Rainlendar Lite Review: Features, Pros, and Best SkinsRainlendar Lite is a lightweight, customizable desktop calendar that runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It focuses on providing a compact, visually appealing calendar and simple task management without the bloat of full calendar suites. Below is a detailed review covering key features, advantages and disadvantages, customization tips, and a curated list of the best skins to transform its appearance.
What Rainlendar Lite Is — and Who It’s For
Rainlendar Lite is designed for users who want quick access to dates, events, and tasks directly from the desktop. It’s ideal for people who prefer a non-intrusive, always-available calendar overlay: productivity enthusiasts, students, and professionals who use multiple calendars but want a small, local app to view and manage upcoming items.
Core Features
- Local event and task storage
- Cross-platform support: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Lightweight and low memory footprint
- Customizable skins and layouts
- Support for iCalendar (.ics) files and CalDAV (limited in Lite)
- Alarm notifications for events and tasks
- Multiple calendars and todo lists
- Drag-and-drop reordering for tasks and events in the Pro version (Lite offers basic editing)
- Language support and localization
Installation and Setup
Installing Rainlendar Lite is straightforward. Download the installer or ZIP package from the official website, run it (or extract and launch on Linux), and the calendar appears on your desktop. Initial setup asks for language and basic appearance. Adding calendars is done through the options menu where you can import .ics files or, with some configuration, link to online calendars.
Interface and Usability
The interface is minimal: a compact calendar window that can be resized and positioned anywhere on the desktop. The main components include the monthly view, a list of events, and a todo list. The UI relies heavily on skins for aesthetic and layout differences, so the out-of-the-box look is plain but functional.
Interaction is simple: double-click a date or event to add or edit, right-click to access options, and mouse wheel to navigate months. Keyboard shortcuts exist but are limited compared to full-featured PIMs. Overall, the learning curve is short.
Customization: Skins, Layouts, and Fonts
Customization is Rainlendar’s strongest suit. Skins control nearly every visual element: colors, fonts, margins, and which modules are visible. Skins are stored as folders containing PNGs and an INI-style configuration file. You can download community-made skins or create your own by modifying existing ones.
Key customization options:
- Change fonts, sizes, and colors for month grid and event lists
- Show or hide week numbers, tasks, and alarms
- Configure transparency and click-through behavior
- Position multiple calendar windows or stack months
Syncing and Compatibility
Rainlendar Lite supports importing and exporting iCalendar (.ics) files, which makes it compatible with many calendar services. Native CalDAV support is limited in the Lite version (full sync features are in Rainlendar Pro), but you can use third-party scripts or sync services to bridge calendars. For users who need full two-way sync with Google Calendar or Exchange, Rainlendar Pro or a separate sync tool is recommended.
Notifications and Alarms
The app supports pop-up alarms and sound notifications for events and tasks. You can set reminders for individual items and configure default reminder times. Alarm behavior is reliable for desktop use, though advanced snooze or repeat options are more robust in Pro.
Performance and Resource Use
Rainlendar Lite is efficient: it uses minimal RAM and CPU, making it suitable for older machines and for users who prefer lightweight utilities. Because it’s primarily a desktop widget, it doesn’t run background services that significantly affect system performance.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and fast | Limited native cloud sync in Lite |
| Highly customizable with skins | Default UI can feel dated without skins |
| Cross-platform | Advanced features behind Pro paywall |
| Simple and unobtrusive | Mobile integration requires workarounds |
| Supports .ics import/export | Some skins may be incompatible after updates |
Best Skins for Rainlendar Lite
Skins can dramatically change Rainlendar’s look. Here are recommended skins that balance aesthetics and usability:
- SimpleGlass — Clean, semi-transparent with readable fonts; great for modern desktops.
- Vanilla — Minimal, flat design focusing on clarity and contrast.
- DarkWood — Warm, textured background for a cozy, desktop-friendly look.
- Metro — Inspired by modern OS design; large numbers and bold typography.
- Compact — Optimized for small screen space with tight spacing and compact fonts.
How to install a skin:
- Download the skin folder or ZIP.
- Place the unzipped folder into Rainlendar’s Skins directory (typically in the application data folder).
- Open Rainlendar options → Skins and select the new skin.
- Tweak fonts and colors as needed in the skin’s settings.
Tips and Tricks
- Use transparent skins and set click-through to interact with desktop items without moving the calendar.
- Create separate calendars (work, personal) and use color-coding in skins to visually separate events.
- Export important calendars to .ics for backup.
- For Google Calendar sync without Pro, use a third-party CalDAV bridge or export/import .ics periodically.
- Keep a small, readable font size for months and larger font for current day to improve glanceability.
Who Should Upgrade to Rainlendar Pro?
Consider Pro if you need:
- Native CalDAV and Google Calendar two-way sync
- Repeating alarms with advanced options
- Tasks drag-and-drop between lists and calendars
- Better plugin support and priority updates
Final Verdict
Rainlendar Lite is an excellent, low-overhead desktop calendar for users who want a simple, customizable way to view events and todos without heavy syncing demands. Its real strength is visual customization through skins, making it adaptable to many desktop styles. Power users who need robust cloud sync or advanced task features will find Rainlendar Pro or other calendar solutions more appropriate.
Leave a Reply