Where Are Mac Contacts Stored?
The AddressBook database folder on Mac, what the .abcddb file holds, and moving contacts by hand.
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Mac contacts live in an AddressBook folder under Application Support, centered on an .abcddb database file with metadata beside it. The Contacts app is the only sane editor; the database format is SQLite but hand editing it corrupts sync state.
iCloud sync overlays this local store, which explains duplicate and vanishing contacts after account changes. For manual moves, export vCards from Contacts rather than copying the database. Copy the whole folder with Contacts closed only as a disaster backup, never as a merge strategy.
Where macOS stores this, by platform
~/Library/Application Support/AddressBook
The .abcddb file plus Metadata and configuration siblings hold everything local. Use Go to Folder in Finder. Export vCards from Contacts for moves; reserve raw folder copies for disaster recovery.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move Mac contacts to a new Mac?
Sign into the same iCloud account and let them sync, which beats file copying. For local On My Mac groups, export vCards from Contacts and import them on the new machine.
Can I edit the AddressBook database directly?
Do not. Hand edits to the .abcddb file corrupt sync state and duplicate entries. Make every change through the Contacts app or a vCard round trip instead.
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