Outlook 2010 - double click calendar to make meeting requests, not appointments?

Question

In the Outlook 2010 calendar, if you double click a timeslot you will create an appointment by default. Is there a way to create a meeting request by default instead?

(Meeting requests have attendees, appointments don't)

Answer 1

Its late but might help others who are searching for the same. You can still use double click on the time slot and by default you will get appointment request. Then you should be able to click on the "Invite" button in the appointment tab to convert it to a meeting request. If you don't see Invite button then try maximizing the buttons bar (in the mac, its at the right hand corner of the appointment tab. See http://mac2.microsoft.com/help/office/14/en-us/outlook/item/79c17be2-28ff-4f0f-a691-2dfbe559e133

Answer 2

While this doesn't answer the need of double-clicking for a Meeting Request by default, I've found a keyboard shortcut alternative will create a meeting request directly from Calendar view.

Perform these steps in Calendar view:

1. Select the time block(s) required for your Meeting. They should be highlighted in blue (assuming default color scheme).
2. Press Ctrl+Shift+Q

A new Meeting Request window will appear with the "To..." line and all relevant menu items already visible. Your cursor will be active in the "To..." line for immediate entry of attendees.

This eliminates the extra mouse clicks/movements inherent in the previously proposed responses.

Answer 3

Instead of double-clicking on a time slot, right-click on it and select meeting request from the popup menu. After a little while, this will become second nature for you.

Answer 4

You cannot change the default to open a meeting instead of an appointment, but you do not have to do anything to get it to change to a meeting besides adding attendees like you would if it had opened as a meeting.

You don't have to specifically click the add invitees button, you can add attendees in any of the half dozen methods available and it will automatically change to a meeting once the first person is added.

Also for those who may be looking for the opposite: if you are double clicking and getting a meeting and you want an appointment (it is because it is a shared calendar) and all you have to do to change it to an appointment is click the VERY INTUITIVE "Cancel Invitation" button. Now it is an appointment. Picture of the Cancel Invitation button