How to Export Calendar ICS Files from Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar

Exporting calendar events as ICS files is a simple way to transfer appointments, meetings, or schedules between apps like Google Calendar, Outlook, or Omnibooking.io. Exporting calendar ICS files allows small businesses, freelancers, and professionals to share events or back up schedules effortlessly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to export ICS files from Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar, show how to convert them to CSV using Omnibooking.io’s free ICS-to-CSV converter, and explain how Omnibooking.io’s free plan streamlines scheduling for businesses like tutoring or photography.

What Is an ICS File?

An ICS (Internet Calendar Scheduling) file is a universal calendar format based on the iCalendar standard (IETF RFC 5545). It’s supported by major calendar apps, including Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and Apple Calendar, making it ideal for transferring events. ICS files contain details like:

• Event title and description.
• Start and end times.
• Location (physical or virtual).
• Attendees and organizer info.

Need to analyze ICS data in a spreadsheet? Use Omnibooking.io’s ICS-to-CSV converter to transform ICS files into CSV format directly in your browser. Omnibooking.io also leverages ICS files to automate scheduling, as explained in our ICS events guide. Learn more about its online booking system.

How to Export ICS Files from Google Calendar

Google Calendar allows you to export entire calendars as ICS files, but not single events directly. You’ll need a computer, as the mobile app doesn’t support exporting. Follow these steps:

1. Open Google Calendar: Go to calendar.google.com on a desktop browser and sign in.
2. Access Settings: Click the gear icon (top right) and select “Settings.”
3. Go to Import & Export: In the left sidebar, click “Import & Export.”
4. Export Calendars: Under the “Export” section, click “Export.” A ZIP file containing ICS files for each calendar under “My Calendars” will download.
5. Unzip the File: Open the ZIP file in your Downloads folder to access individual ICS files for each calendar.

Note: You need “Make changes and manage sharing” permissions to export a calendar. If exporting a single calendar, navigate to “My Calendars,” hover over the calendar, click the three dots, select “Settings and sharing,” and click “Export calendar.”

For single events, invite yourself with a non-Gmail email to receive an ICS file attachment. To analyze exported ICS files, try Omnibooking.io’s free ICS-to-CSV converter. Learn more in our scheduling guide.

How to Export ICS Files from Outlook Calendar

Outlook allows exporting entire calendars or individual events as ICS files, but the process differs between classic and new Outlook. Here’s how to do it in classic Outlook:

1. Open Outlook: Launch Outlook on your computer and go to the Calendar section.
2. Select Calendar: Choose the calendar you want to export.
3. Save Calendar: Click “File” > “Save Calendar.”
4. Customize Options: In the “File name” box, enter a name. Click “More Options” to set the date range (e.g., “Whole calendar” or specific dates) and detail level.
5. Save as ICS: Click “OK,” then “Save” to download the ICS file to your computer.

Note: In the new Outlook, the “Save As” option for ICS files may be unavailable. Switch to classic Outlook for this feature.

For a single event, open the event, click “File” > “Save As,” select “iCalendar format (*.ics),” and save. Convert your exported ICS file to CSV using Omnibooking.io’s ICS-to-CSV converter for easy data analysis. Omnibooking.io’s cross-timezone scheduling complements ICS exports for global clients.

Using ICS Files with Omnibooking.io

Omnibooking.io’s free plan makes ICS files a powerful tool for small businesses. After booking an appointment, clients receive an email with an ICS file containing event details, which they can import into Google Calendar, Outlook, or other apps. This simplifies scheduling for industries like styling or cleaning services. Key features include:

• One-Click Integration: Clients add bookings to their calendars instantly.
• Customizable ICS Files: Include specific instructions or payment links via Stripe Connect.
• Automated Reminders: Reduce no-shows with ICS-based notifications, as detailed in our 7 tips for small businesses.

A Software Advice report shows 67% of customers prefer online booking, and ICS files enhance this experience. Pair ICS files with QR codes for instant booking access, as explained in our QR code guide. For data analysis, convert ICS files to CSV with Omnibooking.io’s free converter tool.

Tips for Working with ICS Files

Maximize the effectiveness of ICS files with these best practices:

• Verify Permissions: Ensure you have export access for Google Calendar (admin approval may be needed for work accounts).
• Unzip Files: Google Calendar exports ICS files in a ZIP; extract them before importing.
• Check Formatting: ICS files must start with “BEGIN:VCALENDAR” and end with “END:VCALENDAR.” Use a text editor to fix errors.
• Use Omnibooking.io: Automate ICS file delivery for bookings to save time for contractors or pet groomers.

Need to manage ICS data in spreadsheets? Omnibooking.io’s ICS-to-CSV converter makes it easy. Explore more in our payment automation guide, which complements ICS-based scheduling.

Conclusion

Exporting calendar ICS files from Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar is a straightforward way to share or back up events across platforms. With Omnibooking.io’s free ICS-to-CSV converter, you can analyze event data in spreadsheets, while its free plan automates appointment scheduling and reminders for small businesses like tutoring or photography. Ready to simplify your scheduling? Get started with Omnibooking.io’s free plan today!