Online YAML to vCard Converter

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What is YAML?

YAML stands for "YAML Ain't Markup Language" or sometimes "Yet Another Markup Language." It is a human-readable data serialization format. YAML is often used for configuration files and data exchange between languages with different data structures. It uses indentation to represent the structure of data and does not rely on tags or braces. YAML files typically have the ".yaml" or ".yml" file extension. The MIME type for YAML is not officially registered, but it is commonly recognized as "application/x-yaml."

YAML Example:

person:
  name: John Doe
  age: 30
  occupation: Engineer
  contact:
    email: john.doe@example.com
    phone: "+123 456 7890"
    address: xyz 123 abc
    city: Anytown
    country: XYZ

Advantages of Using YAML:

Human-Readable: YAML is designed to be easy for humans to read and write, with a clean and simple syntax.
No Complex Symbols: YAML uses indentation instead of complex symbols like braces or brackets, making it more straightforward.
Data Serialization: YAML is suitable for serializing complex data structures in a readable and concise format.
Language Agnostic: YAML is independent of programming languages, making it versatile for configuration files and data exchange.

Read More:

Explore more about YAML on Wikipedia.

What is VCF?

VCF stands for "vCard File" or "Virtual Contact File." It is a standardized electronic business card format. VCF files typically contain contact information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and more. This format is widely used for sharing and exchanging contact details between devices and applications. VCF files often have the ".vcf" file extension. The MIME type for VCF is "text/vcard."

VCF Example:

BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
FN:John Doe
ORG:Company Inc.
TEL:+123456789
EMAIL:john.doe@email.com
END:VCARD

Advantages of Using VCF:

Compatibility: VCF files are widely supported by various platforms, making them compatible for sharing contact information across different devices and applications.
Standardized Format: The vCard format is standardized, ensuring consistency and interoperability in storing and exchanging contact details.
Rich Information: VCF files can store a variety of contact information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, and more.
Easy Import/Export: VCF files can be easily imported into and exported from contact management applications, simplifying the process of managing and sharing contact information.

Read More:

Explore more about VCF on Wikipedia.

How to Convert YAML to vCard (VCF)

Step 1: Input YAML Data

Begin by selecting the appropriate input option based on your YAML data:
- Text Tab: If you have YAML data readily available, simply paste or type it into the text area provided under the 'Text' tab.
- File Tab: If your YAML data is stored in a file, use the 'Drop/Browse File' feature to upload the file directly.

Step 2: Map YAML Attributes to VCF Fields

Once you've inputted your YAML data, proceed to the 'Output Options' section.
Here, you'll map the various attributes within your YAML data to their corresponding fields in the vCard format.
Ensure accurate mapping, especially for crucial details like Email, Phone, and Address.

Step 3: Control Included Fields

In this step, utilize the 'Include' column to customize the output of your VCF file.
Check or uncheck the checkboxes next to each vCard field to control which fields are included or excluded in the resulting VCF file.
This gives you the flexibility to tailor the output according to your specific requirements.

Step 4: Utilize Auto-Mapped Columns

ConversionTab provides auto-mapped columns with predefined formats for common attributes.
Take advantage of this feature to simplify the mapping process, as commonly used attributes are already recognized and configured automatically.

Step 5: Handle Multi-Valued Fields

If your YAML data contains multi-valued fields, such as multiple email addresses or phone numbers, ConversionTab offers two methods to handle them efficiently.
Choose between combining multiple values within a single attribute or adding separate rows for each value, ensuring accurate representation in the VCF file.

Step 6: Generate VCF Output

Once you've finalized the mapping and settings, proceed to generate the VCF output.
Click the 'Convert' button to initiate the conversion process.
The resulting VCF data will be displayed in a textarea within the ConversionTab interface.
From here, you can either copy the generated VCF data for use elsewhere or download the VCF file directly to your device.

