Calendar export for dummies (me)

[srbNYC]

I've search online for articles explaining this, but none of them really makes it clear to me. If I want a safety backup of my calendar (after an app mishap in which a lot of my events were deleted and very difficult to restore, one by one), do I want the Export to an .ics file option or the Calendars and Reminders .icbu "Archive" file option? Which would restore my complete calendar if I needed it?

I notice that the former takes much longer to create.

Really could use some expert info/advice. Thanks.

 

[srbNYC]

Following up on this. I see this post has views but no responses. Does that mean others confused by these options, too?

Or maybe no one cares....

 

[mk313]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I looked at your query and have no idea as to the answer. I keep my calendars on iCloud & have been happy with the performance. It could just be me, but my calendar updates so frequently that creating a backup would be of very limited use.

Nonetheless, I did google it & came up with this link, which seems like it answers the question. I'd at least read it through, give whatever option seems like a better fit for you a try & see if it works:

What's the difference between iCal Export… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

 

[srbNYC]

Thanks @mk313 for responding!

It still feels like the explanations of the two alternatives are sort of the same. Trouble is, the only way to test would be to import one or the other file, and then I'm afraid I'd have a totally duplicated calendar!

 

[hobla]

Exporting to .ics results in one calendar, whose events can be imported into a new or existing calendar. Whereas the .icbu file contains a snapshot of all calendars – you can reset all calendar data to that saved state, but you can't get back single events or separate calendars from it.

 

[srbNYC]

Thank you! Better explanation than I could find anywhere!