Is There a Google Calendar App for Mac? 

GCal For Mac is a powerful tool for organising tasks, scheduling meetings, and managing time, and it's widely used by professionals and students alike. 

While Google Calendar has a dedicated app for Android and iOS, there isn’t an official Google Calendar app for macOS. This has led many Mac users to search for ways to access and use Google Calendar efficiently on their desktops.

The good news is that there are several ways to use Google Calendar on a Mac, including syncing it with Apple’s built-in Calendar app, creating a dedicated web app shortcut, or using third-party applications. In this guide, we’ll explore these methods and help you find the best solution to fit your needs.

Also Read: Sync Google Calendar With Apple

Why There’s No Official Google Calendar App for Mac?

Google has focused on web and mobile accessibility for Google Calendar, which is why there’s no standalone app for macOS. 

However, thanks to Mac's versatility and the popularity of Google Calendar, several workarounds and third-party solutions allow you to use Google Calendar seamlessly on your Mac.

Benefits of Using Google Calendar on Mac

Before diving into the methods, let’s go over a few benefits of accessing Google Calendar on your Mac:

1. Increased Productivity: A quick-access calendar allows you to check schedules and manage tasks without opening a browser.

2. Better Integration: Syncing Google Calendar with your Mac lets you integrate events across devices and apps.

3. Quick Scheduling: With your calendar on the desktop, creating and viewing events becomes faster and more convenient.

1. Using Google Calendar in Your Browser

The simplest way to access Google Calendar on your Mac is by using it in your browser. Here’s how you can make it feel more like an app:

Steps to Create a Google Calendar Shortcut

1. Open Google Calendar in your preferred browser, such as Chrome or Safari or download it from calendarformac.com

2. Create a Desktop Shortcut: In Chrome, go to the three-dot menu, then More Tools > Create Shortcut. Name it “Google Calendar” and check “Open as Window” to make it feel more like an app.

3. Pin Google Calendar in Safari or Chrome: Right-click the Google Calendar tab and select “Pin Tab.” This keeps Google Calendar open and accessible every time you start your browser.

While this method won’t give you offline functionality or a dedicated app, it’s a quick solution that makes accessing Google Calendar faster.

2. Sync Google Calendar with macOS Calendar App

MacOS comes with a built-in Calendar app that supports integration with Google Calendar for mac.

Syncing Google Calendar with Apple Calendar is easy and offers several advantages, including access to events in a native Mac environment, offline functionality, and compatibility with widgets.

How to Sync Google Calendar with macOS Calendar App

1. Open the Calendar App on your Mac.

2. Go to Calendar > Accounts in the menu.

3. Add a Google Account: Click the "+" icon, select "Google," and sign in with your Google credentials.

4. Enable Calendar Sync: Ensure the "Calendar" checkbox is selected in your Google account settings.

Your Google Calendar events will now appear in the macOS Calendar app. Any changes you make in the Apple Calendar app will sync automatically to your Google Calendar, giving you a seamless experience.

Accessing Your Synced Calendar Events with Widgets

If you’re running macOS Big Sur or later, you can add the Calendar widget to your Notification Center for quick access to upcoming events.

1. Open Notification Center: Click on the date and time in the top-right corner of the screen.

2. Add the Calendar Widget: Scroll to the bottom and select “Edit Widgets.” Choose Calendar to add it to your Notification Center.

3. Using Third-Party Google Calendar Apps for Mac

Several third-party apps bring Google Calendar to your Mac, often with added features and customization. Here are some popular options:

a. Fantastical

Fantastical is one of the most popular calendar apps for macOS, supporting integration with Google Calendar. Known for its clean design and intuitive interface, Fantastical allows you to view, create, and manage Google Calendar events.

Key Features of Fantastical

• Multiple Views: Day, week, month, and even year views for flexible scheduling.

• Reminders and Tasks: Supports Google Tasks and Apple Reminders, giving you a complete planning tool.

• Natural Language Parsing: Allows you to type event details naturally, and the app will interpret them.

To set up Google Calendar in Fantastical:

1. Download and open Fantastical from the Mac App Store.

2. Go to Settings > Accounts and add your Google account.

3. Make sure the calendar sync is enabled.

Fantastical offers a free version with limited functionality and a subscription-based premium version for full access.

Also Read: Gcal For Mac

b. BusyCal

BusyCal is another powerful calendar app for Mac that supports Google Calendar integration. It’s known for its advanced customization options, allowing you to personalize your calendar’s appearance and functionality.

