How to Import ICS Calendar Files

This article explains how to import ICS calendar files into Google Calendar and Apple Calendar. The article also contains information on the ICS format.

Import ICS Calendar Files Into Google Calendar

Avoid schedule confusion by importing your information from all your calendars to one application using an ICS file. After you export your calendar entries as an ICS file with a .ics extension, you can import it into your preferred calendar. There, you can merge the entries with your existing calendar or have the events appear in a new calendar within the application you use.

1. Open Google Calendar at calendar.google.com.

2. Select the gear icon to the left of your profile image on the top of Google Calendar.

3. Choose Settings in the drop-down menu.

4. Select the Import & export option from the options on the left side of the screen.

5. Choose Import under Import & export. Choose the option called Select file from your computer in the Import section. Find and open the ICS file you want to use.

6. Select the calendar you want to import the ICS events to in the Add to calendar drop-down menu.

7. Choose Import.

Import ICS Calendar Files in Apple Calendar

Like Google Calendar, Apple Calendar also makes it easy to import ICS files.

1. Open Calendar on your Mac. Click File on the menu bar and select Import from the drop-down menu.

2. Locate and highlight the desired ICS file and click Import.

3. Select the calendar to which you want the imported events added or select New Calendar to create a new calendar for the imported schedule.

4. Select OK.

All your calendar entries are now consolidated in the Apple Calendar application.

About the ICS File Format

The ICS file format is a universal calendar format used by calendar and email programs, including Outlook for Microsoft 365, Google Calendar, Yahoo Calendar, and Apple Calendar. ICS files are plain text files that contain information such as the title, time and attendees of meetings.