How to Override Your Schedule for Specific Dates
Your default availability shows when you're normally available for meetings. But what happens when your schedule changes temporarily?
That's where custom availability comes in.
What is Custom Availability?
Custom availability lets you override your default schedule for specific dates for your availability. It's perfect for handling exceptions without permanently changing your settings.
When the custom period ends, Novacal automatically reverts to your default availability.
When to Use It
- Traveling or changing time zones - Adjust your hours for the location where you'll actually be
- Taking time off - Block out vacation days or personal appointments
- Focused work periods - Limit meetings when you need deep work time
- Special events - Block all-day workshops or conferences
- Seasonal changes - Reduce availability during busy seasons
How to Set It Up
- Navigate to availability section and select availability you want to override
- Click button to open window to set new time
- Select the dates from calendar you want to override
- Define your available hours for those dates or block the time completely by selecting as unavailable
- Save it and move on
That's it. During those dates, people will only see the times you've specified. After the period ends, everything returns to normal automatically.
Quick Tips
Set it early. Add custom availability as soon as you know your schedule is changing.
Check your time zone. When traveling, make sure the times reflect where you'll be, not where you usually work.
Use it for recurring blocks. Have a monthly commitment? Set recurring custom availability to handle it automatically.
Why Not Just Block Your Calendar?
You can, but custom availability is cleaner. Instead of showing your normal hours with random gaps blocked out, it only shows the times you're actually offering. People see a clear, accurate picture of when they can book with you.
The Bottom Line
Custom availability keeps your scheduling accurate when life doesn't follow your usual routine. Set it once, and Novacal handles the rest.