University Computer Help Desk

Using .ICS files to add events to your calendar in iCal

Events are sometimes distributed as .ICS files, which you can easily add to your calendar in iCal.

Before You Begin

Event organizers will sometimes provide .ICS files along with event details. Using .ICS files, you can add event details to your calendar in iCal instead of manually creating the event on your calendar.

Add .ICS File to Your Calendar in iCal

To add event information to your calendar in iCal using .ICS files, do the following:

  1. Locate the .ICS file which has been provided to you. These files are sometimes sent as email attachments and are available on some websites, like the Illinois State University Events Calendar.
  2. Open the .ICS file.
    • If the .ICS file was sent to you as an email attachment, you might be able to double-click the file to open it. Otherwise, you may need to save the file to your computer before you can open it.
    • If the .ICS file is available on a website, you may be able to click the link to open the .ICS file directly. Otherwise, you may need to download the file to your computer before you can open it.
  3. When you open the .ICS file, it will cause iCal to open automatically.
  4. You will see a window that says, Adding new events. Select the calendar to which you would like to add the event. Then click OK.

The event has now been added to your calendar.