How to Convert QuickBooks Desktop to QBO

Converting QuickBooks Desktop to QBO Made Easy

Are you ready to make the transition from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online (QBO)? Don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through the process step by step. Converting your data may seem like a daunting task, but with a little patience and the right instructions, you’ll be up and running in no time. Let’s get started!

1. Create a Backup of Your QuickBooks Desktop Data

Before we begin the conversion process, it’s crucial to create a backup of your QuickBooks Desktop data. This ensures that your information is safe and secure in case anything goes wrong during the conversion. Follow these simple steps to create a backup:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop and click on the “File” menu.
2. Choose “Create Backup” from the drop-down menu.
3. Select a location to save the backup file and click “Save”.
4. Wait for QuickBooks to finish creating the backup. This may take a few minutes depending on the size of your data.

2. Export Your QuickBooks Desktop Data

Now that you have a backup, it’s time to export your QuickBooks Desktop data. Follow these steps to export your data in a format that can be imported into QuickBooks Online:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop and open the company file you want to convert.
2. Click on the “File” menu and select “Utilities”.
3. Choose “Export” and then “Lists to IIF Files”.
4. Select the lists you want to export. For example, you can choose to export your Chart of Accounts, Customers, Vendors, and more.
5. Choose a location to save the exported file and click “Save”.
6. Repeat these steps for each list you want to export.

3. Import Your Data into QuickBooks Online (QBO)

With your data exported from QuickBooks Desktop, it’s time to import it into QuickBooks Online. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Log in to your QuickBooks Online account.
2. Go to the Gear icon in the upper right corner and select “Import Data”.
3. Choose the file you exported from QuickBooks Desktop and click “Next”.
4. Map the columns in your file to the corresponding fields in QuickBooks Online.
5. Click “Next” and follow the prompts to complete the import process.

That’s it! You have successfully converted your QuickBooks Desktop data to QuickBooks Online. Now you can enjoy the benefits of cloud-based accounting and access your data anytime, anywhere. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the QuickBooks support team. Happy bookkeeping!

If you run a small or medium-sized business, QuickBooks is a helpful tool that can make your accounting tasks much easier. However, if you’re using QuickBooks Desktop, you might be limited to using it on just one device.

Don’t worry though! You can actually convert or transfer your QuickBooks Desktop data to QuickBooks Online. It’s a fairly simple process, and in this article, I’ll walk you through all the steps you need to take.

Can I Convert Everything to QuickBooks Online?

One important thing to keep in mind when converting from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online is that the success of the process will depend on how complex your company file is.

Your company file contains all the information about your business, including inventory, banking history, employee details, and accounting records. This means that the smaller your company file is, the more likely the conversion will be successful.

However, I need to let you know that there are some types of information that won’t be converted:

• Attachments
• Audit Trail
• Bills and Bill Payments
• Chart of Accounts
• Journal Entries

On the other hand, there are certain types of data that will be converted:

• Assemblies
• Budgets
• Closing Date Password
• Customers and Jobs
• Estimates
• Reimbursable expenses

Preparation Before Starting the Conversion Process

Before we dive into the steps for converting your data from the desktop to the online version of QuickBooks, there are some preparations you need to make. This will ensure that the entire process goes smoothly and without any issues.

Backing up the Company File

Let me walk you through the process of backing up your company file:

1. To begin, you’ll want to click on “File” from the main menu in QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Next, select “Backup Company” and then choose “Create Local Backup.”
3. Now, pick “Local Backup” and click “Next.”
4. In the “Local Backup Only” section, click “Browse” to select where you’d like to save the file.
5. When you’re ready to proceed, simply click “OK.”
6. To confirm your choice, select “Save it now” and then click “Next.”

Saving the Sales Tax Liability Report

It’s important to save or print a copy of your Sales Tax Liability Report, as you’ll need it for adjustment entries after the migration is complete. Follow these steps:

1. Start by clicking on “Reports” in the main menu, then select “Suppliers and Payables.”
2. Next, click on “Sales Tax Liability.”
3. To include all dates, click on “Dates” and choose “All” from the drop-down menu.
4. Select “Print” at the top and then choose “Save as PDF.”
5. Choose a folder location, and click “Save.”

Let’s Make a QuickBooks Online Account

So, here’s the final step: creating a QuickBooks Online account. But before we dive into that, make sure you’ve checked out all the available online plans and selected the one that suits your company best.

Once you’ve created your account, you’ll have 60 days to finish the migration process. Remember, you’ll need to use the same email and password you used for the desktop version when creating your QuickBooks online account.

Moving from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online

All the stuff you need to do before you can start transferring your company’s data may seem like a lot. But really, these preparations are essential if you want access to all your information anytime, anywhere. If you’ve completed everything so far, follow these steps:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop on your computer and log in as admin.
2. Press “Ctrl+1” to view the “Product Information” window.
3. Then press “Ctrl+B+Q” and click “OK”.
4. Select “Start your export” in the export window.
5. Next, sign in to your QuickBooks Online account as admin.

Setting up Your Inventory

While the export process is happening, you can set up your company’s inventory in QuickBooks Online. Here’s how:

1. Log in and go to “Settings,” then “Account and Settings”.
2. Click on “Sales” and choose the “Products and Services” section.
3. Click on the “Edit” (pencil icon).
4. Make sure the “Show Products/Service column” on the sales forms is turned on.
5. Then, turn on “Track quantity and price/rate,” and “Track inventory quantity on hand.”
6. Finally, click “Save,” and then “Done”.

These steps will get you set up on QuickBooks Online. You’ll need to manually enter some data, but the majority of your data will be there, ready and waiting.

What to Do After Converting from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online

After successfully transferring your data to QuickBooks Online, there are some important tasks to take care of:

• Compare your reports
• Confirm your company settings
• Configure your sales tax
• Connect your bank and credit card accounts
• Clean up your bank reconciliations
• Link your payments and credits
• Complete the payroll setup
• Add users

Keeping Your Accounting Hassle-Free, Anytime, Anywhere

I love the perks of QuickBooks desktop, like being able to work offline. But let’s face it, that’s pretty much where the pros end. Nowadays, we can access the internet almost anywhere, and the convenience of having QuickBooks at your fingertips on any device is simply unbeatable.

Especially if you have the desktop version installed on your home computer and not on a laptop. But fret not, my friend! Transferring to QuickBooks Online may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually a piece of cake. You just need a few extra clicks, and voila! You’re all set.

So, are you thinking about making the switch from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online? Share your thoughts in the comments below!