How to Export Outlook Calendar to iCal/ICS Format on Mac & Windows?

Ritu Roy | how to mac os outlook PST software | 5 minutes read | Modified on: 03-06-2025

Do you have multiple PST files and need to convert them into ICS format? Are you searching for a straightforward and efficient method to perform the conversion? No worries, this guide will walk you through the process of converting PST to ICS files seamlessly on both Mac and Windows platforms.

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most popular email clients, known for offering a wide range of features such as email management, calendar scheduling, contact management, task organization, note-taking, and journal tracking. Originally developed for Windows users, Outlook gained immense popularity, leading Microsoft to launch a version for Mac as well. Today, it is widely used across both operating systems.

PST (Personal Storage Table) is a file format created by Windows Outlook. Files with a .pst extension store a backup of various Outlook data such as emails, calendars, contacts, notes, journals, and tasks.

ICS (iCalendar), on the other hand, is a universal calendar file format. It is supported by a wide variety of calendar programs like Microsoft Outlook, Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, and Mozilla Thunderbird. ICS files are primarily used for sharing calendar events and scheduling meetings within and outside an organization.

Why Do Users Need to Convert PST Files to ICS Format?

There are various reasons why users look for ways to convert PST files into ICS format. Some of the most common motivations include:

Improved Compatibility: Converting PST calendar data to ICS makes it accessible across multiple platforms and calendar applications.
Easy Sharing: ICS files allow for seamless sharing of calendar events through the web or any compatible calendar app.
Data Backup: Exporting calendar data from PST to ICS creates a backup, helping protect valuable information in case of unexpected data loss.
Widespread Support: As a universally accepted calendar format, ICS files are recognized by almost all major calendar programs.
Avoid Data Corruption Risks: PST files are prone to corruption. Storing calendar data in ICS format offers a more secure alternative.

With these benefits in mind, the following section outlines different methods you can use to convert PST to ICS files on both Mac and Windows systems.

How to Convert PST to CSV (iCal) File on Mac and Windows?

There are several ways to convert PST files to ICS format. In this section, we’ll begin with the manual method for Windows users, followed by an automated professional approach.

Method 1: Manual Conversion of PST to ICS File on Windows

The manual process consists of two main parts:

Step 1: Importing the PST File into Microsoft Outlook

Step 2: Exporting the Calendar Data from PST to iCal Format

Let’s begin with the first step.

Step 1: Import PST File into Outlook on Windows

Launch Microsoft Outlook on your Windows computer.

Click on the File tab in the top-left corner.

Choose Open & Export, then click on Import/Export.

From the wizard that opens, select Import from another program or file, then click Next.

Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) as the import type, then hit Next.

Use the Browse button to locate and select your PST file. Click Next to proceed.

Decide whether to import the whole PST file or only specific folders like the Calendar, and then click Finish to complete the import process.

Once the PST file is imported into Outlook, you’re ready to move on to the second step: exporting the calendar to iCal format.

Step 2: Export Calendar from PST to ICS Format

Open Microsoft Outlook again (if not already open).

Locate and click on the Calendar that was included in the imported PST file.

Choose the specific calendar you want to export.

Go to the File tab and select the Save Calendar option.

A dialog box will appear. Choose the desired destination on your computer to save the ICS file.

Click the Date Range drop-down to select the timeframe you want to export, then press OK.

Finally, click Save to export and save the calendar in ICS format.

This manual approach allows you to convert Outlook calendar data from a PST file into the universally supported ICS format, making it easier to share or import into other calendar applications.

Limitations of the Manual Method

While the manual approach can help in converting PST files to ICS, it does come with certain drawbacks:

You must have Outlook installed on your system to perform the conversion.
The process isn’t beginner-friendly. A user needs to be technically sound to follow all the steps correctly.
The procedure can be lengthy and may take a significant amount of time, especially if dealing with multiple files.
Missing even a single step can result in an incomplete conversion, forcing you to repeat the entire process from the beginning.

Because of these challenges, it’s highly advisable to use a reliable and automated solution. A professional tool not only ensures accurate PST to ICS conversion but also safeguards your data throughout the process.

Method 2. Idea Solution to Bulk Convert PST to ICS on Mac & Windows

If you’re in need of a fast, accurate, and hassle-free solution to convert PST files to ICS format, the MacArmy PST Converter is an excellent choice. Designed with a user-friendly interface, this tool enables you to convert even large and oversized PST files in just a few clicks.

What sets this software apart is its ability to maintain 100% data accuracy throughout the conversion process, ensuring that your original data structure and content remain unchanged. Plus, it works independently no installation of Microsoft Outlook is required to perform the conversion. Beyond converting PST to ICS, the tool also gives you the flexibility to import ICS files into other email platforms or convert PST files into a variety of other formats. It handles attachments and offers a range of advanced features, making it a complete and dependable solution for your PST file management needs.

Conclusion Word!

This guide has covered two effective methods for converting PST files to ICS format on both Mac and Windows systems. For users looking for a professional, efficient, and flexible approach, the MacArmy PST to ICS Converter is a proven solution. It supports unlimited PST to ICS conversions and works smoothly across both platforms Mac and Windows.

To get a feel for the tool, you can try out the free demo version, which allows conversion of the first 25 PST files to ICS without any cost. Additionally, the software isn’t limited to ICS format, it supports conversion of PST files into 15+ other formats, including OLM, PDF, MBOX, EML, EMLX, MHT, HTML, CSV, Thunderbird, IMAP, Yahoo, Office 365, Outlook.com, and more. Whether you’re handling a few files or performing large-scale conversions, this tool provides a reliable and all-in-one solution for your PST file management needs.