How to Convert ICS to CSV Format – In 8 Steps

Nowadays, most people depend on digital calendars for managing professional schedules. Every time we plan something, it gets registered either in Google Calendar or Outlook. However, when we have to manage multiple users’ schedules, we won’t be able to read each and everyone’s schedule. To simplify this, users need to convert ICS to CSV, to be able to read them. But, how does one do that? Read this blog till the end. You will know how users convert their ICS files to CSV either manually or by using the ICS File Converter Tool.

What Does an ICS File Mean?

Think of an ICS file as a file format that stores calendar data and shares events such as meetings, and schedules. It is compatible with various applications like Google Calendar, Outlook, etc.

What is a CSV File?

A CSV file stores data in a structured and tabulated format, with values separated by a comma. It is used to organize data in applications like spreadsheets or Text Editor, which makes it easy to process large amounts of information.

Why There’s a Need to Convert ICS to CSV File?

ICS files store calendar data but they are not present in a structured format. Therefore, users have to convert their ICS file to CSV format to make it more accessible and readable. Adding to this, there are more reasons to explore why its necessary to convert your ICS file to CSV:

• ICS files do not support direct editing. But when converted to CSV, it enables the user to edit the data and also sort or filter data.
• CSV files are compatible with various platforms as compared to ICS files.
• Excel CSV makes data management and data analysis easy. It allows users to manipulate the data and analyze it while also generating reports.
• CSV files allow smooth data transfer as it is integrated with most of the email marketing tools. 

Different Ways to Convert ICS to CSV 

There are two efficient ways to convert an ICS file to CSV for Excel, one being by using a free manual method and the other being a more professional approach trusted by experts. Let’s explore both ways:

Method 1: To Convert ICS File to CSV Using Excel

1. Open Microsoft Excel. 
2. Go to File > Open > Search and locate your ICS file. 
3. Now, click Open.
4. A Text Import Wizard screen opens up. Select “Delimited” > Next.
5. You can now select either a “Comma” or “Tab” as a delimiter and click Next.
6. Lastly, press Finish.

Limitations: Excel sometimes misinterprets the date-time range format which may lead to issues with scheduled events and meetings.

Method 2: Use MS Outlook to Convert ICS Calendar to CSV

1. Open MS Outlook.
2. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
3. Select Import from another program or file and tap Next.
4. Now, locate your ICS file and add it. Click Finish.
5. Restart Open & Export in Outlook > Import/Export.
6. Choose Export to a file. Click Next.
7. Browse your .csv file and hit Next.
8. Now, select the folder to Export from i.e. ICS Calendar folder, and click Next.
9. Choose the destination path to save your output CSV file.
10. Lastly, press Finish.

Limitations: Every time importing files manually, will become clumsy at some point in time especially when dealing with large ICS files.

Method 3: Convert ICS File to CSV File Using Google Calendar

1. Open Google Calendar.
2. Go to Settings > Import/Export > Import.
3. Now, add your ICS file. Once it is added, again go to Import/Export > Export.
4. A .zip file will get downloaded containing all your calendar data.
5. Extract this file and you will get your resultant CSV file.

Limitations: To use this method, one should have a Google Account and access to Google Calendar. It is not available to use for offline purposes.

Method 4: Professional Tool to Convert ICS to CSV

ICS File Converter Tool is an efficient and feature-rich tool that stands out as a versatile solution to convert ICS file to CSV for Excel. Unlike other conventional approaches, it enables the user to process bulk conversions at a time. This tool also offers advanced features like removing duplicate files while ensuring smooth conversion without any data loss.

Follow the steps mentioned below to initiate conversion:

1. Download and Run the ICS File Converter tool. 
2. Go to Add Files and add your ICS file. Click Open > Next.
3. Look through your selected files/folder and select the items to convert.
4. Now, click Next. 
5. A drop-down list will appear. Choose CSV format.
6. Then, click on either General CSV or Google CSV.
7. Now, assign the destination path for your resultant file.
8. Click Convert.

Conclusion

Now you know different methods to convert ICS to CSV. We have listed manual methods by using Excel, Outlook, and Calendar. If you need a quick solution, choose the ICS File Converter Tool. Not only does it save time and effort, it also allows users to convert multiple files at once into various other file formats. Choose the right method as per your needs – bulk processing, automation, quick solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I open the ICS file?

Ans- There are three ways to open and view the content of an ICS file. 

• If you have Google Calendar, Outlook, or Apple Calendar, just double-click the file and it will open up.
• You can use a web calendar. Go to Settings > Import/Export > Upload file.
• Right-click on the file, and go to Open with > Notepad ( for Windows) or TextEdit (for Mac). 

Q. How to convert an ICS file to Excel? (CSV, XLS, XLSX)

Ans- These are the steps you need to follow:

1. Open the ICS file in the Text Editor.
2. Just copy-paste the content of the file in the Microsoft Excel blank worksheet.
3. Now, clean up the data:

1. Use Find & Replace
2. Use Text to Columns
3. Rearrange the columns
4. Now, Save As Excel File.

Since this process is a bit lengthy and needs technical understanding, experts suggest the ICS File Converter Tool. This tool offers a direct and simple way to do the conversion.

Related Post : Convert ICS File to PDF Document.