Ulysses Ludwig’Blog

How to create Script-Free Calendars with Color Coded Approval in SharePoint 2010

Problem

We want to differentiate calendar entries based on their approval status. There is no OOTB function to show approved, pending, and rejected calendar entries in different colors. There are plenty of scripting options, but what about one without scripting?

Solution

Yes, this is possible (and easy) in SharePoint 2010 using overlays of the same calendar. Here is what it will look like:

Start by creating your calendar.

In List Settings, Versioning Settings, turn on approval:

In List Settings, Advanced Settings, let users edit only their own items:

Create a new view, using the Calendar view format:

Create a view called ‘Approved’ and only show entries where Approval Status is ‘Approved’

Create another view called ‘Pending’ where Approval Status is ‘pending’, and a third called ‘Rejected’ with Approval Status ‘Rejected’.

Now create another calendar view called ‘Color Coded’ where Approval Status is equal to ‘Don’t show anything’. Doing this means the calendar will always be blank. Set it to be the default view.

Overlay ‘Color Coded’ with three calendar views - ‘Approved’, ‘Pending’, and ‘Rejected’, picking appropriate colors for each.

That’s all. Enjoy

Color Coded SharePoint Calendars (By Aaron Caldwell), 9.3 out of 10 based on 3 ratings