8 Google Calendar Hacks to Try

Having a scheduling system, like a virtual calendar, can be great for productivity. You can be more organized and on-task with a functioning online calendar like Google’s. However, this software app has so many features that you might not know about some. Here are eight Google Calendar hacks you might not be aware of but are worth trying.

1. Create Multiple Schedules in One

Google’s system allows you to have more than one schedule within the same calendar. That means you can separate different kinds of tasks so they’re more easily distinguishable from another. For example, you could create two different schedules — one for work and one for personal appointments. When you put items in your calendar, you can choose which schedule it falls under.

In other words, you’ll be able to more easily see a task’s category with just a glance. This is thanks to the system’s ability to change the color of each schedule within your calendar. Plus, there are multiple colors to choose from, so you can use all your favorites. Simply hover over a schedule’s icon on the left-hand side of the screen, then click the three dots that appear. The color options will pop up, and you can click which one you want.

Additionally, you can make all these different schedules overlay on the calendar. This means you can see all of them at the same time. However, you also have the option to look at specific schedules separately. This can be helpful if you need to find a particular event or event on your calendar. To choose which schedules to see on the calendar, click the box to the left of the schedule’s name under “My Calendars.”

2. Use the Tasks Feature

Many people like to use Google Calendar to lay out their project deadline schedule in a calendar format. However, creating an event in your calendar might not allow for enough detail a deadline reminder requires. Additionally, some of these projects might have multiple steps that you want to spread out. This is where using Tasks can be particularly helpful.

Google Calendar’s Tasks feature is similar to creating an event on your calendar. However, it works differently because it has more options for adding details and organizing your virtual workspace. You can even check off the Task once it’s completed, and you’ll get a little congratulatory message from Google. Talk about an incentive to stay motivated!

To use Tasks, click on the blue checkmark icon on the right-hand side of the main calendar screen. Click “Add a task,” and you can type in your to-do list and all its information, including its deadline time. Organize your Tasks by creating Lists to file these Tasks away like virtual file folders. Click on the star next to individual Tasks to highlight its importance.

Additionally, take advantage of the Subtasks feature. One project might have multiple steps, but you want to keep it together as one item on your list. To do this, create a task like usual, then click the three dots to the right of it. Select “add a subtask,” and you can start typing in each project step. This will make individual subtasks that you can individually check off within one big task. This feature is for you if you find a sense of accomplishment in checking things off a list.

3. Use Shortcuts

If you use your Google Calendar for work, then you’ll probably want to find ways to make using it more efficient. Sometimes you need to access your schedule quickly and add new events. Luckily, Google has created many keyboard shortcuts that can lessen the time required to do specific tasks.

First of all, opening up the calendar itself requires clicking through multiple buttons, and it takes even longer to create a new event. However, if you’re in a rush, you can access your schedule faster. If you use Google Chrome as your browser, type “cal.new” into the browser search bar. After pressing the enter key, your Google Calendar will automatically pop into the “create event” window.

There are also many keyboard shortcuts to use once you’re already in your calendar. Here are just a few that can maximize productivity:

• Day view: d
• Week view: w
• Month view: m
• Create event: c
• Event details: e

These keyboard shortcuts exist so you can work smarter, not harder. Give them a try and see how they can quicken up the pace of your workday.

4. Share Your Calendar with Others

It’s important to let others have access to your schedule, especially coworkers or friends. This can make planning events or meetings much easier because they’ll be able to see when you’re available. No more playing phone tag to set up a meeting!

Luckily, sharing your calendar with others is simple to do. Go into Settings, then click on the calendar you want to share under the “Settings for My Calendars” tab on the left. This will open the settings for that specific calendar. Scroll down to the “Share with specific people or groups” heading, then type in the email addresses of everyone you want to share with. If you’d instead send people a link, click…