CSV vs VCF (vCard): Which WhatsApp Export Format Should You Use?

The Short Answer

• Use Excel/CSV if you want to view data in spreadsheets, use CRMs, or do marketing.
• Use VCF (vCard) if you want to import contacts into a phone (iPhone/Android) or address book app (Outlook/Google Contacts).

Deep Dive: CSV (Comma Separated Values)

A raw text format where data is separated by commas. Best for bulk data handling.

Pros: Readable by any spreadsheet software, lightweight.

Cons: Doesn't handle contact photos or complex nesting well.

Deep Dive: VCF (vCard)

The digital business card standard. Files end in .vcf.

Pros: The standard for importing to iOS/Android. Can contain rich data.

Cons: Not easy to read with human eyes (looks like code).

WaVault Supports Both

With WaVault, you don't have to choose. You can export your data in all three major formats: Native Excel (.xlsx), CSV, and VCF 3.0.