YAML to VCF (vCard) FAQs

1. How does the YAML to VCF conversion work on ConversionTab?

The YAML to VCF conversion feature on ConversionTab allows users to seamlessly transform YAML data into VCF (vCard) format, commonly used for contact information storage. Users have two input options: 'Text' and 'File.'

2. What are the input options for YAML data?

ConversionTab offers users two convenient ways to input their YAML data:
  • Text Tab: Users can manually enter YAML data as a valid string in this tab.
  • File Tab: Users can upload their YAML file through the 'Drop/Browse File' feature, making it easy to work with existing data.

3. What happens after entering YAML data?

Upon entering YAML data, users are directed to the 'Output Options' section, where the crucial process of mapping YAML attributes to vCard fields takes place. Accurate mapping is essential for ensuring that the resulting vCard file contains the desired contact information.

4. What are the special requirements for mapping Email, Phone, and Address?

Mapping Email, Phone, and Address attributes involves specific requirements to achieve correct conversions:
  • Email: Users must select both the attribute type (e.g., Email Work) and the corresponding vCard field (e.g., EMAIL). This ensures that the email address is correctly categorized.
  • Phone: Similar to Email, Phone mapping requires users to specify both the attribute type (e.g., Phone Home) and the desired vCard field (e.g., TEL).
  • Address: Address mapping involves assigning the attribute type (e.g., Address Home) to the appropriate vCard field (e.g., ADR).

These specific mappings ensure that contact details are accurately represented in the vCard format.

5. What is the 'Include' column?

The 'Include' column is a crucial part of the conversion process. It provides a checkbox for each vCard field. Users can check or uncheck these checkboxes to control whether specific vCard fields are included or excluded in the resulting vCard file. This gives users full control over which information is included based on their preferences.

6. What are the auto-mapped columns and their formats?

ConversionTab provides the convenience of auto-mapped columns and their corresponding formats:
#VCF FieldMappingFormat
0UIDUIDUnique Identifier
1TITLETitleTitle of Contact
2FNFull NameFull Name of Contact
3TELPhone VoiceVoice Phone Number
4NNName Components
5EMAILEmail WorkEmail Address (Work)
6CATEGORIESCATEGORIESContact Categories
7ADRAddress HomeHome Address
8URLURLWebsite URL
9NOTENOTEAdditional Notes
10ORGOrganizationOrganization Name
11BDAYBirthdayDate of Birth (YYYYMMDD)
12GENDERGENDERGender Information
13ROLEROLEContact's Role
14IMPPIMPPInstant Messaging Protocol
15GEOGEOGeographical Coordinates
This auto-mapping simplifies the conversion process by recognizing and configuring common attributes automatically.

7. How can I handle multi-valued fields like multiple email addresses?

For multi-valued fields, such as multiple email addresses, ConversionTab provides two methods:

  • Combine in a Single Attribute: Users can include multiple values in a single YAML attribute, separating them using a specified separator (e.g., Email1, Email2, Email3).
  • Add Rows: Alternatively, users can click the '+' button to add additional rows for each value. The '-' button allows users to remove incorrect mappings or unwanted rows.

This flexibility ensures that multi-valued fields are handled efficiently.

8. How do I get the VCF output?

Once the mapping and settings are complete, users can initiate the conversion process by clicking the 'Convert' button. The resulting VCF data is displayed in a textarea, providing users with two options:

  • Copy: Users can copy the generated VCF data for use elsewhere.
  • Download: Users can download the VCF file, with the option to specify a custom file name if desired.
This flexibility ensures that users can choose the most suitable method for accessing their converted data.

9. Is there an example YAML and a way to reset the input/output data?

ConversionTab provides additional features to enhance the user experience:

  • Example YAML: Users can access a sample YAML by clicking the 'Example' button, which populates the text area with sample data, making it easier to understand the conversion process.
  • Reset Functionality: To clear input and output data, users can utilize the 'Clear' button, ensuring a clean slate for new conversions or adjustments.