Chapter 16 · 16.9
Outlook and Nextcloud calendar side by side
Do you work with Outlook, for example for your mail, but still want your calendar in your WebOké Nextcloud? There are two ways to do this. Decide in advance which calendar is the main one, so you don't end up keeping everything twice.
Two methods compared
| CalDav Synchronizer | Subscription via a link | |
|---|---|---|
| Works in | Outlook for Windows (the classic program) | Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, the new Outlook and Outlook for Mac |
| Viewing | Yes | Yes |
| Changing in Outlook and syncing back to Nextcloud | Yes, both ways | No, read only |
| How quickly do you see changes? | After a few minutes (adjustable) | Outlook refreshes itself, sometimes only after hours |
| What do you need? | The free add-in and an app password | A public link to your calendar |
| Explanation | Calendar in Outlook with CalDav Synchronizer | Below |
Method 1: two-way sync with CalDav Synchronizer
This is the best choice if you want to create and change appointments in Outlook. The add-in keeps a separate calendar folder in Outlook in sync with your Nextcloud calendar. You'll find a step-by-step guide to setting it up in Calendar in Outlook with CalDav Synchronizer.
Tip: have the add-in sync to a new, empty calendar folder in Outlook, not to your existing Outlook calendar. This way, you won't lose anything and you'll see your Nextcloud calendar as a separate calendar alongside your other calendars.
Method 2: view only with a subscription
- In your WebOké Nextcloud, open the Calendar app, hover your mouse over the calendar and click the pencil icon, or click the three dots and then Edit and share calendar.
- Create a public link with the plus icon next to Share link and choose Copy subscription link from the menu next to the link (see Sharing, publishing and embedding calendars in your website).
- In Outlook on the web or the new Outlook: go to the calendar, choose Add calendar and then Subscribe from web. Paste the link and give the calendar a name. In the classic Outlook for Windows, choose Add Calendar in the calendar and then From Internet.
Please note: with a public link, anyone who has the link can view your calendar. So only use this for a calendar without private information, or create a separate calendar for what others are allowed to see. The link stops working as soon as you delete it in your Nextcloud.
Tips to avoid double work
- Choose one place to create appointments. If you create your appointments in your Nextcloud calendar (in the browser, on your phone or via CalDav Synchronizer), they'll show up correctly everywhere.
- Do you work for a company with Microsoft 365 or Exchange? Then your Exchange calendar remains a separate calendar. Invitations from colleagues in Exchange arrive there, not in your Nextcloud. Don't sync both calendars to each other, as this will create duplicate appointments.
- Time zone. Is an appointment off by an hour? Check the time zone in Outlook and in your Nextcloud's calendar settings (see Calendar: views, making appointments, repeating and reminders).
- Invitations. Whether an invitation is sent from Outlook or from your Nextcloud depends on where you create the appointment. See Appointment invitations that don't arrive.