How Do I Import ICS to Outlook Format in 7 Steps- Key Tips

Most of the companies are shifting towards conducting virtual events, interviews, and workshops. Hence, effective schedule management has become a necessity. Receiving a confirmation email with an ICS file containing the event details, the next question is: how do we access it? Well! You have two options. Either convert your ICS file to Outlook format manually or take the help of the ICS Converter Tool. Read this blog and compare both approaches to find the best solution.

What Exactly is an ICS File and Outlook?

An ICS File is a calendar file that enables users to share and synchronize upcoming meetings, appointments, and events across different calendar applications. ICS is a universal calendar format supported by platforms like Microsoft Outlook, Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, and Thunderbird. 

On the other hand, MS Outlook is an emailing platform that facilitates sending/receiving emails, sharing contacts, and managing schedules. Microsoft Outlook uses different file formats such as ICS, PST, OST, etc. for this purpose. For individuals and businesses, moving ICS files to Outlook helps them to organize schedules and events in a better way.

Why Need to Import ICS to Outlook?

• The ICS file contains events from different calendar applications. Importing all of it to Outlook will keep all your schedules in one place.
• Once, your ICS files get imported to Outlook, you can access them even in offline mode.
• After you import ICS files with new Outlook, you will be automatically notified about your upcoming events, meetings, etc.

Next, we’ll go through the different approaches to importing ICS files to Outlook format.

How to Import ICS to Outlook Format – Verified Tips

Four main methods exist for importing ICS files to Outlook file format. The first three involve manual procedures. If you want to quickly and seamlessly import your ICS files to Outlook, go for the ICS Converter Tool. Now, let’s go over the manual ways first.

Method 1: Directly Open the ICS File

This approach to import event from ICS into Outlook and is useful when the user needs to view or add only a few calendar events. Here are the steps: 

1. First, download the file on your computer.
2. Then, double-click the file to open it.
3. Outlook gets opened up. Here, you will be asked to choose from:

• Open as New: Your .ics file will open up in a new calendar.
• Import to Existing Calendar: Your .ics file will get merged into your existing calendar.

4. Select as per your needs.

Limitations: There is no automatic synchronization feature. If ICS file gets updated later, it won’t sync it.

Method 2: Use Outlook’s Open Calendar Option 

1. Open Outlook.
2. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
3. Now, select Import an iCalendar or vCalendar file > Next.
4. Browse and select your .ics file.
5. Lastly, click OK or Import.

Limitations: If suppose your ICS file is imported multiple times, then Outlook won’t be able to auto-write it or detect it. 

Method 3: Using Drag and Drop

This method is useful when the user wants a quick and simple way to import ICS files with new Outlook.

1. Open MS Outlook.
2. Click on Calendar > File Explorer. Now, locate your .ics file.
3. Drag and drop your .ics file into the calendar.
4. It will automatically add your event.

Limitations: This method does not have an additional customization feature. It cannot be useful when converting a large number of files.

Import ICS to Outlook Format Using a Specialized Tool

The most reliable and easy method to import ICS files to Outlook is through the ICS Converter Tool. This automated tool not only converts ICS files to Outlook but also to CSV, PDF, MSG, EML, JPG, etc. It lets users directly convert to different email client applications as well. This software has a built-in date range filter and duplicate email detection for accurate conversion of ICS events. Run the Windows-compatible software across any version of Windows OS.

1. Download and install the ICS Converter Tool on your system.
2. Select Add Files/Add Folders. Locate your .ics file saved in File Explorer.
3. Then, select ICS files to convert and click Open > Next.
4. Now, double-click the files on your left sidebar. Preview the contents of the file. Click Next.
5. Go to Save/Backup/Migrate As > File Format > choose any Outlook file format.
6. Select the given optional features that you need.
7. Now, select the saving path for your resultant file and click Convert.

Conclusion:

To wrap up this topic, I have provided you with all the details of how to import ICS to Outlook. The manual process is functional but may become time-consuming and inaccurate. Also, when dealing with multiple entries, it can lead to errors. Therefore, experts prefer using a dedicated ICS Converter Tool. With this users would be able to do batch conversions, detect duplicate ICS files, and even create individual PDFs for each calendar. Compatible with all versions of Windows OS it is a better alternative to the manual approach.

Related Post: Convert ICS to CSV Format & Import iCalendar to Google Calendar

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q- How to convert ICS files to CSV format?

Ans- Follow these steps to begin:

1. First, open Outlook.
2. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
3. Now, select Import an iCalendar file > Next. Locate and choose your .ics file. 
4. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Export to a file > Next.
5. Now, choose Comma Separated Values (CSV) > Next.
6. Choose the Calendar that you imported > Next.
7. Lastly, save the destination path and click Finish.

Alternatively, you can use a professional ICS Converter Software for ease of conversion. 

Q- How to save the .ics file in Outlook?

Ans- There are several methods to do it. Let’s explore the simplest and quickest one:

1. Open Outlook.
2. Go to Calendar and browse your .ics file in File Explorer.
3. Now, drag and drop your .ics files into Outlook.
4. Automatically, it will add events to your Calendar.