How to Convert XLS Into Outlook VCS Files
By Geoff Whiting
Sometimes it’s easier to record and organize event information in Microsoft Excel, but few calendar programs can read older XLS files. Excel gives you the option to save this file in other formats, such as a CSV file. Many free programs available on the Web can convert this file type to the vCalendar Event File, or VCS, that you need for Microsoft Outlook or other calendar programs. Podnova's Opal-Convert supports a multitude of filetype conversions but costs roughly $40 as of November 2013. ABC Amber iCalendar Converter is a free program that can convert your XLS files into multiple formats, but it truly shines when converting VCS files to other types, which may help you move information between Outlook and Excel. The CSV Converter from Kioskea will convert your files for free for 30 days and features a very simple conversion process and the option to convert multiple files at once.
Step 1
Visit the website for your preferred file converter, such as Kioskea, Free Download Manager, or Podnova, to download and install a program that converts CSV to VCS files (links in Resources).
Step 2
Open the XLS file you want to convert in Excel. Click the “File” tab and then “Save As.”
Step 3
Select “CSV (Comma Delimited)” from the Save as type menu and click “Save.”
Step 4
Open your preferred file converter. Click “Open” and select your CSV file.
Step 5
Click the “Save As” or “Export” button and select the .vcs extension from the Save as type menu. Click “Save” to create your new VCS file that can now be imported into Outlook.
References
Tips
- The XLS format is used by versions prior to Excel 2007 so steps may be different for newer filetypes such as the XLSX.
- Microsoft's Outlook calendar can import some events and dates directly from XLSX spreadsheets.
Writer Bio
Geoff Whiting is a writer and copy editor who has specialized in business technology, consumer electronics and research reports since 2007. He has written for national magazines like "American Shipper" and "BIC Magazine," has written daily news articles for FierceMarkets, and has crafted research reports for Rider Research, Intel and Spotify.