There are two ways to get your contacts in CSV file format. You can use a special tool that exports a CSV file from scratch, or you can export the contacts to VCF format first and then convert the VCF file to CSV. We'll show you how to do both on any Mac running OS X Snow Leopard (10.6) or later.

Exporting information in the Contacts application requires a helper application. Some paid helper apps, such as AB2CSV and Address Book to CSV, are available in the Mac App Store. Others are available from third-party vendors.

This example uses the AB2CSV application, which allows you to save your contacts to a CSV file without having to create a VCF file first.

Download AB2CSV from the Mac App Store (price is $0.99) and launch the program.