[How to] Create Calendar Events for Google, Outlook, Apple, and Thunderbird Calendars

Having your events added seamlessly to your calendar is essential for keeping your schedule organised. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to create calendar entries for Google Calendar, Outlook Online, Outlook Desktop, Apple Calendar, and Thunderbird.

Google Calendar Entry

Adding an event to Google Calendar is straightforward using a customised link.

1. Use the following code to create a link that users can click to add an event to their Google Calendar:

   <a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/render?action=TEMPLATE&text=Meeting&dates=20241112T100000Z/20241112T110000Z&details=Meeting%20Details&location=Online&sf=true&output=xml">Add to Google Calendar</a>
   

2. Replace the details in the URL as needed:
   • text: The event title (e.g., Meeting)
   • dates: Start and end times in the format YYYYMMDDTHHMMSSZ (UTC format)
   • details: Description of the event
   • location: Location of the event

Outlook Online Calendar Entry

Follow these steps to generate a link for Outlook Online:

1. Use this HTML code for creating an Outlook Online calendar entry:

   <a href="https://outlook.live.com/calendar/0/deeplink/compose?path=/calendar/action/compose&startdt=2024-11-12T10:00:00&enddt=2024-11-12T11:00:00&subject=Meeting&body=Meeting%20Details&location=Online">Add to Outlook Calendar</a>
   

2. Adjust the parameters:
   • startdt: Start date and time in YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SS format
   • enddt: End date and time
   • subject: The event title
   • body: Description or details
   • location: Event location

Apple Calendar and Outlook Desktop Calendar Entry

For Apple Calendar and the Outlook Desktop Application, you'll need to create an .ics file. This method also works with other applications that support the .ics format, like Thunderbird.

Step 1: Create Your .ics File

Here's a sample .ics file content:

BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Your Organisation//NONSGML v1.0//EN
BEGIN:VEVENT
UID:event-unique-id@yourdomain.com
DTSTAMP:20241112T090000Z
DTSTART:20241112T100000Z
DTEND:20241112T110000Z
SUMMARY:Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Meeting Details
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR

• UID: Unique identifier for the event. You can use any unique string.
• DTSTAMP: Time the event was created, in UTC.
• DTSTART and DTEND: Start and end times in YYYYMMDDTHHMMSSZ (UTC format).
• SUMMARY: Event title.
• DESCRIPTION: Description of the event.
• LOCATION: Where the event is happening.

Step 2: Save Your .ics File

1. Save the content in a plain text editor, like Notepad or VS Code.
2. Name the file your-event.ics.

Step 3: Create a Download Link

Use this HTML code to create a link to your .ics file:

<a href="path/to/your-event.ics" download>Add to Apple Calendar or Outlook Desktop</a>

• Replace path/to/your-event.ics with the URL where your .ics file is hosted.
• Users can download and open this file, which will automatically add the event to Apple Calendar, Outlook Desktop, or Thunderbird.

Thunderbird Calendar Entry

Since Thunderbird Calendar supports .ics files, the same .ics file you created for Apple Calendar and Outlook Desktop can be used here.

1. Download the .ics file using the link:

   <a href="path/to/your-event.ics" download>Add to Thunderbird Calendar</a>
   

2. Open Thunderbird and go to the Calendar tab.
3. Import the .ics file:
   • Go to File > Import Calendar.
   • Browse to the location of your .ics file.
   • Select the file and follow the prompts to add the event to your Thunderbird calendar.

Further Notes

• Hosting the .ics file: Ensure your .ics file is hosted on a reliable server so users can download it easily.
• Customise event details: Be sure to adjust the event details (title, time, location) according to your specific needs.

Using these methods, your events will be seamlessly integrated into the calendars of your choice, keeping your audience organised and up-to-date. Happy scheduling!