Open Outlook.
• Go to File, then Open & Export, then Import/Export.

• Select Import a VCARD File (vcf).

• Browse the Thunderbird vCard file and click on Import.

• It will automatically import Thunderbird contacts to Outlook people.

III. Export Thunderbird Contacts Using CSV File

Thunderbird lets you export your contacts in various file formats, including CSV, a popular choice to transfer contact lists into applications such as Excel and Outlook. Follow these steps to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook via CSV file format.

1. Export from Thunderbird:

• Open Thunderbird and go to the Address Book section.

• Next, select the address book you want to export.

• Then, click on Tools and go to the Export option.

• Now, select CSV (.csv) file as the format and save it to where you want.

2. Import to Outlook:

• Firstly, open Outlook application.
• Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.

• Then, select “Import from another program or file” and click on Next.
• Select “Comma Separated Values” and click Next.
• Now, browse to the CSV (.csv) file from Thunderbird that you exported and follow the steps to finish the import process.

IV. Export Thunderbird Address Book to Outlook Using LDIF Method

Are you trying to transfer your contacts from Thunderbird to Outlook? The other easy way is via LDIF format. In Thunderbird, you can export your address book as an LDIF file and import it into Outlook. Just follow these few simple steps, and move your contacts easily.

1. Export From Thunderbird 

• Open Thunderbird and click on Address Book.

• Choose the name of the address book you intend to export.

• Once highlighted, proceed to Tools > Export.

• Select the LDIF file as the format and save the file at your desired location.

2. Now, Import to Outlook

• To start with, open the Outlook application first.
• Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.

• Select “Import from another program or file” and click Next.
• Next, choose “LDAP Data Interchange Format” from the list and select Next.
• Now, browse to the LDIF file that was exported from Thunderbird and proceed with the given steps.

Conclusion

Mozilla Thunderbird and Microsoft Outlook are two distinct email clients. When switching to Outlook, it is important to move emails, contacts and events. This write-up covers the contacts part and helps you to export Thunderbird address book to Outlook. If you also want to move emails, you can try the Thunderbird to PST converter to get the job done.