Get Organized: How to Put a Calendar Directly on Your Desktop

In today’s fast-paced world, staying organized is more crucial than ever. Juggling appointments, deadlines, and social events can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have a reliable system in place. While many rely on their smartphones or online calendars, having a desktop calendar can offer a more immediate and visually accessible way to manage your schedule. A desktop calendar keeps your appointments and deadlines front and center, helping you stay on track without constantly switching between applications or devices. This article will guide you through several methods to get a calendar right on your desktop, catering to various operating systems and user preferences.

Why Have a Calendar on Your Desktop?

Before diving into the “how-to,” let’s consider why having a calendar on your desktop can be beneficial:

• Constant Visibility: Unlike a calendar app or a physical planner, a desktop calendar is always visible, reminding you of upcoming events as you work on your computer.
• Improved Productivity: By having your schedule readily available, you can better allocate your time and avoid conflicts. This increased awareness of your commitments can significantly boost productivity.
• Easy Access: You don’t need to open a separate program or pull out your phone. Your calendar is right there, available with a single glance.
• Customization: Many desktop calendar solutions offer customization options, allowing you to tailor the appearance and information displayed to your liking.
• Reduced Distractions: By using a desktop calendar, you can minimize the need to check your phone, potentially reducing distractions and helping you focus on your tasks.

Methods for Adding a Calendar to Your Desktop

There are several ways to get a calendar on your desktop, each with its own set of features and advantages. Let’s explore some of the most common and effective methods:

Method 1: Using Built-in Operating System Features (Windows)

Windows offers several ways to display a calendar directly on your desktop. The most straightforward method involves using widgets:

Step 1: Enable Widgets

Windows 11 introduced a new widgets panel, which can be accessed from the taskbar. You may need to click on the widget icon on the taskbar to activate it. If you are using Windows 10 you will need to enable ‘News and Interests’, which can be enabled by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting ‘News and Interests’ and then ‘Show Icon and Text’.

Step 2: Add a Calendar Widget

Once the widgets are activated in Windows 11, hover over the widgets panel. Then click the three dots in the top right corner and choose ‘Add Widgets’. Then scroll down the list until you see the ‘Calendar’ widget and click the plus sign (+) in the top right corner. This will add the calendar to your active widgets panel. In Windows 10, once the News and Interests panel is displayed click on the Calendar icon in the top right corner of the panel. In both versions of windows the calendar will display a small, interactive calendar, which is the first step to getting it on the desktop.

Step 3: Pin the Calendar to your Desktop

Unfortunately, neither Windows 10 nor Windows 11 natively support pinning widgets directly to the desktop. The calendar can be kept visible by clicking the widget icon every time the computer is turned on, but this is not quite the same as having it embedded directly on your desktop. However, you can use third-party apps (described below) to place the calendar directly on your desktop.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Calendar Applications (Windows & macOS)

For users who want a more robust and customizable calendar experience, there are numerous third-party applications available. These apps often offer more features than the built-in widgets, such as event synchronization, multiple calendar views, and theme options. Here are some popular options:

Rainmeter (Windows)

Rainmeter is a powerful desktop customization tool that allows you to create and display a wide range of information on your desktop, including calendars. While it requires some initial setup, the results are highly customizable and visually appealing.

Step 1: Download and Install Rainmeter

Download Rainmeter from the official website (rainmeter.net) and follow the installation instructions. The install is pretty straightforward, you should always download this software directly from the official source for safety.

Step 2: Find a Calendar Skin

Rainmeter works using ‘skins,’ which are downloadable layouts for various features. There are several available online that you can find through a simple search on google, a popular site for Rainmeter skins is deviantART. Look for a calendar skin that you like and download it. Make sure to verify any downloads, or get skins from well known sources to prevent malware risks.

Step 3: Install the Skin

Once the skin is downloaded, you usually need to extract the files to the Rainmeter skin directory (typically located at Documents\Rainmeter\Skins). Double click the extracted ‘.rmskin’ file. Rainmeter will open a prompt and you will need to press ‘install’ button on the prompt. You can use the ‘load skin’ dropdown button to select the skin after this process.

Step 4: Load and Position the Calendar

Right-click the Rainmeter icon in your system tray (usually found in the bottom right corner of the screen), and go to ‘Skins.’ Navigate to the folder where you installed your calendar skin, click on the correct layout to activate it. Then, you should be able to see a calendar on your desktop, and by clicking on the skin you will be able to move it around and reposition it.

Step 5: Configure and Customize

Many Rainmeter skins come with configurable options. You may be able to set the colors, fonts, sizes, event tracking and other options of the calendar, typically these will be found by right-clicking the skin and selecting ‘Edit Settings’

Widget Launcher Apps (Windows & macOS)

Several applications aim to bring a desktop widgets experience to Windows and macOS. These apps allow you to select widgets from a variety of sources, including a calendar widget.

Popular Widget Launcher Apps:

• Desktopcal (Windows): Offers a range of calendar widgets with customizable options. This program will place a working calendar on your desktop that you can customize.
• Flotato (macOS): Allows you to turn any website into an app-like widget, so you can have a calendar from a web calendar site, on your desktop.
• Yummy (macOS): Offers a wide range of customisable widgets, including a calendar, that can be placed directly on your desktop.

Step-by-Step Example (Desktopcal):

These instructions will focus on Desktopcal, for other applications like Flotato and Yummy the steps will be similar, the main difference will be the interface of the program and how to add widgets.

Step 1: Download and Install: Download and install Desktopcal from the official website, making sure that you download directly from the source. Follow the onscreen instructions and installation.

Step 2: Launch the Application: Launch the application, and locate the calendar widget. Desktopcal will typically show some default calendars, but you can search through available calendar layouts. Find one you like and click the add (+) button to place it on the desktop.

Step 3: Customize the Calendar: Desktopcal allows you to adjust the appearance of the calendar in a number of ways, you can typically access these settings by right-clicking on the calendar widget. You can choose the colour, font size, layout, event tracking, amongst other settings.

Step 4: Position the Calendar: You can drag the calendar widget around the desktop and position it where you wish.

Method 3: Using Web-Based Calendars and Desktop Integration

If you primarily use web-based calendars like Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar, you can integrate them with your desktop.

Using Browser Extensions

Many browser extensions can display your calendar on your desktop or provide quick access to it. Popular extensions include:

• Checker Plus for Google Calendar (Chrome/Firefox): Allows you to view your Google Calendar from a small pop-up window directly on your desktop.
• Calendar for Google (Chrome): Provides a widget-style view of your Google Calendar. This can be minimised to not interfere with the workflow on the desktop, but it can be accessed quickly.
• Outlook Calendar Extension (Chrome/Edge): Provides access to the Outlook calendar from a single button on the browser

Step-by-Step Example (Checker Plus for Google Calendar):

These instructions will focus on the Checker Plus for Google Calendar, for other browser extensions the steps will be similar, the main difference will be the interface of the program and how to add widgets.

Step 1: Install the Extension: Go to the Chrome Web Store (or Firefox Add-ons) and search for ‘Checker Plus for Google Calendar’. Install the extension.

Step 2: Configure the Extension: After installation, the extension will add an icon to your browser toolbar. Click the icon and sign in to your Google account if prompted. Then you will need to configure the pop-up window behaviour so that it always opens in the top, or on another location of the desktop.

Step 3: Use the Calendar: Click the extension icon, and the calendar will pop up, allowing you to view your appointments and make changes directly, without opening the google calendar webpage.

Creating a Shortcut to Your Calendar

You can also create a shortcut to your web-based calendar that you can place on your desktop.

Step 1: Open Your Web Calendar

Go to your preferred web calendar (e.g., Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar) in your web browser.

Step 2: Create a Desktop Shortcut

Chrome: In the browser menu, select ‘More Tools,’ then ‘Create Shortcut.’ Choose a name for the shortcut and tick ‘Open as Window.’ Click ‘Create’ to create a shortcut on your desktop.

Firefox: Drag the URL from the address bar onto your desktop. You may need to right-click the shortcut and select ‘Open as Window’ to allow it to be viewed like a standalone calendar.

Edge: In the browser menu, select ‘More Tools,’ then ‘Pin to Start or Taskbar’ and you can place this app onto your desktop and it will function similarly to the other browser extensions.

Step 3: Position and Use the Shortcut

Move the shortcut icon to your preferred location on the desktop. Clicking it will open your web calendar in a separate window.

