MacMost Now 830: Exporting Contacts Using Numbers

Export and printing options for Contacts are limited. But you can do almost anything you want with your Contacts data if you know this one trick. By dragging and dropping your Contacts into Numbers, you can then organize, sort and format the information in any way. You can then export it from Numbers, or use Numbers to print a list any way you desire.

Comments: 19 Responses to “MacMost Now 830: Exporting Contacts Using Numbers”

    Doug Harter
    11 years ago

    Wow...Thanks very much..I never thought of this idea. It works just as you described. Sooo much easier. Again thanks!!

    Antrim
    11 years ago

    Super useful. Especially surprised by the column header trick. Thanks.

    Jim Fassino
    11 years ago

    Excellent tip, just what I have needed to manage contacts, thanks.

    Jim

    Reg
    11 years ago

    As usual, great tip. I have Bento database app which I haven't used in years because of no need. While it was adequate for my needs, I now see I could have used numbers to do all I used Bento for. I also want you to know I really appreciate your MacMost Now. I am 81 years old and struggle to understand and use my beloved iMac and the software. Your video are outstanding and very helpful. I especially appreciate the transcripts because I am hearing challenged, and slow to understand.

    Joe Staten
    11 years ago

    Great tip. Is there a way to reverse the process? I have an address spreadsheet that I have built through the years and would like to get it into Contacts without retyping it.

    Joe

      11 years ago

      In contacts there is a File, Import function. So I would try exporting the spreadsheet in a standard format (CSV, etc) and try importing it to see what happens.

    Suzanne
    11 years ago

    Why doesn't this work for me? I'm using OSX 10.8.2, Numbers 09, and Contacts version 7.1. Is my stuff too old??? When I select all contacts and drag into Numbers, I don't get the request for permission. Is there a way to force that box to appear?

      11 years ago

      Perhaps you got that box before, and you denied permission? Check in System Preferences, Privacy.

        Suzanne
        11 years ago

        THANK YOU! I knew there had to be a way, but didn't have a clue what it might be.

        John
        11 years ago

        Thanks for me as well!!!

    Ann MacKay
    11 years ago

    This is a great tip. I am a long-time Mac user (27 years) and this is new info for me. I have been so frustrated with the print function in Contacts so your video solves many problems for me. Thanks.

    Jean Hebert
    11 years ago

    I have a feeling this could advantageously be used to print envelopes...

      Jean Hebert
      11 years ago

      I should have put a question mark at the end of what could be interpreted as a comment. Actually, I'm wondering if using the Numbers method as described is or NOT a better way of managing a mailing list (including envelopes and letters). I'm responsible of a historical society and although I've used Contacts and Pages to successfully print letters and enveloppes... it's a challenge... often frustrating... Your thoughts?
      Jean

        11 years ago

        Contacts is probably best for YOUR contacts -- people you know, friends, family, etc.
        If you are managing a list of contacts for a business or organization then a solution like a database (Bento) or spreadsheet (Numbers) would be better.

    Constance Brennan
    11 years ago

    Thanks again, Gary. I'm a new Mac user (be lost without you), & have been frustrated with the limitations of Apple's Contacts after using Outlook. With 800+ contacts, being able to categorize them in Outlook was important. In Preferences, I customized an entry as "Category." However, it's the only column that did not import. Everything else worked as you said. Any ideas? It's actually the only thing I really wanted other than name and email address.

      11 years ago

      I don't think you can import custom fields.

        Constance Brennan
        11 years ago

        Oh, darn. But thanks anyway, Gary. It saves me from spending fruitless hours trying to make it happen.

    Jan Fantl
    11 years ago

    thx Gary, helped to sort one of my proms. The other one, have you ever looked into this? How can I duplicate a single contact and use it then for several individuals with minor changes e.g. a flock of people in the same company with only emails and mobile different to the core informations? CaN't find a solution
    best jan

      11 years ago

      I don't think you would. Just create a different contact for each of them. Copy and paste the company name if you want.

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