Export the Moodle Calendar to Outlook

Students can benefit from having their Moodle calendar and Outlook calendar events in one place. This article discusses how to sync Moodle calendar events to the Outlook calendar.

Use this link to view a video demonstration of this process. 

Export Calendar from Moodle

  • Log in to Moodle.
  • Open the Moodle Dashboard via the menu at the top of the Moodle screen.

A screenshot of the Moodle navigation bar with the Dashboard displayed.

  • Below the calendar, there is a link labeled “import or export calendars.” Click the link to open the “Import or export calendars” window. Screenshot of the bottom of the calendar widget in Moodle with "Import or export calendards" link outlined in blue.
  • Click “Export calendar.”

Screenshot of the "Import or export calendars" screen with "Export calendar" outlined in green

  • You’ll be prompted with options for exporting:
    • Events to export: Choose whether you want to export all events or just those related to a specific course.
    • Time period: Select the time period (e.g., this week, this month, or a custom date range). (Please note that the custom date range is set by the Moodle administrator and can’t be changed by the user.)

Calendar export options with radio buttons to select event types and time periods, and buttons to get calendar URL or export events.

  • To generate a calendar URL, click "Get calendar URL." To download an .ics file, click "Export." It’s recommended to use the calendar URL as this option will perform a daily sync of new Moodle events to your Outlook calendar.

Screenshot of a Moodle-generated calendar URL.

Import into Outlook

  • Option 1: Using the URL
    • Copy the URL from Moodle.
    • In Outlook (web only), go to your calendar.
    • Click “Add calendar.”

Screenshot of the Outlook calendar window with "Add calendar" outlined in blue.

  • Select “Subscribe from web.
  • Paste the copied URL and click “Import.”

Subscribe from web interface with options to paste a calendar URL, selec

  • Option 2: Using the iCalendar (.ics) File
    • Download the iCalendar (.ics) file from Moodle.
    • In Outlook:
      • For the web version: Open the calendar, select “Add calendar”, and click "Upload from file." 
      • Use the "browse" button the select the downloaded .ics file on your device. 
      • Select a calendar to upload the file to. Click "import."

Upload from file interface with options to import events from an .ics file, a dropdown to select a calendar, and Import/Discard buttons.

  • For the desktop version Open the calendar, select “Add calendar,” Import ICS, and upload the .ics file.

Screenshot of the Outlook calendar app, with Add Calendar selected and "Import ICS" outined in green.

  • Use the "browse" button the select the downloaded .ics file on your device. 
  • Select a calendar to upload the file to. Click "import."

Sync with Outlook Calendar

  • If you used the URL option, your Outlook calendar should now sync automatically with your Moodle calendar. Any new events added to Moodle will appear in your Outlook calendar.
  • If you used the .ics file, you'll need to manually import the file whenever changes occur, as it won't sync automatically.

 

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