How the iCal format works

iCal is a file format that allows events to be imported into a calendar. This format is supported by many applications, including Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Apple Calendar, and Mozilla Thunderbird. It enables both a one-time import of events and a calendar subscription - in that case, all changes in the source calendar will be automatically updated in the target calendar.

The iCal format itself is based on the RFC 5545 standard. Each event includes, among other things, the start date, end date, name, location, and optional additional information.

iCal in Green Work Schedule

When a schedule is created in Green Work Schedule, an employee can load the schedule (their own or the entire company's) into their calendar, for example on their phone. They will then be able to see when they are due to come to work, such as on the lock screen of their phone.

Practical advantages

• easy import into popular calendar apps,
• automatic updates after schedule changes,
• ability to track work dates alongside other events,

In addition, the iCal calendar is especially useful for people working irregular hours, because it makes it easy to view their schedules in one place alongside other important dates, such as meetings, birthdays, or planned trips.