# How to Color-Code Your Outlook Calendar With Categories

URL: https://gocutline.com/how-to/color-code-outlook-calendar/

To color-code an Outlook calendar, open an event, click Categorize and choose a color. Rename the categories to something that means something, like Deep work or Training, and your week shows at a glance where the time goes.

## Step by step
1. Open an event in your calendar.
2. Click **Categorize** on the toolbar.
3. Pick a color. A recurring event gets it for the whole series.
4. To rename, choose **Manage categories** (**All Categories** in classic Outlook) and rename or recolor.

## Good to know
- Categories are visible only to you, unless you share the calendar.
- Five colors are plenty: more than that and you stop reading them.
- For a calendar built around this, see [how to time block](https://gocutline.com/guides/time-blocking/).

## Source
This guide follows [Microsoft Support](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/training/use-calendar-categories-and-reminders-in-outlook). Menus change now and then, so check there if a button has moved.

## Plan around your calendar
Linked Outlook calendars show in your week as read-only blocks. [How to link Outlook to Cutline](https://gocutline.com/integrations/outlook-calendar/).

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Cutline: Cutline is a weekly calendar and planner that turns time blocks into XP, levels and streaks. You plan your week in blocks, tick each one off when it is done, and see your progress on a social feed (the Floor) and a weekly leaderboard (the Arena). Planning and budgeting are free; paid plans add a badge, posting, messaging, shared calendars and lower selling fees, from $9 a month. Pro is free to try for 7 days.
Facts: https://gocutline.com/facts/ · Updated 2026-11-06