Usage

python3 strip-images-from-apple-vcard.py --verbose --inputfile Kontakte.vcf

Purpose

Strips pictures from vCards .vcf exports from Apple's AddressBook to be imported into other VCF capable tools (e.g. RoundCube Webmail).

I was able to reduce a complete backup of my Apple AddressBook in VCF format weighing 11 MB to 638 KB.

Step by step

AddressBook

1. Open AddressBook
2. Select all address book entries (Cmd-A)
3. AdressBook
4. Export...
5. Export vCard...
6. Save

Alternatively, you just can drag & drop in newer macOSes.

Shell

1. Switch to directory containing this script and the vCards.vcf file
2. python3 strip-images-from-apple-vcard.py --verbose --inputfile Kontakte.vcf