Bidirectional vs One-Way Sync
Choose the right sync direction for your calendar workflow
Last updated: 2025-11-12
Understanding Sync Directions
GCalSync supports two sync directions: one-way and bidirectional. The direction you choose determines how events flow between your calendars.
One-Way Sync (Source → Target)
Events flow from the source calendar to the target calendar only.
How it works:
- Events created in source calendar → replicated to target
- Events created in target calendar → stay only in target
- Changes in source → update target
- Changes in target → don't affect source
Best for:
- Publishing work schedule to personal calendar (read-only)
- Sharing team calendar to individual calendars
- One-directional blocking of time
Example: Sync your work calendar to your personal calendar so family can see when you're in meetings, but personal events don't show up at work.
Bidirectional Sync (Source ↔ Target)
Events flow in both directions between source and target calendars.
How it works:
- Events created in either calendar → replicated to both
- Changes in either calendar → update both
- Deletions in source → remove from target
- Both calendars stay in sync
Best for:
- Keeping work and personal calendars fully synchronized
- Syncing between multiple accounts you manage
- Ensuring consistent availability across all calendars
Example: Sync work and personal calendars bidirectionally so creating an event in either calendar makes it appear in both. Perfect for avoiding double-booking.
Choosing the Right Direction
| Scenario | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Work & personal calendars (full sync) | Bidirectional |
| Work calendar → Personal (view only) | One-way |
| Team calendar → Individual calendars | One-way |
| Multiple accounts you manage | Bidirectional |
| Publishing schedule to shared calendar | One-way |
Common Questions
Can I change sync direction later?
Yes! Edit your sync configuration and change the direction at any time. Run a sync after changing to apply the new direction.
What happens to existing events when I switch?
Existing synced events remain unchanged. The new direction only affects future syncs and updates.
Can I have both one-way and bidirectional syncs?
Absolutely! You can create multiple sync configurations with different directions. For example, one-way from work to personal, and bidirectional between personal and family calendar.