How to Split One VCF File into Multiple?

Are you looking for a way to split one VCF file into multiple? If your answer is yes, then you have found the right page. This is a complete solution to split vCard file into multiple contacts.

Splitting a VCF (Variant call format) file into multiple smaller VCF files is a common task in bioinformatics, especially when working with large datasets or when you want to work with a subset of variants. The VCF format is used to store genetic sequence variants and associated metadata such as SNPs, insertions/deletions, and structural variants.

Why Need to Split VCF into Multiple Files?

Here are some of the main reasons why splitting a VCF file may be necessary or useful:

• Size Constraints and Performance Issues: VCF files, especially those containing whole genome sequencing (WGS) data or large cohort data, can be very large. This can cause performance issues when trying to load, process, or analyze them with bioinformatics tools that may have memory or computational limitations.
• Data Storage and Transfer: Splitting a large VCF file into smaller files can sometimes make it easier to compress each file individually. Smaller files can also be easier to transfer or store, especially in a distributed computing environment or when working with cloud storage services that have file size limitations.
• Standardization and Compliance: Data Standards: Some genomic data repositories, databases, or regulatory bodies may have guidelines or standards for the size or structure of VCF files. For example, a repository may impose limits on the size of submitted files, requiring files to be split to meet these standards.

How to Split One VCF File into Multiple? Manually

To divide vCard into multiple files using Windows Contacts (now part of the People app in modern versions of Windows), and second, using Google Contacts, there isn't a direct built-in feature for splitting a VCF. However, you can manually divide the entries by following these steps:

Method 1: Split vCard File into Several Contacts Using Windows Contacts

• Open the Windows Run command with Windows+R.
• Type contacts and click OK.
• Select the import option in Windows contacts.
• Select the vCard option and do the initial import.
• Browse the VCF or vCard file on your computer or PC and open it.
• Browse contacts properties and select import.
• Repeat again and click OK to import all contacts.
• Browse all imported contacts in Windows contacts.
• Now review the imported contacts and click Export.
• Choose the contacts folder from the VCF file and click Export.
• Choose the folder to view the file and hit OK.
• Your contacts have been clicked OK to confirm.
• Browse to the destination path to get single contacts.

Method 2: Import the vCard into Windows Contacts

To divide a VCF file into individual contacts using Google Contacts, you'd typically follow these steps:

Divide vCard File into Multiple via Google Contacts

If you have a VCF file with many contacts and want to divide them into smaller parts or manage them individually, Google Contacts can help you organize and re-export your contacts. Like this:

Step 1: Upload the VCF or vCard file to Google Contacts

• Open Google Contacts.
• Press the Import button.
• Click Choose File and upload the VCF file (this can be a.vcf file with multiple contacts).
• Tab the Import option to load your contact file into Google Contacts.

Step 3: Export Contacts from Google Contacts

To export a subset of contacts or your entire contact list:

• Once you have selected contacts or tags, click the Export button.
• Choose whether you want to transfer all contacts or just the ones you have selected.
• Select the vCard (VCF) format.
• Press the Export tab to download the contacts file again to a VCF file.

Alternative Method to Split One VCF File into Multiple

If you are working with a large number of contacts in a single vCard file and want to automate the process, you can use a third-party application like SysTools vCard Splitter Tool to split VCF into multiple files. You need to select the large VCF/vCard file and choose the merge option. This helps to break VCF files into individual contacts and reduce the size of the VCF file.

Quick Steps to Split vCard File into Multiple Contacts

• Download and install VCF Splitter Software.

• Choose the one or multiple VCF, vCard, file.

• Browse your VCF contact file.

• Select the Split vCard export option to break VCF files.

Final Word

Now it’s time to end this article. We have discussed great ways to split one VCF file into multiple contacts. You can also do this process manually using Windows Contacts and Google Contacts as a medium. However, the manual way has few limitations, but it works well. You can also use VCF splitting software on your Windows computer.