Batch Convert ICS File to CSV: Fast & Reliable Solutions

In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything I learnt, from the manual methods to the smooth batch conversion using this effective utility. If you’re ready to ditch the mess and convert ICS files into structured CSV format without additional effort, this one’s for you.

What are ICS and CSV Files?

To make things clearer, here’s a short explanation before we begin.

• ICS (iCalendar format): It is a universal file format used by calendar apps like Outlook, Apple Calendar, and Google Calendar. It stores events, reminders, meeting info, time zones, and even recurring schedules.
• CSV (Comma Separated Values): It is a simple, plain-text file where each row represents data, separated by commas. So, this format is perfect for use in Excel, Google Sheets, CRMs, and data visualisation tools.

The challenge? ICS is good enough for calendar syncing, but it’s not made for data analysis. CSV is the exact opposite. The CSV format is the best option to sort and filter information.

That’s why converting ICS to CSV makes your calendar data easier to process, share, and analyze.

Why Would You Need to Convert ICS Files to CSV Format

Here are some real-world scenarios where ICS to CSV conversion comes out as an important task to accomplish: 

• You’ve exported events from Google Calendar and want to analyze them in Excel.
• If you’re archiving employee calendars for compliance or audits, then you need to convert iCalendar to CSV. 
• Also, when you manage events across departments and need all calendar data in one place.
• In case, you want to filter calendar events by specific keywords, dates, or categories then proceed to this conversion. 
• It can happen when you’re migrating data to a different platform that accepts CSV, not ICS.

How to Convert ICS File to CSV – Step-by-Step Explained

In this section, you’ll find two easy methods to turn ICS files into CSV format. The first one uses Microsoft Outlook. Another one with the help of a professional tool. You can choose the one according to your needs and follow the steps below.

Method 01: Manual Ways to Convert ICS Calendar to CSV

There are a few manual ways to convert ICS files into CSV. These methods work best when you have just one or a few ICS files to convert. Here are the most common manual methods to convert ICS to CSV:

1. Using MS Outlook

This is one of the most common ways to convert ICS File to CSV:

• Open Microsoft Outlook on your PC.
• Click on Open & Export >> Import/Export.
• Choose Import an iCalendar (.ics) or vCalendar (.vcs) file and click Next.
• Browse and select the ICS file you want to convert.
• Choose Open as New or Import, depending on where you want it to appear.
• Once the calendar is imported, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export again.
• Select Export to a File >> click Next.
• Choose Comma Separated Values (Windows) and click Next.
• Select the Calendar folder (usually under your email name) and click Next.
• Browse the location to save the file and click Finish.

Limitations:

• This method requires Microsoft Outlook to be installed and configured.
• Users can only import and export one ICS file at a time.

2. Using Google Calendar & Google Takeout

This method works online using your Google account.

• Open your browser and go to Google Calendar.
• Click the gear icon (Settings) >> choose Settings.
• From the left sidebar, go to Import & Export.
• Click on Import, choose your ICS file, and select the calendar where it should be imported.
• Once the ICS is imported, go to Google Takeout.
• Deselect all, then scroll down and select Calendar.
• Click Next Step, choose the export type (ZIP), and click Create Export.
• When the download is ready, open the ZIP file.
• Inside, you’ll find the calendar data in .ics format.

Limitations:

• There is no direct option to export the calendar as CSV.
• Requires multiple steps using Google Calendar and Google Takeout.

3. Using Microsoft Excel

If you don’t want to use any email client, this is a fully manual way to convert ICS File to CSV:

• Open Excel, go to File >> Open, and select your .ics file to browse.
• Choose Delimited, click Next, check Other, enter a colon, and click Finish.
• Again, click File > Save As, select CSV (Comma-delimited), and save your file.

Limitations:

• ICS file opens in a messy, unstructured format.
• Requires a good understanding of Excel cleanup tools.

Important Note: Now, if you only had one ICS file, manual methods could work. But with multiple files? You need something fast and more reliable for ICS to CSV conversion. 

Method 02: Instant Alternative to Convert ICS File to CSV in Bulk 

If you have multiple ICS files, use the DRS Softech ICS Converter Tool to convert ICS files to CSV to keep your data safe. It has a clean and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users to convert them without any technical hassle. This utility makes sure that all event details, such as start and end times, descriptions, locations, and even attachments, are preserved during the conversion process. With advanced features like date-based filtering, duplicate removal, and custom folder naming, it comes out as an effective solution for personal and business users to manage calendar data efficiently. 

Simple Steps to Convert ICS File to CSV Format

• Firstly, launch the DRS Softech ICS Converter Tool on your system. 
• Just tap on the “Add File” or “Add Folder” button to import your ICS files.
• Utilize the preview feature to review calendar event details>> Next. 
• Now, pick “CSV” as the desired output format from the available options.
• Also, you can use advanced filters to select specific ICS data for conversion.
• Enter a path and click on the “Convert” button to convert iCalendar to CSV. 

Bonus Tips: Not just CSV. You can convert ICS file to PDF, JPG, HTML, MSG, EML, and others as well using the same utility.

Conclusion

Now, you know how to convert ICS file to CSV, either single or in bulk. If you’re dealing with just one or two files, manual methods might work. Although they often take more time and effort than expected. But when accuracy and speed are considered, experts generally recommend relying on an automated solution. It provides consistent results without the manual hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions