Create-an-Add-to-Outlook-link

An “Add to Outlook” hyperlink can be useful especially when creating Calendar DataPages.  This article shows how you can create an iCalendar format file (.ics) and link it to a record using a File field.  This article assumes that you have already created a Calendar DataPage and are using a Submission Form to add new records to the Calendar DataPage’s base table.

Steps to creating an “Add to Outlook” hyperlink:

1.  Create a meeting in Outlook

Create a meeting in Outlook with no attendees.  Schedule the appointment as you would normally.  You can also add reoccurrence and categories.  Attachments can be included in this meeting, but be aware that they will be transferred through Caspio and affect your data transfer allowance.  For very large files you should provide a link to a copy of the file hosted on your web server.

Using the Save As button select the iCalendar format type and save the resulting .ics file to your local computer.

2.  Add a File field to your table

If you don’t already have a File field associated with the records in your Calendar DataPage's base table you can add one at any time.

1. In the Caspio Bridge Explorer window go to the Tables view.
2. Select the base table and open the Design view by clicking the Design button.
3. Add a field to the field list by typing a field name in the last available row.
4. Select File as the data type.
5. Close the table and click Yes to save when prompted.

3.  Include the File field in the Submission Form to add new records to your Calendar

Whenever a new record is created for your Calendar DataPage can associate an iCalendar file with that record.

1. Go to the DataPages view and select the Submission Form used to add records to your Calendar DataPage’s base table.
2. Open the DataPage wizard by clicking the Edit button.
3. Proceed to the Select Fields screen.
4. Move the File field to the right-hand panel using the arrow button.
5. Press Next and configure the File DataPage element as needed.

4.  Create the “Add to Outlook” link in the Calendar

Now we will add a link to download the iCalendar file.

1. Select your Calendar DataPage and open the DataPage wizard by pressing the Edit button.
2. Proceed to the Select Fields screen.
3. Move the File field to the right-hand panel and click Next.
4. Select the File field in the DataPage Elements panel.
5. To remove the label, change it to " " to display an empty space.
6. Select Display as File from the Field Options radio buttons.
7. Click Enable Custom Hyperlink Text and type “Add to Outlook”

Please note: This article uses external HTML, JavaScript, or third-party solutions to add functionality outside of Caspio Bridge's standard feature set. These solutions are provided "as is" without warranty, support or guarantee. The code within this article is provided as a sample to assist you in the customization of your web applications. You may need a basic understanding of HTML and JavaScript to implement successfully.