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Create an ICS calendar file

Add the event once and download a .ics file you can send to people using Apple Calendar, Outlook, Google Calendar, or another iCalendar app.

Format
iCalendar
Extension
.ics
Standard
RFC 5545
Media type
text/calendar

What is an ICS file?

An ICS file is a small text file that describes a calendar event using the iCalendar standard. It records fields such as the event name, start and end, timezone, location, and notes so a calendar app can rebuild the event for the person opening it.

Because the format is widely supported, the same download can be imported by Apple Calendar, Outlook, Google Calendar, Thunderbird, and many mobile calendar apps. A provider-specific calendar link opens one service directly; an ICS file is the useful fallback when you do not know which calendar someone uses.

q3-product-review.icsInside the file
BEGIN:VEVENTUID:[email protected]DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260814T090000DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260814T103000SUMMARY:Q3 Product ReviewLOCATION:Studio B, 44 Wall StreetDESCRIPTION:Roadmap walkthrough and demos.END:VEVENT

The lines that matter

SUMMARY
The event name shown on the calendar.
DTSTART / DTEND
The beginning and end of a timed event, or the dates of an all-day event.
LOCATION
The venue, room, address, or meeting URL.
DESCRIPTION
The notes and context included with the event.
UID
A unique value that helps a calendar identify this event.

How to create an ICS file

  1. Describe the event

    Start with the event name and schedule. Add a venue, meeting link, or notes when attendees need more context.

  2. Set the timing correctly

    Choose the timezone used for the times you entered. For an event that belongs to a date rather than an hour, switch on All Day Event.

  3. Download the calendar file

    Select Download to save the .ics file to your device, then attach it to an invitation or make it available from your event page.

Opening a .ics file in your calendar

The file format stays the same; each calendar app simply has its own import steps.

Apple Calendar
On a Mac, open the file and choose the calendar that should receive it. On iPhone or iPad, open the attachment and confirm the import.
Google Calendar
In Google Calendar on the web, open Settings, choose Import & export, select the file and destination calendar, then import it.
Outlook (desktop)
Open the file to review the event, then choose Save & Close. You can also use Outlook’s Import/Export menu to import iCalendar files.
Outlook on the web and Office 365
Open Add calendar from the calendar sidebar, choose Upload from file, and select the destination calendar.
Mozilla Thunderbird
Choose File, Open, Calendar File, then locate the .ics file on your device.
Android
If your Android calendar syncs with Google, import the file through Google Calendar on the web and let the event sync to your phone.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ICS file?

An ICS file is a portable calendar file based on the iCalendar standard. It records event fields such as the name, schedule, location, and description in a format that many calendar apps understand.

How do I create an ICS file?

Complete the event form at the top of this page, check the date and timezone, then select Download. Your browser creates the file and saves it to your device without uploading the event.

Can I create an ICS calendar file for free?

Yes. There is no signup, watermark, payment step, or limit on the number of files you can create.

What is the difference between .ics, .ical and iCalendar?

iCalendar is the name of the standard, while .ics is the file extension normally used for it. The older .ical extension may also appear, but .ics is the common choice for sharing events.

Can one ICS file hold more than one event?

The iCalendar format can contain multiple events, but this page creates one event per download. Create a separate file for each event you want to share.

My event appears at the wrong time. What happened?

First check the timezone selected in the form. The start and end values are interpreted in that timezone, and calendar apps convert them for the viewer. Use All Day Event when the date matters but a specific hour does not.

Can I email an ICS file to attendees?

Yes. Attach the file as you would any other document. Many email and calendar apps recognize .ics attachments and offer an option to add the event.

Do you store the events I create?

No. Your browser creates the calendar file locally, and Add to Calendar Link does not save the event details you enter.

If you need a link instead of a file

A link drops the event straight into one provider without a download. Use the Google Calendar link or the Outlook Calendar link, or head back to the form.