Method 4: For macOS Users: Using Built-in Calendar Widget and Third-Party Tools

macOS doesn’t offer direct desktop widgets in the same way as some other operating systems. However, there are a few effective methods to achieve a desktop calendar on macOS:

Using the Notification Center

macOS has a Notification Center, which can display a calendar. Although not directly on the desktop, it’s easily accessible.

Step 1: Open the Notification Center

Click on the date and time in the top-right corner of your screen, or swipe from the right edge of the trackpad to the left to open the Notification Center.

Step 2: Add the Calendar Widget

If it’s not already present, you may need to add the calendar widget. Scroll to the bottom of the Notification Center and click ‘Edit Widgets.’ Find the Calendar widget and click the plus (+) button to add it to the Notification Center.

Step 3: Access the Calendar

The calendar will now be visible in the Notification Center. This won’t be permanently visible on your desktop, but it does offer very fast access to the calendar.

Third-Party Apps for macOS

Similar to Windows, macOS has several third-party applications that allow you to place a calendar directly on your desktop. Some popular options include:

• Itsycal: A minimalist calendar app that lives in the menu bar, but it also offers the option to create a desktop widget.
• Fantastical: A feature-rich calendar app that also offers a desktop widget.
• Day-O: A calendar app that displays a monthly calendar on the desktop, and in the menu bar.

Step-by-Step Example (Itsycal):

These instructions will focus on Itsycal, for other applications like Fantastical and Day-O the steps will be similar, the main difference will be the interface of the program and how to add widgets.

Step 1: Download and Install: Download and install Itsycal from the official website or the Mac App Store. Make sure to verify any downloads, or download directly from official sources to ensure software safety. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete installation.

Step 2: Launch the Application: Launch Itsycal, and locate the setting for desktop widgets. The icon for the calendar will appear in the menu bar, click on it, and you should see the preferences window on the settings.

Step 3: Configure and Position the Desktop Widget: Itsycal allows you to adjust the appearance of the desktop calendar, including size, colours, position, event tracking, amongst other settings. Go to the preferences and select ‘Desktop Widget’. The settings for the desktop widget can now be configured as described above.

Step 4: Activate the Widget: After you have configured the widget settings, click ‘Activate’ for the desktop widget. The widget will appear on your desktop, in the location configured, and will remain there after you shut the application, as the widget runs in the background.

Choosing the Right Method for You

The best method for getting a calendar on your desktop will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some considerations:

• Operating System: Windows, macOS, and other operating systems may have different built-in features and available third-party applications. Make sure to choose a method that is compatible with your operating system.
• Customization: If you want a highly customizable calendar, Rainmeter, Desktopcal and other third-party apps offer extensive customization options, such as theme settings, size options and event tracking.
• Simplicity: If you prefer a simpler setup, using built-in widgets, browser extensions, or creating a shortcut to your web calendar may be sufficient.
• Integration: If you already heavily rely on a particular calendar platform, such as Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar, it may be easier to find a solution that integrates directly with those platforms.
• Price: Many options described in this document are free, but some, such as Fantastical, are paid subscription apps, keep that in mind when choosing a solution.

Tips for Effective Desktop Calendar Use

Once you have a calendar on your desktop, here are some tips for using it effectively:

• Keep it Updated: Regularly update your calendar with new appointments, deadlines, and events. This is especially important when using a synced calendar, to make sure that all the devices are aligned.
• Use Reminders: Set reminders for important events so that you don’t miss anything. Many desktop calendar applications allow for this functionality.
• Customize the Appearance: Adjust the colours, fonts, and layout of your calendar to make it visually appealing and easy to read.
• Don’t Overcrowd It: Avoid overloading your calendar with too much information. Only add essential appointments and deadlines.
• Sync Across Devices: If possible, synchronize your desktop calendar with your phone and other devices so that you have a consistent view of your schedule no matter where you are.

Conclusion

Having a calendar directly on your desktop is a great way to stay organized and manage your time effectively. Whether you choose to use built-in widgets, third-party apps, or browser extensions, the key is to find a method that works best for you. By implementing the tips discussed in this article, you can maximize the benefits of a desktop calendar and streamline your daily routine. So go ahead, take the steps to get a calendar on your desktop, and watch as your productivity and organization levels soar!