How to open a .vcard file
vCard contact file · Contacts
A .vcard file is the same as a .vcf: one or more contacts stored as plain text. Double-clicking imports it into your address book, and a text editor shows the details directly.
What a .vcard file actually is
vCard is the standard for exchanging contact details, defined in RFC 6350. Most software writes the .vcf extension, but .vcard is equally valid and appears from time to time.
The contents are readable text, with labelled lines such as FN for full name and TEL for phone number.
Why it will not open
The .vcard spelling is less common, so it is more likely to have no file association even on a machine that handles .vcf fine. Renaming a copy to .vcf usually fixes that immediately.
Step by step
Windows
- 01Rename a copy from .vcard to .vcf if nothing opens it. The contents are identical.
- 02Double-click to import into the Windows People app.
- 03To read it without importing, open it in Notepad.
macOS
- 01Double-click to import into Contacts, or use File then Import.
- 02Right-click and Open With TextEdit to read it first.
Programs that open .vcard
Our pick, in order. Every one links to the publisher's official download URL and the SHA-256 hash of the installer, so you can check the file before you run it.
- Mozilla Thunderbird (en-US)Thunderbird is a free email application that is easy to set up and customize - and it's loaded with great features!v153.0.1 · 2 hashed installers100
- Sublime Text 4Sublime is a sophisticated cross-platform text editor for code, markup and prose.v4.0.0.420000 · 2 hashed installers92
Common questions
- Is .vcard the same as .vcf?
- Yes. Both hold vCard contact data in the same plain-text format. If a program refuses the .vcard spelling, rename a copy to .vcf and it will open.