How to properly configure and synchronize iCal with Google Calendar

The combination of Google Calendar with iCal that incorporates the familiar Mac OS X was not easy until recently. The launch in Leopard iCal 3.x and the inclusion of CalDAV protocol by Google in its implementation, we allowed the two-way communication of information between both systems.

Gone are the days when we had to resort to third-party software to get the timing would work, of course not paying and those applications were free, as Pedro Santamaria told us almost two years ago. Google released its own free application for Mac, called “Calaboration” to make it compatible with iCal CalDAV protocol. A very simple and useful program, that you also discussed in Applesfera, but it was still an addition to get something that should be easier. These days it is not necessary to complicate life so much, lets see how to configure it without downloading any new application and, of course, completely free. ICal, configuring Google’s CalDAV account (# ) The process is easy. Open iCal and go to Preferences / Accounts / Click the plus sign (+). This will open a window to set as you see above. In the list of Account Type “choose” Google “, but in reality, it is immaterial whether we choose” Automatic “or” CalDAV “. The system detects that our type of account uses the CalDAV protocol and self-configures to work. Are now entering the section “Delegation” (always in iCal preferences) and we will be shown all the associated schedules ourselves. We selected those who want to show and close the window. When finished, view iCal calendars updated with information from Google calendars. This indicates that synchronization is already on, remember, in bidirectional sense. This means that if we add a task on a schedule of our Gmail account in iCal will automatically appear in the online version of Google Calendar. Some considerations If you look at the calendar list, your primary calendar “hangs” from your Google account, while the rest of you to be associated calendars appear as “delegates”. What does this mean? Simply that the CalDAV protocol can only establish a schedule as principal, and considering that the rest are calendars that have allowed us access, I’ve marked in red in the picture above. Another consideration that you must remember is that the CalDAV protocol does not synchronize the colors you have in Google Calendar, iCal will not replicate what you see in the online version but consecutive assigned colors automatically. Can I change it? Of course, just from iCal you have to go to the calendar you please modify the list, right click on it and prick “Get Info”. A window will allow you to change the color, and can allocate you have in Google Calendar is easier if you understand. Please note also that synchronization only works within calendars selected as delegates, or the principal, but we can not “create” calendars in iCal and that we appear in Google Calendar. This must be done in reverse, is created in Google Calendar and then in Preferences / Delegates charges. I hope this entry, along with what we saw on Wednesday to set up and synchronize your Google Calendar on the iPhone will be of utility. Do not think that calendars are bored or have no use for you: You can use them to organize quedadas, events, select the best day for a gathering of friends and a thousand other things you can discover for yourselves. Finally , and since we are talking about calendars, I recommend that you visit the Apple website with timetables for downloading a multitude of events, festivals, etc: iCal Calendars. In Applesfera | How to properly configure and synchronize Google Calendar iPhone / iPod touch