Export your Outlook calendar as an .ics file in three steps

You can export your Outlook calendar to a file on your computer in minutes. The process differs slightly depending on whether you use Outlook desktop (the installed program) or Outlook on the web (the browser version), but both create a standard calendar file that works with most other calendar programs.

The exported file is called an .ics file (iCalendar format). Once you have it, you can share it with others, back it up, or import it into Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or another program. The file contains all the events, times, and details from the calendar you export.

Key Takeaways

  • Outlook desktop and Outlook on the web use different export methods, so check which version you use before starting.
  • Desktop Outlook exports through File menu > Open & Export > Import/Export, then selecting "Export to a file".
  • Outlook on the web requires right-clicking the calendar name and selecting "Export calendar" from the menu.
  • The exported .ics file can be imported into Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or shared with other people.
  • Exporting does not remove the calendar from Outlook — it creates a copy of the data in a separate file.

Export from Outlook desktop (Windows and Mac)

Open Outlook on your computer. Click the File menu at the top left, then select Open & Export. Choose Import/Export from the dropdown menu.

A window titled Import and Export Wizard will open. Select "Export to a file" from the list and click Next. Choose "Outlook Data File (.pst)" or "iCalendar (.ics)" — use iCalendar if you plan to import the calendar into another program like Google Calendar or Apple Calendar. Click Next.

Select the calendar you want to export from the folder list on the left. It will usually be labeled "Calendar" under your email account name. Click Next. Choose where to save the file on your computer and give it a name, then click Finish. Outlook will create the file and tell you when it is done.

Export from Outlook on the web

Sign into Outlook on the web at outlook.office.com. Click the calendar icon on the left side to open your calendars. Find the calendar you want to export in the list — it might be under "My calendars" or another section.

Right-click the calendar name. A menu will appear with several options. Click "Export calendar". Outlook will read the .ics file to your computer's Downloads folder. The file name will be the calendar name followed by .ics.

What happens after you export

The exported .ics file is now on your computer. You can move it to a different folder, email it to someone else, or upload it to cloud storage for backup. The file contains a snapshot of your calendar at the moment you exported it — if you add new events to Outlook after exporting, those new events will not be in the file unless you export again.

To import the file into another calendar program, open that program and look for an Import option, usually in the File menu or settings. Select the .ics file from your computer, and the events will be added to that calendar. Some programs let you choose whether to replace the existing calendar or add the events to it.

Export multiple calendars at once

If you have more than one calendar in Outlook, you can export them one at a time using the steps above. Each export creates a separate .ics file. Some calendar programs let you import multiple .ics files at once, so you can add all your calendars to the new program in one go.

If you use Outlook desktop and want to back up all your calendars together, you can export to an Outlook Data File (.pst) instead of iCalendar format. This creates a single file containing all your calendars, but it can only be imported back into Outlook, not into other calendar programs.

Troubleshooting export problems

If the export button does not appear in Outlook on the web, check that you are signed into the correct account and that the calendar belongs to you. Shared calendars that someone else created may not have an export option. If you need to back up a shared calendar, ask the owner to export it and send you the file.

If the exported file will not open in another program, make sure you exported as .ics format, not .pst. The .pst format only works with Outlook. If the file is very large (over 100 MB), some programs may have trouble importing it — try importing it in smaller sections or contact the other program's support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does exporting delete my calendar from Outlook?

No. Exporting creates a copy of your calendar data in a file. Your calendar stays in Outlook exactly as it was. You can export the same calendar as many times as you want.

Can I export a calendar that someone shared with me?

Not usually. Shared calendars that belong to another person typically do not have an export option. Ask the calendar owner to export it and send you the file, or ask them to change the sharing settings to give you more access.

What is the difference between .ics and .pst files?

.ics files work with almost any calendar program — Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and many others. .pst files only work with Outlook. Use .ics if you are moving to a different calendar program, and .pst if you are backing up your Outlook data.

Can I import the exported calendar back into Outlook?

Yes. Use File > Open & Export > Import/Export, select "Import from another file", choose the .ics file, and Outlook will add those events to your calendar. You can also drag and drop the .ics file into Outlook on the web.

Where does Outlook save the exported file?

On desktop, you choose the location when you export. On the web, the file goes to your Downloads folder. Check your Downloads folder if you are not sure where it went, or search your computer for the file name you gave it.