How to Choose Date Columns for a SharePoint Calendar
Question details
Users need to assign specific custom columns as the start and end dates for a SharePoint calendar view, but the desired fields are not appearing as options.
- Product
- SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating or editing a calendar view within a SharePoint list and attempting to map custom date fields to the view's start and end date requirements.
- Observed behavior
- Custom date columns are missing from the dropdown menus for Start Date and End Date, leaving only default system fields available for selection.
Ensure you have the necessary Edit or Design permissions for the SharePoint list to modify column settings and update list views.
Verify Column Types and Edit Calendar View Settings
Check that your custom fields are explicitly configured as 'Date and Time' columns, which is required for them to appear in the calendar view settings.
SharePoint strictly requires that any column used for the Start Date or End Date in a calendar view must be formatted as a standard 'Date and Time' column type. If your custom columns were created as text, numbers, or calculated values, SharePoint will filter them out of the calendar view setup.
Navigate to your SharePoint list, click the gear icon in the top right corner, and select 'List settings'.
Scroll down to the 'Columns' section. Look at your custom start and end date fields and ensure the 'Type' column next to them explicitly says 'Date and Time'. If they are a different type, you will need to create new Date and Time columns and migrate your existing data.
Go back to the main list interface. Click on your current view dropdown menu (usually in the top right of the list) and select 'Edit current view'.
Scroll down to the 'Time Interval' or 'Calendar Columns' section. Click the dropdowns for 'Start Date' and 'End Date', select your verified custom Date and Time columns, and click 'OK' to save.
Manage Exported Schedules Offline with WPS Office
While SharePoint is great for online collaboration, managing and formatting complex calendar list data is often easier in a spreadsheet. WPS Office is a powerful, free alternative to Microsoft Office that lets you effortlessly analyze, format, and manage exported SharePoint list data.
- 1. Export List Data: In SharePoint, use the 'Export to Excel' feature to download your list data as a query file or CSV.
- 2. Open in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office, open the Spreadsheet module, and import your downloaded calendar data file.
- 3. Format and Manage: Use WPS Spreadsheet's robust date and time formatting tools to easily organize and adjust your project schedules offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my custom date columns not showing in the SharePoint calendar view?
SharePoint filters the dropdown options to only show compatible data types. If your custom columns were created as 'Single line of text' or 'Calculated' columns, they will not appear. They must be configured specifically as 'Date and Time' columns.
Can I use a Calculated Column for my SharePoint Calendar dates?
No, SharePoint calendar views typically do not accept Calculated Columns for the Start Date or End Date fields, even if the output of the calculation is a date. You must use standard Date and Time columns.
How do I change an existing text column to a Date and Time column?
You can try going to List Settings, clicking on your column name, and changing the radio button to 'Date and Time'. However, this can sometimes cause data loss or formatting errors. It is often safer to create a brand new Date and Time column and manually transfer the data.
