How do I export Outlook calendar to .ics file?

Question

I want to move my calendar data from one exchange server account to another e-mail account. Instructions for doing this is to export it to an .ics file. My only options in the import/export wizard are to "Export RSS Feeds to an OPML file" or "Export to a file". Export to a file gives me two options: "Comma Separated Vaues" or "Outlook Data File (.pst)." I've created the .pst file, but I can't import it into the new calendar because I need an .ics file. What do I do?

Answer 1

To export your Outlook calendar to an .ics file, you can follow these detailed steps using the CalendarSharing object in Outlook:

1. Open Outlook: Start by launching Microsoft Outlook and navigate to your calendar.
2. Access the Calendar Folder: Locate the calendar folder that you want to export. This could be your primary calendar or any shared calendar you have access to.
3. Use VBA to Export: Since the standard export options may not include .ics, you can use VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) to perform the export. Here’s how:
   • Press ALT + F11 to open the VBA editor.
   • In the VBA editor, insert a new module by right-clicking on any of the items in the Project Explorer and selecting Insert > Module.
   • Copy and paste the following code into the module:

          Sub ExportCalendarToICS()
              Dim calendarFolder As Folder
              Dim calendarExporter As CalendarSharing
              Dim icsFilePath As String
          
              ' Set the path where you want to save the .ics file
              icsFilePath = "C:\path\to\your\calendar.ics"
          
              ' Get the Calendar folder
              Set calendarFolder = Application.Session.GetDefaultFolder(olFolderCalendar)
          
              ' Get the CalendarSharing object
              Set calendarExporter = calendarFolder.GetCalendarExporter()
          
              ' Save as .ics file
              calendarExporter.SaveAsICal icsFilePath
          
              MsgBox "Calendar exported successfully to " & icsFilePath
          End Sub
     

   • Modify the icsFilePath variable to specify where you want to save the .ics file.
   • Run the macro by pressing F5 or selecting Run > Run Sub/UserForm.
4. Import the .ics File: Once you have exported the calendar to an .ics file, you can import it into another email account or calendar application. To do this:
   • Open the calendar in the new email account.
   • Look for an option to import calendar data (this varies by application, but it’s usually found under settings or file options).
   • Select the .ics file you exported and follow the prompts to complete the import.

This method allows you to effectively transfer your calendar data between different accounts using the .ics format.

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References:

• Sharing Calendars
• Exporting Calendar Information