ICS File
What are ICS files and how to open them
Are you having problems opening an ICS file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.
What is an ICS file?
ICS files have multiple uses, and Calendar Entry is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.
Calendar Entry File
Files that contain the .ics file extension are created by a variety of calendar and scheduling applications. .ics files are also referred to as vCalendar files and are most commonly used to send meeting requests to participants, who can have the meeting date automatically entered into their calendar when accepting the request.
The files are text files that can be inspected with any text editor.
Storing a .ics file on your website makes it possible to have, e.g., event dates easily entered into visitor calendars by having them click the file link.
Some of the applications that use the .ics file extension include Apple's iCalendar, IBM Lotus Notes, and Microsoft's Outlook email and calendar application.
How to open ICS files
We have identified two ICS openers that are compatible with this specific type of ICS file.
Programs that open Calendar Entry files
![]() | Microsoft Outlook | Verified |
![]() | IBM Lotus Notes/Domino | Verified |
Last updated: December 27, 2022
More file formats using the ICS extension
Through our research of ICS files, we know that the following formats exist. However, we have not yet analyzed them in detail.
- Image Cytometry Standard Header
- IronCAD 3D Scene
Various apps that use files with this extension
These apps are known to open certain types of ICS files. Remember, different programs may use ICS files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.
![]() | Microsoft Office | User submitted |
![]() | VueMinder | User submitted |
![]() | Imagine | User submitted |
![]() | Mozilla Thunderbird | User submitted |
![]() | OpenOffice.org Base | User submitted |
![]() | Lotus Notes | User submitted |
![]() | IrfanView | User submitted |
![]() | Adobe Acrobat | User submitted |
![]() | Citrix ICA Client | User submitted |
![]() | eM Client | User submitted |
Help us help others
File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about ICS file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.
Not sure exactly what type of file you are trying to open? Try our new File Analyzer. It is a free tool that can identify more than 11,000 different kinds of files - most likely yours too! It will help you find software that can handle your specific type of file. Download File Analyzer here.