BusyCal

What is BusyCal?

BusyCal is a powerful calendar application for macOS and iOS designed for users who need more functionality than Apple Calendar provides. Developed by Busy Apps Ltd, the company founded by former Apple engineers who created the original iCal, BusyCal combines the familiarity of native Apple calendar design with advanced features for power users. The application has been a staple of Mac productivity software since its introduction, continuously evolving to meet the needs of demanding calendar users.

What distinguishes BusyCal is its extensive customization and power features while maintaining native Mac look and feel. The application offers features like natural language input, weather forecasts, travel time, and customizable views that Apple Calendar lacks. For users who find Apple Calendar too limiting but want to stay within the Apple ecosystem rather than switching to web-based alternatives, BusyCal provides the ideal middle ground.

BusyCal serves professionals and power users who manage complex schedules and need more control over their calendars. From executives managing multiple calendars to freelancers juggling various clients and projects, BusyCal provides the flexibility and features that basic calendar apps cannot match. Full sync with iCloud, Google Calendar, and Exchange ensures compatibility with existing calendar infrastructure.

Key Features

• Natural Language Input: Create events by typing naturally like “Lunch with John tomorrow at noon” and BusyCal interprets the details.
• Customizable Views: Adjust day, week, month, year, and list views with flexible display options and multiple calendar layouts.
• Weather Integration: See weather forecasts directly in your calendar to plan outdoor activities and travel.
• Travel Time: Automatic travel time calculations between events with alerts to leave on time.
• To-Do Integration: Manage tasks alongside calendar events with due dates, priorities, and reminders.
• Customizable Alarms: Flexible reminder options including location-based alerts and custom alarm sounds.
• Graphics and Stickers: Add visual elements to events for quick identification on busy calendars.
• Menu Bar Access: Quick calendar access from menu bar for viewing and creating events without opening the app.
• Sync Support: Works with iCloud, Google Calendar, Exchange, CalDAV, and other calendar services.
• Map Integration: View event locations on maps and get directions with integrated mapping features.

Recent Updates and Improvements

BusyCal continues enhancing its applications with modern features and improved Apple platform integration.

• iOS App Improvements: Enhanced iPhone and iPad applications with better feature parity with Mac version.
• Widget Support: Home screen and lock screen widgets for iOS and macOS widget galleries.
• Performance: Faster sync, improved scrolling, and better handling of large calendars.
• Apple Silicon: Native support for M1, M2, and M3 Macs with optimized performance.
• Focus Mode: Integration with macOS Focus for context-appropriate calendar notifications.
• Improved Sharing: Better calendar sharing and scheduling with external participants.
• Accessibility: Enhanced VoiceOver support and accessibility features.
• Visual Updates: Refreshed interface elements matching current macOS design language.

System Requirements

macOS

• macOS 12.0 Monterey or later
• Intel or Apple Silicon processor
• RAM: 4 GB minimum
• Storage: 100 MB available space

iOS

• iOS 15.0 or later
• iPadOS 15.0 or later
• Compatible with iPhone and iPad
• Storage: 50 MB minimum

Calendar Services

• iCloud account for iCloud sync
• Google account for Google Calendar
• Exchange or Microsoft 365 account
• CalDAV server for other services

How to Get Started with BusyCal

Installation

1. Purchase from Mac App Store or BusyApps website
2. Download and install the application
3. Launch and grant calendar access permissions
4. Connect your calendar accounts
5. Configure preferences and views

# Installation via Mac App Store
# Search "BusyCal" in App Store
# Or purchase from busymac.com

# After installation, connect accounts:
# Preferences > Accounts > Add Account
# Select: iCloud, Google, Exchange, or CalDAV

# For Google Calendar:
# 1. Click Add Account > Google
# 2. Sign in to Google
# 3. Grant calendar access
# 4. Select calendars to sync

Basic Configuration

# View customization:
# View menu > Day/Week/Month/Year/List
# Drag calendar pane edges to resize

# Natural language event creation:
# Press Cmd+N or double-click date
# Type: "Team meeting tomorrow 2pm-3pm"
# BusyCal parses and creates event

# Quick entry from menu bar:
# Click menu bar icon
# Type event in quick entry field
# Press Enter to create

iOS Setup

1. Download BusyCal from App Store
2. Sign in with same calendar accounts
3. Grant calendar and notification permissions
4. Configure widget preferences
5. Sync settings with Mac if desired

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Native Experience: True Mac application with native performance and system integration.
• Natural Language: Quick event creation by typing naturally saves significant time.
• Customization: Extensive view and display options absent from Apple Calendar.
• Weather Integration: Built-in forecast helps plan weather-dependent activities.
• Task Management: Integrated to-dos provide lightweight task management alongside calendar.
• Menu Bar Access: Quick calendar viewing without switching applications.
• Reliable Sync: Solid synchronization with major calendar services.

