What is an .ics file?
An .ics file is one event that any calendar can read.This free viewer opens one and shows the event in your own time zone.No account needed.
Read an .ics file
The event comes out here, in your own time zone.
Nothing is uploaded. The file is read in your browser.
01
One event, in plain text
An .ics file holds one event: the title, the start and the end, the place and a note. Google Calendar, Apple Calendar and Outlook all read it.
Fri 11 Sept · 19:00
Dinner before Anna leaves
Rosa’s, 12 Bridge Street
- Outlook
- Apple
- Yahoo
02
Make one for your event
Most .ics tools only read a file. The add to calendar link generator also makes one for your own event, with links for Google, Outlook and Yahoo.
Questions
- What is an .ics file?
- One event as plain text, in the iCalendar format that calendar apps share. The file extension is where the name comes from.
- How do I open an .ics file?
- Open it and your calendar app offers to add the event. The viewer here shows what is in it without adding anything.
- How do I create an .ics file?
- Fill in the event and download the file. Add to calendar link and .ics generator.
- How do I import an .ics file into Google Calendar?
- On a computer, use Import and export in Google Calendar settings. On a phone, opening the file is easier.
- Why is the time different from the one in the file?
- A start time is either in UTC or a wall time with a zone name beside it. The viewer turns both into your own clock.
- Is .ical the same as .ics?
- Yes, the same format. Files are usually named .ics now.
- Is it safe to open an .ics file?
- It is text, so it cannot run anything. It can carry a link and a place, so check who sent it before you follow either.
- Does my file get uploaded?
- No. The viewer reads it in your browser.