How to Convert Outlook PST Files to ICS File Format?

author Written By Deep Sikha
author Approved By Sonika Rawat
Updated on 30th August 2024
Reading Time 7 minutes

If you are an Outlook user, you might have a lot of important data saved in PST. Outlook provides various functions such as emailing, Calendaring, Contact management, etc. So, data like emails, Contacts, tasks, and Calendars are saved in PST format. What if you want to share your Calendar events with others who use different calendar programs? That's where you need to convert PST to ICS files. ICS is a standard format that works with many different calendar apps. So, let us learn how to share Outlook Calendar events in ICS format using the PST Converter Tool.

What are PST and ICS Files?

Think of PST as a digital folder where Outlook keeps all its mailbox data. PST or Personal Storage Table stores copies of calendar events, messages, contacts, notes, etc. within Outlook. Also, when sharing Outlook mailbox data or moving to a different platform, you need to work with PST files.

On the other hand, an ICS file refers to the iCalendar file. It is solely used to share calendar information with others and allows to open calendars on different applications. You can open .ics files using Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar applications, and other emails. It is used to send details about meetings, appointments, and special dates and describe events.

Reason & Scenarios to Export PST to ICS File

Users generally look to export PST files into ISC format for ease of sharing and accessing calendar events. Here are some common scenarios when people need to do this:

  • While moving from Outlook to another calendar app, like Google Calendar or Apple Calendar.
  • When you need to share calendar events with someone who doesn’t use MS Outlook.
  • Exporting calendars from PST to ICS can be helpful when you need to backup or archive Calendar events.
  • If you are migrating from one system to another, keeping a record of all important dates in ICS is a smart move.

Methods- How to Convert PST to ICS Format?

Let us explore a manual and a direct way of transferring Calendar from PST format to ICS. However, the manual method requires Outlook installation on your system, whereas the professional method does not.

Convert PST File to ICS Using MS Outlook

Follow the steps below:

  1. First, you have to open the Microsoft Outlook application.
  2. After that, select the Calendar button.
  3. Now, select the calendar that you want to convert to ICS format.
  4. You can now open the File menu.
  5. After that, click on the Save Calendar option.
  6. Click on the Save As option and then type the Name of the file.
  7. Now, choose the destination where you want to save the file.
  8. For additional details, you can click on the More option.
  9. After that, you can select the today, tomorrow, specific dates, and the whole calendar in the Date Range drop-down menu.
  10. Now, click on the OK button after applying the required configuration.
  11. At last, click on the Save button.

So, you can easily convert PST to ICS files. However, it has certain limitations as well.

Limitations to Export PST to ICS File Manually

  • You cannot import large-size calendar files.
  • There might be a chance of loss of data.
  • It involves multiple steps, so it is time-consuming.
  • Non-technical people need complete guidance to perform this.

So, to overcome these limitations, we recommend using professional tools. They are secure and provide 100% satisfactory results.

Save PST Calendar to ICS Format Using a Professional Tool

Use the Best PST Converter software by SysInfo to save Outlook Calendars into ICS format. The tool is designed to enable users to convert PST data into multiple formats and email clients. Moreover, this tool allows users to Open PST files without Outlook.

Follow the steps below to convert PST to ICS:

  1. Download the PST Converter Tool on your PC. Install and run it.
  2. Select PST files from your system, click Open to add, and click Next.
  3. Preview PST mailbox folders and select the Calendar folder.
  4. From the list of file formats, choose ICS as the saving format.
  5. Apply the needed filters and options to make conversion precise.
  6. Click on Path to Save and select a saving location for the resultant ICS files.
  7. Lastly, click on Convert to begin PST to ICS Conversion.

Hence, this is the easiest and quickest method to share Outlook Calendars in ICS format. For a much better understanding, download the free demo version of the tool.

Conclusion

So, here are the solutions for how to convert PST to ICS file. Also, we have described the possible reason for this conversion. Go through the described step-by-step process, either manually or professionally. Additionally, the manual steps have some limitations, however, the alternate solution is enough to avoid them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I convert Outlook calendar to ICS?

Ans. There are two ways to convert Outlook Calendar into iCalendar files- Using MS Outlook and Professional Tool. Follow the steps below to get quick results:
  1. Download SysInfo PST File Converter and install it. Start the tool.
  2. Click on Select Files/Folder, select PSTs, and click Open.
  3. Once PST files are added to the tool, click Next.
  4. Preview the added PST and select the Calendar folder. Click Next.
  5. Choose ICS formats to save Calendars and opt for additional filters.
  6. At last, click Convert and the process to export PST Calendars to ICS begins.

Q2. Can I convert PST to ICS Online for free?

Ans. Yes, using the demo PST Converter by SysInfo, you can convert PST to ICS for free. However, it has some limitations too. Better you go for the premium version for complete conversion.