Import a JSON backup or calendar file
Restore an editable schedule from a backup, or create a selected-week snapshot from a calendar file.
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Before you begin
- A ScheduleBuilder JSON backup, or an iCalendar
.icsor.icalexport. - Use your own schedule workspace, not a schedule shared with you by invitation.
Choose the file to import
Open Import in the builder toolbar. On mobile, use Schedule tools → Import schedule. If desktop tools are under More, choose Import or From a file, as shown.
If import options appear, choose From a file. In the import dialog, drop one backup or calendar export into the file area, or click it to browse and select a file. Files are checked before an import preview appears. JSON files can be up to 4 MiB; iCalendar files can be up to 2 MiB.
From this device reviews a guest schedule in this browser. It appears only when signed in with importable local work, including a schedule with Notes but no events. Invited viewers and editors cannot import into someone else’s shared schedule. Switch to your own workspace; importing a shared export there makes a separate copy.
Review a JSON backup
Check the name, events, times, visible days, and theme in Review import. Older ScheduleBuilder backups without tasks still work. Notes and tasks can be restored, but are not displayed in the review; check them after importing and keep the original backup private.
JSON retains output settings, including Frame, which is not shown in the review. A connected-calendar backup restores editable events on the last successfully synced week’s original dates, not a newer requested week; it does not restore automatic sync.
Review a week from an iCalendar file
Choose Week to import, then select Preview week.
Check the selected dates and events in Review import. This creates a one-time editable snapshot, not calendar sync.
Calendar files are read in this browser; the original file is not uploaded for parsing. If you confirm while signed in, the resulting schedule is saved to your account.
Confirm the import
| Your situation | Button | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Guest | Replace on this device | Replaces the current browser schedule with the imported schedule. |
| Signed-in Free account | Replace in account | Replaces the current account schedule, rather than adding another. |
| Signed-in Pro account with cloud schedules | Add to account | Adds another schedule while keeping your existing collection. |
| Signed-in account with no cloud schedules | Replace in account | The imported schedule takes the place of the initial workspace. |
Choose the Add to account, Replace in account, or Replace on this device button shown in Review import. Wait for the import to finish.
For Pro accounts with saved schedules, Add to account keeps the existing collection and adds a separate schedule. After a successful import, the review closes. Select the imported schedule and check its events. Open Notes and Tasks under Planning to check the restored private content. On mobile web, find them under Planning in Schedule tools; with Android’s bottom toolbar, find them in the View section instead.
Cancel without changing your schedules
Choose Cancel in the calendar-file week dialog or Review import to close without importing or replacing your schedules. Reopen Import to choose another source or file.
Check the restored settings
After a JSON import, open Export → PNG or Export → PDF to review output settings, including Frame. Re-upload a custom background if needed. Publication and collaboration access are not restored; share the new schedule only if you intend to.
The file is rejected or only part of the backup is restored
No preview: check the file type, size, and error message. Choose an original ScheduleBuilder JSON backup or iCalendar export, not PNG, PDF, or ZIP. A valid file opens the review; it cannot contain more than 250 schedule events.
Empty or oversized calendar week: try another week or a smaller calendar. Descriptions cannot be omitted to bypass size limits. Calendar files import events, not tasks; minute-by-minute and second-by-second repeating events are skipped.
Import save failed: follow any recovery prompt and check your account schedules before confirming again. A failed save does not confirm that the import finished.
Tasks were not restored: the schedule and its Notes remain imported. Keep the original JSON and contact support; do not assume all task data was restored.
Get help with a rejected backup or incomplete task restoration