How to Convert an Address Book .ABBU File to .CSV

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Convert old Address Book data to CSV format using Contacts.

In early versions of Mac OS X, Address Book archives were stored as ABBU files, a format unique to Apple computers and practically useless anywhere else. Since the Contacts app in OS X Mavericks -- which replaced the Address Book -- supports both ABBU and CSV formats, you can use the Contacts app to quickly convert an Address Book backup to CSV format.

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Step 1

Launch the Contacts app on your Mac.

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Step 2

Go to the "File" menu at the top of the screen and select the "Import" command.

Step 3

Highlight the ABBU file you want to convert and click "Open" to add it to your Address Book data.

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Step 4

Click the "File" menu, select "Export," then "CSV." Contacts creates a new archive file in CSV format. Use this file in any app on a Mac or Windows PC to import the address book data.

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