If you’ve recently switched to New Outlook and have multiple calendars, you’ve probably noticed something frustrating: all your calendars are displayed one on top of the other in what’s called “overlay view”. This overlapping display can make it incredibly difficult to see your appointments clearly and manage your schedule effectively. I’ll show you how to split multiple calendars in New Outlook.
Understanding New Outlook’s Default Calendar Display
When you open your New Outlook calendar with multiple calendars displayed, you might initially think you only have one calendar on screen. In reality, all your selected calendars are there – they’re just stacked on top of each other. You’ll notice this when you see events in different colours, as they are from different calendars appearing in the same view.
This overlay view is now the default setting in New Outlook, which represents a significant change from Classic Outlook where split view was typically the standard display.
How to Enable Split View for Multiple Calendars
The solution is simple – split the view into separate calendars. Here’s how to separate your overlapping calendars:
- Locate the Split View button on the ribbon at the top of your calendar interface
- Click Split View and watch as your calendars separate into individual, distinct views
- Scroll horizontally if needed to see all your calendars, as they may extend beyond your screen width
Once you’ve enabled split view, each calendar will be displayed in its own column, making it much easier to distinguish between different types of appointments and commitments.
Managing Calendar Visibility
Sometimes you don’t need to see every calendar you have access to. Like Classic Outlook, you can choose which of your calendars are displayed in New Outlook:
- Use the calendar list on the left-hand side
- Simply untick any calendar you want to hide from view
- The hidden calendar will no longer appear in your display, whether you’re in split view or overlay view
This feature is particularly useful if you have access to multiple team calendars or shared calendars that aren’t always relevant to your daily work.
Switching Between Views
You can easily toggle between display modes:
- Split View: Shows each calendar in its own column for clear separation
- Overlay View: Returns to the stacked display where all calendars appear overlapped
To return to the overlay view, simply click the Split View button again. The system will remember your preference for future sessions.
Working Location
Have you seen the video or read my previous post on a new feature “Work Hours and Location”?
After I switched it, I looked at my calendar and was surprised that I couldn’t see the location pattern.
When checking out the views for this topic, I discovered another benefit to having your calendars split.
With the split view, you can see the location displayed in the business account.
Disclaimer: If you only have either a personal or business account, this won’t make any difference. I haven’t tried this with two business accounts, as I just one business accounts. As you can set different patterns for each account, I’m guessing that unless they are the same, the icons won’t display unless the displayed calendars is in split view.
Key Changes from Classic Outlook
If you’re migrating from Classic Outlook, there are important differences to be aware of:
- Default view has changed: New Outlook defaults to overlay view, whilst Classic Outlook typically used split view
- Screen fitting behaviour: Unlike Classic Outlook, New Outlook doesn’t attempt to fit all calendars on screen simultaneously. Instead, you’ll need to scroll horizontally if you’ve got more than 2 calendars displayed
- Navigation adjustments: You may need to adapt your workflow to accommodate the horizontal scrolling when viewing multiple calendars
Why This Matters for Productivity
Having clear visibility of your different calendars is crucial for effective time management. Whether you’re juggling personal appointments, work meetings, and family commitments, or managing multiple project calendars, being able to see each one distinctly helps you:
- Avoid scheduling conflicts
- Better understand where your time is being used across different areas of life
- Make more informed decisions about availability
- Reduce the overwhelm of information when all the information is on screen
Final Thoughts
There you have it – no more squinting at overlapping calendars trying to work out what’s what! I know it seems like such a small thing, but honestly, having your calendars properly separated can be a game-changer for staying organised.
I’ve been using New Outlook for a while now, and I’ll admit the overlay view drove me absolutely mad at first. Once I discovered that Split View button though, everything became so much clearer. It’s one of those “why didn’t I know this sooner?” moments.
Give it a try and see how much easier it makes managing your different calendars. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you’re not accidentally double-booking yourself because you couldn’t see that important meeting hiding next to your personal appointments!
Written with the help of Claude AI from an original transcription.
Struggling with the transition from Classic to New Outlook?
I’ve been tracking the differences I discover in a simple spreadsheet – what’s been removed and what’s new. It’s free after joining my mailing list. Get the spreadsheet here.
YouTube Videos
New Outlook Settings: Where Did File – Options Go?
Set Your Work Location in Outlook – Show Remote vs Office Days Automatically
New Outlook: Stop Your Calendars Overlapping – Split View Tutorial
Rearrange Folders in New Outlook – Custom Folder Order is Back!
How to Change Calendar Colours in Outlook (New & Classic Outlook)
New Outlook Favourites: What’s Changed & How to Use Hidden Features
How to Add Bank Holidays to New Outlook Calendar
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Hidden Outlook Tricks: How to Ignore & Sweep Away Unwanted Emails
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Split Multiple Calendars in New Outlook: Stop the Overlapping Mess (current post)
Custom Folder Sorting Returns to New Outlook – Here’s How
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New Outlook Favourites: Hidden Changes You Need to Know
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1 thought on “Split Multiple Calendars in New Outlook: Stop the Overlapping Mess”
I’ve been struggling with overlapping calendars in Outlook
for a while, so the tips on splitting multiple calendars are a real game-changer.
🙌 The section on customizing views to prevent clutter particularly resonated with me—it’s amazing how small tweaks can significantly improve productivity!
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