Google Calendar Color Scheme: What It Is & How to Change It?
Calendaring & Scheduling Productivity

Google Calendar Color Scheme: What It Is & How to Change It?

Ayush Kudesia
Ayush Kudesia

Managing a hectic schedule? Google Calendar's color scheme feature is your ally. It's not just about aesthetics; it's a practical tool for organizing your schedule. A glance at your color-coded calendar can instantly clarify your day's priorities.

Let's dive into how this simple feature can streamline your planning and keep you effortlessly on track.

Table of contents:

  • Why do Google Calendar color schemes matter? 
  • How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar?
  • 5 Google Calendar color scheme ideas
  • FAQs

Why do Google Calendar color schemes matter?

The answer to the above question lies in understanding Color Psychology.

It’s a known fact that different colors influence perceptions that are not obvious. Colors can impact our mood and productivity. For instance, blue can induce calmness, while red might denote urgency or importance.

Google Calendar color schemes - Color psychology
Source: UserTesting

By strategically using colors in your Google Calendar, you can create a visual language that helps prioritize tasks and manage your time more effectively. 

Google Calendar’s color scheme helps you:

Keep things organized

Color-coding event types simplifies finding specific appointments. Assign colors like blue for work, red for urgent tasks, and green for social events. This method streamlines spotting and differentiating activities, making your calendar management stress-free and efficient.

Prioritize your tasks

Use color categories to distinguish urgent from non-urgent events. For example, using bright red for immediate tasks and purple for less pressing ones offers a visual guide to prioritize your day. This approach allows quick identification of high-priority items.

Improve memory

Color-coding your calendar improves your memory and recall. Introducing vibrant hues for your different Google Calendar events makes each entry stand out more distinctly. This helps encode details more effectively in your long-term memory. Labeling work meetings green or medical visits blue trains your mind to associate the events with those color shades. 

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar?

Google Calendar makes it simple to customize the color scheme across desktop, iPhone, and Android devices.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to modify calendar colors based on the device you use:

On desktop

Step 1: Open Google Calendar on your web browser.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On desktop

Step 2: On the left side, choose the calendar you want to customize under My calendars.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On desktop

Step 3: Click the 3 vertical dots next to the calendar name.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On desktop

Step 4: Choose a color from the preset options.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On desktop

Step 5 (Optional): Click the + sign to choose a custom RGB color.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On desktop

Repeat the same for every calendar under My calendar (birthdays, tasks, etc.), and you’ll find your unique color scheme.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On desktop

On iPhone

Step 1: Open the Google Calendar app. 

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On iPhone

Step 2: On the upper left, tap the three horizontal lines.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On iPhone

Step 3: Tap on Settings.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On iPhone

Step 4: Choose the calendar you want to modify.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On iPhone

Step 5: Tap the color name beside the small color indicator.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On iPhone

Step 6: Choose your desired color from the preset options.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On iPhone

Repeat the same for all calendars, and create your own unique Google Calendar color scheme.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On iPhone

On Android

Step 1: Open the Google Calendar app. 

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On Android

Step 2: Tap the three horizontal lines on the upper left.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On Android

Step 3: Tap on Settings.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On Android

Step 4: Choose the calendar you want to modify.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On Android

Step 5: Tap on Color.

You’ll also see your current color name and a small color indicator.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On Android

Step 6: Choose your desired color from the color presets.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On Android

Now, repeat the same for all of your calendars. You’ll get your own unique color scheme.

How to change the color scheme in Google Calendar - On Android

Isn't it very simple? Now for the fun part...

5 Google Calendar color scheme ideas 

Google Calendar's default interface may feel a bit drab and boring. To add a personal touch to your calendar, we've handpicked 5 custom color palettes to bring your Google Calendar to life.

1. Vibrant Rainbow

This playful primary color scheme mimics the tones seen in a rainbow. It’s eye-catching and lively. Best for creative spirits looking to add a fun and colorful splash. Feel free to customize the exact shades!

Google Calendar color scheme ideas - Vibrant Rainbow

2. Cohesive Pastels

For a calmer, lighter look perfect for planning spring and summer events, try a pastel color scheme with hues like mint green, lilac, or baby blue.

Google Calendar color scheme ideas - Cohesive Pastels

3. Monochrome Mint

Sticking to different shades ranging from soft green to vivid green creates a relaxing monochrome look. Especially ideal for health and wellness planning.

Google Calendar color scheme ideas - Monochrome Mint

4. Corporate Bold Hues

Make work projects pop with high-contrast shades typically seen in business branding: black, gray, dark blue, and green. 

Google Calendar color scheme ideas - Corporate Bold Hues

5. Seasonal Shades

Design color palettes inspired by each special season! For example:

  • Wintery blue and silver colors for December through February
  • Pastel pink, peach, and yellow for Spring’s April and May
  • Summery ocean blue and seafoam green for July and August
Google Calendar color scheme ideas - Seasonal Shades
Winter color scheme

FAQs

How can I change the color of multiple events on Google Calendar?

When you change a calendar’s color, it automatically updates all events in that calendar to adopt the new colors. Otherwise, you have to change the color of each event manually.

Does changing an event’s color scheme in a shared calendar change it for others?

No. When you alter the color scheme of a shared calendar, it only applies to your calendar. Other members do not see your color change. 

How to change the color scheme of a recurring Google Event?

Google Calendar makes it easy to update recurring events, too! Changing the color of a repeating event automatically updates all future events in the series with that color. Edit one instance of the desired recurring event, change the color labeling, and hit save. 

Can I use color labels to change the event color?

Yes, you can assign one of the preset colors to specific events upon creation. Choose a color when creating or editing an event to make it visually stand out.

Google Calendar color scheme FAQ - Can I use color labels to change the event color?

Are there color themes on Google Calendar?

No. Google Calendar does not have the option to customize or download alternative themes for its interface design. While you cannot change the overall layout, modifying the calendar colors still makes a notable difference.

Can I create custom colors in mobile apps too?

The Google Calendar mobile apps for iPhone and Android devices only allow you to select from preset color options. For custom color options, access Google Calendar on a desktop.

Keep Google Calendar and calls organized with Fireflies

Now that you know how to design beautiful, efficient color schemes for your Google Calendar, pair it with Fireflies.ai as your new calendar sidekick!

Fireflies makes it easy to:

With Fireflies’ seamless integrations across your favorite work apps like Google Calendar, you can harness the power of automation to organize work and life more smoothly.

So, what are you waiting for? Revamp your Google Calendar with a brand new color scheme! Then, integrate Fireflies to help manage that busy schedule in style.

Ready to get started with us? Try Fireflies for free!

Try Fireflies for free