Format Atlas

Guides

Choose a calendar or contact file format

Use ICS to import events into a calendar, VCF for contact apps, and CSV when you need to edit a list as a table.

Which format should you choose?

Choose by the role each file plays in your workflow.

  • Events for a calendar app → ICS
  • People for a contacts app → VCF
  • Lists to edit in a spreadsheet → CSV
  • Before conversion → keep the source data

Test imports in the destination app

ICS and VCF are designed for supported apps. Check event time zones and recurrence, and whether multiple phone numbers and addresses survive contact import.

Protect personal data and prevent duplicates

Events and contacts can contain personal information. Check recipients and storage locations, back up existing data, and test imports before loading a full set.

Formats to consider

iCalendar

Good for: Importing events, tasks, or availability into calendars

Less suitable for: Managing only a simple tabular list

vCard

Good for: Importing names and phone numbers into contact apps

Less suitable for: Managing complex customer records in bulk

CSV

Good for: Editing event or contact lists as tables

Less suitable for: Preserving calendar- or contact-specific fields

Before you export

  • Back up existing data before import.
  • Check recipients and storage for files containing personal data.

Related comparisons

ICS vs CSVICS represents calendar events and scheduling data with fields for dates, recurrence, time zones, and other event details. CSV stores rows and columns, so calendar applications may require a specific column layout and mapping to import it.VCF vs CSVVCF is used to exchange contact records, while CSV represents tabular data. Choose based on whether contacts will be imported into an address book or organized and processed as a list.CSV vs XLSXCSV exchanges plain table values. XLSX is a spreadsheet file that can retain formulas, formatting, and multiple sheets.

Guides

Choosing a Data Exchange FormatStart with the receiving system's specification. Use JSON for structured API data, XML where an integration requires its schema, and CSV for a single table.Choosing a Spreadsheet Exchange FormatUse CSV to exchange values in a single table. Choose XLSX when the recipient needs formulas, formatting, or multiple worksheets.Verifying calendar and contact data with a trial importAfter choosing a format, check time interpretation, recurrence, contact fields and duplicate handling in a test environment before migrating existing data.

References and specifications