Modify and create color schemes for iCal

Sep 12, '02 09:47:58AM

Contributed by: mpetit

Here's how to change existing or create new color schemes in iCal.

Changing color schemes

iCal.app makes an entry in ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.iCal.sources.plist for each calendar. You can easely change the color by editing the value of the property Color. But what colors are available? Have a look at iCal.app's package contents (ctrl-click on the application icon and choose "Show Package Contents"). Then navigate to Contents -> Resources -> data.wrapdir -> Themes -> default. In this directory, you can see the available colors which are identical to the folder names.

Creating color schemes

Douplicate the blue folder in the aobve themes directory and rename it. Change the colors in all *.png images, adjust the values of the properties "normal event hour color" and "normal event summary color" in the description.plist for the new color folder. Use the hint above to apply the new color to a calendar.

I have not yet found the place where all available colors are stored. If you create lots of calendars, iCal.app cycles (in alphabetical order) through the available colors but the self-made color isn't used automatically.

Why are these settings not available in the preferences panel of iCal.app? Why does Apple not use a drawer for the "Calendar Info"?

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