Cons

• Apple Only: No Windows or Android versions limits cross-platform households.
• Paid Application: One-time purchase required; no free version available.
• Separate Apps: Mac and iOS versions are separate purchases.
• Learning Curve: Many features require time to discover and configure.
• No Web Version: Cannot access from non-Apple devices via browser.

BusyCal vs Alternatives

Who Should Use BusyCal?

BusyCal is ideal for:

• Mac Power Users: Users who want more calendar features than Apple Calendar without leaving native Mac apps.
• Busy Professionals: Executives, consultants, and others managing complex schedules needing advanced features.
• One-Time Purchase: Users preferring one-time payment over subscription calendars like Fantastical.
• Natural Language Fans: Those who love creating events by typing naturally rather than filling forms.
• Task+Calendar Users: People wanting lightweight task management integrated with calendar.
• Weather Planners: Users whose schedules depend on weather conditions and forecasts.

BusyCal may not be ideal for:

• Cross-Platform Users: Households or individuals mixing Apple with Windows or Android devices.
• Budget-Conscious: Users unwilling to pay for calendar software when free options exist.
• Basic Needs: Those whose simple scheduling needs are met by Apple Calendar.
• Web Access Needed: Users requiring browser access to calendars from any device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BusyCal a one-time purchase or subscription?

BusyCal uses a one-time purchase model. You pay once for the Mac application and separately for iOS if desired. Major version upgrades may require additional purchase, but ongoing updates within versions are free. This differs from Fantastical which uses annual subscription. For users preferring to own software outright, BusyCal pricing model is attractive.

How does BusyCal compare to Fantastical?

Both are premium calendar apps for Apple platforms with similar feature sets including natural language input and weather. Fantastical uses subscription pricing with broader platform support; BusyCal uses one-time purchase but is Apple-only. Fantastical has slightly more polished natural language parsing; BusyCal offers more customization options. Both are excellent; choice often comes down to pricing preference.

Does BusyCal sync with Google Calendar?

Yes, BusyCal fully supports Google Calendar sync. You can add your Google account in preferences and select which calendars to sync. Events created in BusyCal appear in Google Calendar and vice versa. The sync works reliably with near-real-time updates. This enables using BusyCal as your interface while maintaining Google Calendar for sharing and web access.

Can I use BusyCal on iPad?

Yes, BusyCal has a dedicated iPad application available separately in the App Store. The iPad version provides similar functionality to Mac including natural language input, customizable views, and task integration. Mac and iOS apps sync through your connected calendar accounts. Note that Mac and iOS versions require separate purchases.

Does BusyCal have a free trial?

BusyCal offers a free trial download from the Busy Apps website allowing you to test features before purchasing. The trial period lets you evaluate whether the application meets your needs. Mac App Store version does not offer trial but has refund policies. Testing the trial from the website before App Store purchase is recommended.

Final Verdict

BusyCal delivers exactly what it promises: a more powerful calendar for Mac users who have outgrown Apple Calendar. The combination of natural language input, extensive customization, and features like weather and travel time creates a significantly better calendaring experience. For Mac users managing busy schedules, BusyCal is a worthwhile investment.

The application particularly appeals to those preferring one-time purchase over subscriptions. While competitors like Fantastical charge annual fees, BusyCal one-time pricing provides equivalent features without ongoing costs. The native Mac experience feels right at home on macOS with performance and integration that web apps cannot match.

While BusyCal limitation to Apple platforms and paid pricing will not suit everyone, it excels for its target audience. Mac power users who find Apple Calendar limiting but want to stay within the Apple ecosystem will find BusyCal the ideal solution. The years of development from former Apple engineers shows in the polished, thoughtful application that makes calendar management more efficient.