Key Features of BusyCal

• Customizable Views: Choose from day, week, month, and list views.

• Weather Forecasts: View weather forecasts within your calendar to help plan your day.

• Smart Filters: Create custom filters for specific types of events.

To integrate Google Calendar with BusyCal:

1. Download BusyCal from the Mac App Store.

2. Open the app, go to Settings > Accounts, and add your Google account.

3. Enable calendar sync, and your Google Calendar events will appear.

BusyCal offers a one-time purchase option rather than a subscription, which some users may prefer over subscription-based apps.

Also Read: Google Calendar For Mac

3. Using Third-Party Google Calendar Apps for Mac

Several third-party apps bring Google Calendar to your Mac, often with added features and customization. Here are some popular options:

a. Fantastical

Fantastical is one of the most popular calendar apps for macOS, supporting integration with Google Calendar. Known for its clean design and intuitive interface, Fantastical allows you to view, create, and manage Google Calendar events.

Key Features of Fantastical

• Multiple Views: Day, week, month, and even year views for flexible scheduling.

• Reminders and Tasks: Supports Google Tasks and Apple Reminders, giving you a complete planning tool.

• Natural Language Parsing: Allows you to type event details naturally, and the app will interpret them.

To set up Google Calendar in Fantastical:

1. Download and open Fantastical from the Mac App Store.

2. Go to Settings > Accounts and add your Google account.

3. Make sure the calendar sync is enabled.

Fantastical offers a free version with limited functionality and a subscription-based premium version for full access.

Also Read: How To Share Google Calendar on iPhone

b. BusyCal

BusyCal is another powerful calendar app for Mac that supports Google Calendar integration. It’s known for its advanced customization options, allowing you to personalize your calendar’s appearance and functionality.

Key Features of BusyCal

• Customizable Views: Choose from day, week, month, and list views.

• Weather Forecasts: View weather forecasts within your calendar to help plan your day.

• Smart Filters: Create custom filters for specific types of events.

To integrate Google Calendar with BusyCal:

1. Download BusyCal from the Mac App Store.

2. Open the app, go to Settings > Accounts, and add your Google account.

3. Enable calendar sync, and your Google Calendar events will appear.

BusyCal offers a one-time purchase option rather than a subscription, which some users may prefer over subscription-based apps.

c. Calendar 366

Calendar 366 is a lightweight app that provides a quick view of your Google Calendar from your Mac’s menu bar. If you need an at-a-glance view of your events without the bells and whistles, Calendar 366 is a simple and effective option.

Key Features of Calendar 366

• Menu Bar Access: Shows your Google Calendar events in a drop-down menu.

• Simple and Lightweight: Minimal interface that focuses on event display.

• Customization: Lets you adjust colors, themes, and display preferences.

Calendar 366 is a great choice if you prefer a streamlined, straightforward approach to viewing Google Calendar events on your Mac.

4. Use the Apple Calendar App’s Web Clip Feature (for Older macOS Versions)

If you’re running an older macOS version that still supports the Dashboard feature, you can add Google Calendar as a “Web Clip” widget.

Steps to Add Google Calendar as a Web Clip in Dashboard

1. Open Safari and navigate to Google Calendar.

2. Create a Web Clip: Go to File > Open in Dashboard, then select the area of the Google Calendar page you want to view.

3. Save the Clip: This creates a widget on your Dashboard, which you can access anytime.

This method is less common now that macOS has phased out Dashboard in newer versions, but it can still work on older Macs.

5. Set Up Google Calendar Notifications on Your Mac

If you don’t need to view the full calendar but want to stay on top of your events, enabling Google Calendar notifications on your Mac can be helpful. Here’s how to do it:

How to Enable Google Calendar Notifications in Your Browser

1. Open Google Calendar in your browser (preferably Chrome).

2. Go to Settings > Event Settings and select “Browser Notifications.”

3. Allow notifications when prompted by your browser.

This setting enables pop-up notifications for upcoming events, so you’re always reminded of your schedule, even without a dedicated app.

Also Read: Gcal For Mac

Conclusion

Although there isn’t an official Google Calendar app for Mac, these methods can help you get the most out of Google Calendar on your desktop. Whether you choose to sync with the native Calendar app, create a shortcut, or use a third-party app like Fantastical or BusyCal, you can enjoy the benefits of Google Calendar without the hassle of constantly switching between devices or tabs.

Each option offers unique features, so try a few methods to see which one fits best into your workflow. Once set up, you’ll find it easier than ever to stay organized and manage your time effectively.