I have used Thunderbird and Google Calendar for over 15 years. Although these two programs are most often used separately, I sometimes like being able to use them together in one place. For this, I turn to Thunderbird.
When Mozilla first introduced the ability to add Google Calendars, the process was rather cumbersome. With the latest versions of the email client, adding these calendars has been greatly simplified. In fact, it’s become so easy that the hardest part is typing in your Gmail address and giving Thunderbird permission by clicking a few buttons. There is no longer any need to locate a hidden address in Google Calendar or go through other steps.
It’s as simple as that. Let me show you.
How to Add Google Calendar to Thunderbird
You will need two things : a valid Google account and the Thunderbird email client installed on your desktop or laptop computer. That’s it that’s all. Let’s get to work. I will do this demonstration with the most recent version of Thunderbird, which I strongly advise you to update immediately (as it offers a much cleaner interface).
1. Open Thunderbird Calendar
The first thing to do is open the Thunderbird email client and click on the icon Diary at the top right of the application window.
The quickest way to access Thunderbird’s Calendar feature is to click the Calendar icon in the upper left corner of the application. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
2. Create a new calendar
In the lower left corner of Thunderbird you will see New diary. Click on it to create the calendar.
Adding a new calendar is done in the lower left corner of the Thunderbird Calendar window. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
3. Select a network calendar
In the window that appears, select On the network and click Following.
You can create local or remote calendars in Thunderbird. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
4. Add your Gmail address
In the next window, type your Gmail address as your username. Thunderbird will automatically fill the location. Once you have done that, click Search calendars.
Use your Gmail address as your username. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
5. Log in to Google
A new window will appear, allowing you to sign in to the Gmail account you intend to use. In this window, type your Gmail address and click Following. After logging into Google, you will be prompted to click To allow to give Thunderbird the necessary permissions.
Make sure you select the correct Gmail address (if you have multiple accounts). Jack Wallen/ZDNET
6. Select your calendar
In the last window of the Add Calendar Wizard, select only the calendar(s) you want to add to Thunderbird, then click Subscribe. Thunderbird will then start syncing your Google Calendar. Depending on how many entries you have in your calendar, this may take a while, so be patient while syncing.
And that’s all you need to do to add your Google Calendar to Thunderbird. If you prefer to manage your email and calendar in one place, this may be what you’re looking for.
Source: “ZDNet.com”