The iCalendar file format is specified in a proposed Internet standard (RFC 5545) for calendar data exchange. The standard and file type are sometimes referred to as “iCal”. iCalendar data have the MIME content type text/calendar. The filename extension of .ics is to be used for files containing calendaring and scheduling information.
The “.ical” file extension may not be associated with iCalendar files by default. However, you should be able to open them in any supporting iCalendar application, such as Apple Calendar or Google Calendar.
iCalendar format is compatible with software that can be installed on Mac OS, Web, Windows platforms. Files with .ical extension are categorized as Misc Files. Microsoft Outlook supports .ical files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files.
The .ical file extension is used by operating systems to recognize files with iCalendar content. The .ical file extension is a calendar file saved in a universal calendar format, used by email and calendar programs, including Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, and Apple Calendar. It enables users to publish and share calendar information on the Web and over email.