Display iCal feeds via a Google Calendar with matching event times

The Finalsite iCal feed adheres to the Form #1 of the 4.3.5 Date-Time standard specification, ensuring "floating" date and time functionality. This means that events will display at the same hour and minute regardless of the user's time zone. This article will help you understand what this means and what the implications might be for your particular setup.

In this Article

• What is Form #1 of the 4.3.5 Date-Time standard specification for iCal feeds?
• What does "floating" date and time mean?
• Why is Google Calendar different?
• Where will this feed work?
• What do I do if I still want to use Google Calendar with iCal Feeds?

What is Form #1 of the 4.3.5 Date-Time standard specification for iCal feeds?

A specification is a document that functions as a recipe for a function or feature that can be used by multiple services.

• iCal feeds, for example, can be used by Google, Finalsite, iOS devices, Windows devices, Android phones, and many more.
• All of the various corporations which own and operate those platforms agree - in theory - to abide by the rules and procedures spelled out in the specification.
• In fact, usually the specifications are written in the first place by representatives of various companies and other interested parties coming together in a committee.)

What does "floating" date and time mean?

Finalsite's iCal feed complies to the Form#1 of the 4.3.5 Date-Time standard specification, This means that the same hour and minute value will be held for an event being pulled in through an iCal feed regardless of which time zone is currently being observed. For example, if you have an event that is at 10:00AM - 11:00AM every day, then no matter which time zone the person is in who is using the iCal feed, the event will still appear at 10:00AM - 11:00AM.

Why is Google Calendar different?

Google does not seem to be following the standard iCal specs for "floating" date and time. When Google interprets these iCal feeds, it tries to accommodate for time zones but cannot do this successfully, causing undesirable results. There have been others (outside of Finalsite) that have reported this same issue to Google, but as it stands currently, Google has not changed their format to follow the standard 4.3.5 Form#1 iCal feed specification.

While this standard is widely supported by platforms like iCal, Yahoo, and Outlook, Google Calendar does not fully comply, leading to issues with time zone adjustments. Users who wish to use Google Calendar with iCal feeds should utilize the specific Google iCal URL provided by Finalsite for optimal performance.

Where will this feed work?

This feed will work correctly in iCal, Yahoo, Outlook, and other calendar programs that support iCal.

What do I do if I still want to use Google Calendar with iCal Feeds?

If you are going to continue to use Google Calendar for pulling in iCal feeds, then please be sure to use the Google iCal URL menu item that Finalsite provides, instead of the standard iCal URL.