Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Why Sync Dolibarr with Google Calendar?

  3. Use Cases for Google Calendar Integration

  4. Prerequisites and Tools You’ll Need

  5. Overview of Integration Options

  6. Using Dolibarr's Built-in Calendar Feed

  7. Method 1: Exporting iCal Feed from Dolibarr to Google Calendar

  8. Method 2: Using Zapier for Calendar Event Sync

  9. Method 3: API-Based Custom Integration with Google Calendar

  10. Step-by-Step: Setting Up the Dolibarr iCal Feed

  11. Step-by-Step: Importing the iCal Feed into Google Calendar

  12. Syncing Dolibarr Events, Tasks, and Third-Party Appointments

  13. Managing Access and Permissions for Calendars

  14. Automating Reminders and Notifications

  15. Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting Tips

  16. Keeping Events in Sync: Manual vs. Automatic Updates

  17. Pro Tip: Creating Color-Coded Categories in Google Calendar

  18. Optimizing for Mobile Access (Android/iOS)

  19. Security and Privacy Considerations

  20. Conclusion: Leveraging Calendar Sync to Improve Productivity

1. Introduction

Calendar integration is essential for efficient scheduling, especially when multiple team members, clients, or partners rely on shared visibility. Dolibarr, a popular ERP & CRM suite, offers options to sync with external calendars—most notably Google Calendar. This guide provides detailed instructions and expert tips on how to achieve full or partial synchronization between Dolibarr and Google Calendar.

2. Why Sync Dolibarr with Google Calendar?

  • Centralized scheduling across platforms

  • Visibility for field staff and mobile users

  • Easy sharing with external stakeholders

  • Efficient meeting planning, task tracking, and time blocking

3. Use Cases for Google Calendar Integration

  • Sales agents syncing client appointments

  • Project managers coordinating team tasks

  • HR departments syncing interviews and meetings

  • Admins managing room bookings or resources

4. Prerequisites and Tools You’ll Need

  • A running Dolibarr instance (v13+ recommended)

  • Admin access to Dolibarr

  • A Google Calendar account

  • Optional: Zapier account, technical knowledge for custom API integration

5. Overview of Integration Options

Dolibarr supports calendar integration in three main ways:

  • iCal export (read-only)

  • Zapier (event automation)

  • Custom API development (read/write capabilities)

6. Using Dolibarr's Built-in Calendar Feed

Dolibarr offers iCal feeds that can be linked to external apps. These feeds include:

  • Agenda events

  • Tasks

  • Third-party meetings

  • Contracts and project milestones (depending on module setup)

7. Method 1: Exporting iCal Feed from Dolibarr to Google Calendar

  1. Go to Agenda or Calendar module in Dolibarr

  2. Locate the iCal URL for your user or global feed

  3. Copy the URL provided (must be public or authenticated)

  4. Open Google Calendar > Add Calendar > From URL

  5. Paste the iCal URL and click Add Calendar

Google will sync the data and display the calendar events.

8. Method 2: Using Zapier for Calendar Event Sync

This method uses Zapier’s Google Calendar app and Dolibarr’s API:

  1. Create a Zap: Trigger = New Task in Dolibarr (via Webhook)

  2. Action: Create Google Calendar event

  3. Map fields: date, title, description, location

  4. Test and activate

Ideal for teams needing automated calendar creation from Dolibarr data.

9. Method 3: API-Based Custom Integration with Google Calendar

For developers:

  • Use Dolibarr’s REST API to read events

  • Use Google Calendar API (OAuth 2.0 required) to create/update events

  • Write a script (Node.js, Python, PHP) to handle synchronization

Custom integration is ideal for full two-way sync or advanced use cases.

10. Step-by-Step: Setting Up the Dolibarr iCal Feed

  1. Go to Agenda > Tools > iCal Export

  2. Choose export type (user or full calendar)

  3. Generate URL

  4. Adjust settings (date range, filters)

  5. Copy the link and test it in a browser

11. Step-by-Step: Importing the iCal Feed into Google Calendar

  1. Open Google Calendar on desktop

  2. On the left panel, click “+” > "From URL"

  3. Paste your iCal feed from Dolibarr

  4. Click Add Calendar

  5. Events will appear with the same title and date structure

Note: iCal feeds are read-only and update every few hours.

12. Syncing Dolibarr Events, Tasks, and Third-Party Appointments

The Agenda module combines:

  • CRM calls and meetings

  • Project milestones

  • Service contract schedules

Ensure modules are active and properly configured for full visibility.

13. Managing Access and Permissions for Calendars

In Dolibarr:

  • Limit visibility via user rights under Agenda

  • Filter feeds by user or group

In Google Calendar:

  • Set calendar visibility as public, private, or shared

  • Control sharing by email and permission level

14. Automating Reminders and Notifications

Google Calendar allows:

  • Custom reminders (email, popup, notification)

  • Event-specific notifications

You can configure default settings per calendar and override per event.

15. Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting Tips

  • Missing events: Check if modules are active (Tasks, Projects)

  • Time zone issues: Align Dolibarr and Google Calendar time settings

  • Feed not updating: Google Calendar updates feeds every few hours, not instantly

16. Keeping Events in Sync: Manual vs. Automatic Updates

  • iCal: Read-only, updated periodically (manual control limited)

  • Zapier: Real-time sync but one-directional

  • API: Full read/write with control over logic and timing

Choose the method based on your technical capacity and update needs.

17. Pro Tip: Creating Color-Coded Categories in Google Calendar

  • Use separate iCal URLs per category (e.g., sales, projects)

  • Create multiple calendars in Google with unique colors

  • Helps visually distinguish event types

18. Optimizing for Mobile Access (Android/iOS)

Once Google Calendar is synced:

  • Use Google Calendar app on mobile

  • Receive notifications and edits in real time

  • Enable calendar toggles per category for quick filtering

19. Security and Privacy Considerations

  • Avoid publishing public iCal feeds with sensitive data

  • Use Google’s sharing settings to limit calendar access

  • In custom API integrations, secure OAuth credentials and token scopes

20. Conclusion: Leveraging Calendar Sync to Improve Productivity

Synchronizing Dolibarr with Google Calendar opens up new levels of visibility and operational coordination. Whether you’re using a read-only iCal feed or building a full integration with APIs, the goal remains the same: keep your team and clients aligned. By automating calendar updates, minimizing double entries, and enabling mobile access, you’ll be able to use Dolibarr to its full scheduling potential.

Whether you’re managing sales meetings, project deadlines, or support schedules, integrating with Google Calendar gives your Dolibarr ERP an essential productivity boost.